Online Courses
The following information provides more details about taking an online course at Suffolk University. If you have additional questions about taking an online course at Suffolk University, please contact us.
Semesters
Fall and spring
Online courses are mainly offered in fall and spring semesters. They meet for 14 weeks, once a week for a 90-minute required synchronous chat session.
Summer
Online courses in the summer are scheduled in module 3. Module 3 is a 10-week session that meets once a week for a 90-minute required synchronous chat session. During the summer semester a limited number of courses are offered.
Note: some courses may be offered outside of the summer module 3, in modules 1 and 2. Any course meeting in modules 1 and 2 will adhere to the dates and meeting times of that particular module. For instance, an online course scheduled in module 1 will meet two times a week for seven weeks.
New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation (NSO) – for first-time online users
The New Student Orientation (NSO) is a tutorial session that has been designed for students who have never taken an online course before or who have never participated in a synchronous chat session. It provides students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the online learning environment and to test their computer system prior to the start of classes. The NSO is led by a professor with extensive experience teaching in the online program in collaboration with the Associate Director.
When is it offered?
It is offered twice the week prior to the start of each semester on Tuesday from 6 - 7 p.m. (EST) and Thursday from 7 - 8 p.m. (EST) online via Canvas Collaborate.
How do I register?
To participate in the NSO, you must register for the session that best fits your schedule. You register for it as you normally would any other course, via MySuffolk. Enter the course number: SBS 002 and depending on the day you choose to attend, select the section W1 for the session that meets on Tuesday, 6 - 7 p.m. or W2 for Thursday, 7 - 8 p.m.
Newly admitted students: You cannot register for the session on your own as it is hosted the week prior to the start of the semester and your official start date is the first day of the semester. To participate in the NSO, please email us with your name, student ID# and the session you wish to register for.
Is there a fee?
No. The NSO does not carry a fee nor credit.
What do I need to prepare for the NSO?
A few weeks prior to the NSO, you will receive an email with further details to prepare for the session. In particular, you will be required to download the Launcher. In addition, you must use the computer that you will be using for your online course. This session has been designed to provide you with an opportunity to test your computer system for your online learning. Headsets with built-in microphones are required for all chat sessions. The headsets help to cancel out background noise that may be disruptive during an online chat session.
What to expect during the NSO:
- The session is one hour
- It is hosted by a faculty member who teaches online
- An overview of the online learning environment (Canvas Learn and Collaborate) will be introduced, including what to expect when learning online
- You will participate in a system’s check exercise
- Q&A session
Online Course Information
Online Course Section
When looking for online courses in the “search for courses” option, online courses are designated with a W1 for WEB as the section type. If a second section of the course is offered it will be designated with a W2. When searching for web courses, be sure to select WEB for the campus location or W1 in the section field.
Online Course Cap
Online courses are capped at 18. If a course reaches its cap, please add yourself on the waitlist. Faculty cannot bypass the waitlist process. We adhere to the University’s waitlist guidelines. Once a spot becomes available, you will be notified and have 48 hrs. to respond.
Online Chats
Every course has a 90-minute required chat that meets once a week. The chats are scheduled Monday - Thursday, at 6:50 - 8:20 p.m. (EST) or 8:30 - 10:00 p.m. (EST). The use of a headset is required to participate in online chats.
International Students
International students on an F-1 visa must check with the International Student Services Office (ISSO) before taking a Suffolk MBA Online course.
MSF Students
Master of Science in Finance (MSF) and Master of Science in Financial Services and Banking (MSFSB) students must get approval from the Finance Department before taking a Suffolk University Online course.