1. Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning
  2. Online Learning Services
  3. Standards and Principles
  4. Online Program Definition

Online Program Definition

Contained within NIU's Online Course and Program Policy is the following definition for online programs at NIU.

Online Program

"Online programs are those in which all course credit hours required to complete the program are offered as fully online courses. Admitted students can complete the program coursework completely at a distance, with no required in-person class meetings. For specific program outcomes, there may be non-course-related program requirements (e.g. licensure exams, clinical practicums, etc.) that are not completely online."

Types of Online Programs

Asynchronous

Instruction is available for students to access at a time that works best for them. Asynchronous programs do not require live virtual sessions. Students have weekly due dates to keep them on track with their coursework.

Synchronous

Instruction takes place in real-time and requires students to attend live virtual sessions at scheduled times.

Target audience for online programs:

  • The target audience for fully online programs is national. These programs are accessible to students regardless of geographic location. International students are eligible to complete these programs in their home country, but cannot receive a visa to come to the US to complete coursework.
  • The target audience for synchronous online programs can be impacted by differing time zones and student work/life obligations.

*For specific program outcomes, there may be non-course-related program requirements that are not completely online.

Excellence in Online Teaching Award

Contact Us

Center for Innovative
Teaching and Learning

Phone: 815-753-0595
Email: citl@niu.edu