Online Programs

The type of courses offered differs by program. Classes may be one of the following:

Online (OL), or Asynchronous: Online courses are not taught in real-time but include pre-recorded lectures, video uploads, class chats and individual meetings with professors.
Virtual (V), or Synchronous: Students participate in virtual courses remotely and in real-time on a scheduled class day and time.

Some programs may offer a hybrid of online/virtual and in-person classes.

Virtual courses are synchronous, meaning they are taken remotely in real-time (with your professor and classmates via Zoom) on a scheduled class day and time. Online courses are asynchronous, meaning they are not taught in real-time but include pre-recorded lectures, video uploads, class chats and individual meetings with professors.

Hybrid programs offer a mix of in-person classes on the St. Mary’s University campus and online or virtual courses.

Virtual class schedules will depend on the program, but all graduate-level virtual (synchronous) classes will take place in the evenings.

The time to complete a degree depends on the degree earned. Most master’s programs are typically 30 to 36 credit hours and may take 15 to 36 months to earn, depending on the program. Certificates are typically 6 to 18 hours and can be completed in as little as one semester, depending on the program; however, most certificates take 9 months or more to complete on average.

Tuition differs by program. Check the Tuition and Fees page for tuition rates, or contact the Business Office for more information.

For synchronous, virtual courses, professors will require you to use a webcam and microphone to participate in class via Zoom. Once you have been admitted and are provided St. Mary’s University credentials, you can access Zoom for free using your St. Mary’s email address/username.

Professors will share assignments via Canvas, the University’s student learning portal. You can access Canvas online using your St. Mary’s username and password.

The University bookstore offers digital rentals for some textbooks and course materials.

Check with your Program Director to see if your program courses may require other hardware or software.

Your degree will appear on your transcript the same as it would for an on-campus program and will not indicate that it was an online program.

Apply to an online program via the St. Mary’s University application.