How are courses taught?

In an 8-week course, there are eight modules for each week. Modules start on a Monday and go through midnight the following Sunday. Most of the interaction with your peers and instructor takes place in the discussion board, where you’ll be expected to participate each week. While the courses don’t have a set time they take place, they are not self-paced. Things move quickly and you’ll have deadlines and due dates that you need to meet. Watch our video to learn more about the basics of taking an online course. All coursework is done entirely online through Canvas, Hamline’s learning management system (LMS). Canvas is an easy-to-use system that connects all the elements of a course in one simple place. Once you log in to your classroom, you can access assignments and course materials, interact with faculty and peers, and participate in message boards.

How flexible is the program?

Courses are designed with your busy schedule in mind, providing the flexibility you need to study at the times most convenient to you. All of your courses are all asynchronous - meaning there’s a not a set time that you need to log in to participate in a live discussion or lecture. All of your course activities, assignments, and exams, however, must be completed by their respective due dates. Some courses may also contain online group work.

Are courses ever in person?

No. So while you are welcome - you never have to physically visit the Hamline campus. Since you can access your coursework 24/7, it allows you to learn from anywhere at any time. Many of our students do come to campus and participate in our graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements with their classmates, faculty, friends, and families.

How do I connect with my classmates and professors?

Even though the program is online, our students are often surprised at how much engagement is happening in their courses. Just like a traditional class, there will presentations by your instructors, class discussions, assignments, and quizzes.

What technology do you need? Will Hamline offer support?

All institutions use a learning management system to deliver online courses. Hamline uses Canvas, an exceptional, state-of-the-art system to deliver you the best experience possible no matter what device you are working from. To learn more about the basic computer specifications and web browsers you need to be able to access the Canvas system, please consult: Basic computer specifications (Canvas site) Supported web browsers (Canvas site)

How many classes will I take at once?

Our course schedule is designed so that you can manage work, life, and school. You’ll take just one course at a time. Each course is 8 weeks long, allowing you to focus on one subject at a time. Each term has two eight-week sessions and there are six sessions per year.

How much time will I need to spend on coursework each week?

For each class, you’ll spend approximately 10 to 12 hours per week on readings and assignments and posting on discussion boards.

How long will it take me to graduate?

The program is flexible, so you can choose the pace that is best for you. Your total time depends on how many courses you take and how many credits you start with. For example, if you transfer in 60 credits (i.e., a complete associate’s degree ) and take two courses per term, you could finish the program in as little as 18 months.

Our faculty are invested in your success. They aren’t just experts in their fields. They are dedicated to exceptional teaching and being your advisors and mentors.

Hamline stands out from other online programs because we provide you with an online navigator who is your main point of contact and primary source for advice throughout your program. You’ll receive personalized support and help starting with new student orientation, registering for classes, clarifying university policies and procedures, addressing academic questions and problems, identifying resources and support services, and assisting with understanding degree requirements and the transfer credit process. Your Online Navigator will also provide regular support throughout your program to help you stay on track to graduation.

What university services will I have access to?

As an online degree completion student, you’ll have access to: Library services Writing and Communications Center Counseling and health services Military and veteran student services Disability resources Technology support

FAQs for online bachelor's degree completion

How the ODC program works

Get your questions answered

Hamline’s online courses are created in partnership with faculty to ensure they provide the same quality content as you would expect in an in-person, on-campus course. Our courses are:

Fully online
Academically equal to campus courses
Interactive and dynamic
Adult learner-centric

Program director (Kelly) is the best advisor a college student could ask for. The pace of the program is fast enough to be able to complete your degree in an exceptional timeframe without being overwhelmed. The ability to do courses online allows me to work full-time while still pursuing my degree."

Emilee Falch '24, psychology; of River Falls, MN

Online learning

Online courses offer many of the same benefits that on-campus courses can offer. You can participate in group discussions, chat one-on-one with your instructors, set up study groups, or interact in real-time through video, text, or sharing. And you can do it all from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

How are courses taught?

In an 8-week course, there are eight modules for each week. Modules start on a Monday and go through midnight the following Sunday. Most of the interaction with your peers and instructor takes place in the discussion board, where you’ll be expected to participate each week. While the courses don’t have a set time they take place, they are not self-paced. Things move quickly and you’ll have deadlines and due dates that you need to meet.

Watch our video to learn more about the basics of taking an online course.

All coursework is done entirely online through Canvas, Hamline’s learning management system (LMS). Canvas is an easy-to-use system that connects all the elements of a course in one simple place. Once you log in to your classroom, you can access assignments and course materials, interact with faculty and peers, and participate in message boards.
How flexible is the program?

Courses are designed with your busy schedule in mind, providing the flexibility you need to study at the times most convenient to you.
- All of your courses are all asynchronous - meaning there’s a not a set time that you need to log in to participate in a live discussion or lecture.
- All of your course activities, assignments, and exams, however, must be completed by their respective due dates. Some courses may also contain online group work.
Are courses ever in person?

No. So while you are welcome - you never have to physically visit the Hamline campus. Since you can access your coursework 24/7, it allows you to learn from anywhere at any time.

Many of our students do come to campus and participate in our graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievements with their classmates, faculty, friends, and families.
How do I connect with my classmates and professors?

Even though the program is online, our students are often surprised at how much engagement is happening in their courses. Just like a traditional class, there will presentations by your instructors, class discussions, assignments, and quizzes.
What technology do you need? Will Hamline offer support?

All institutions use a learning management system to deliver online courses. Hamline uses Canvas, an exceptional, state-of-the-art system to deliver you the best experience possible no matter what device you are working from.
To learn more about the basic computer specifications and web browsers you need to be able to access the Canvas system, please consult:
- Basic computer specifications (Canvas site)
- Supported web browsers (Canvas site)

Time commitment, pacing, and time to complete

How many classes will I take at once?

Our course schedule is designed so that you can manage work, life, and school. You’ll take just one course at a time.

Each course is 8 weeks long, allowing you to focus on one subject at a time. Each term has two eight-week sessions and there are six sessions per year.
How much time will I need to spend on coursework each week?

For each class, you’ll spend approximately 10 to 12 hours per week on readings and assignments and posting on discussion boards.
How long will it take me to graduate?

The program is flexible, so you can choose the pace that is best for you.

Your total time depends on how many courses you take and how many credits you start with. For example, if you transfer in 60 credits (i.e., a complete associate’s degree ) and take two courses per term, you could finish the program in as little as 18 months.

Support from faculty, staff, and student services

Our faculty

Our faculty are invested in your success. They aren’t just experts in their fields. They are dedicated to exceptional teaching and being your advisors and mentors.
How we support you

Hamline stands out from other online programs because we provide you with an online navigator who is your main point of contact and primary source for advice throughout your program.

You’ll receive personalized support and help starting with new student orientation, registering for classes, clarifying university policies and procedures, addressing academic questions and problems, identifying resources and support services, and assisting with understanding degree requirements and the transfer credit process. Your Online Navigator will also provide regular support throughout your program to help you stay on track to graduation.
What university services will I have access to?

As an online degree completion student, you’ll have access to:

Contact information

Online Degree Completion

651-523-2900 (phone)

651-523-3058 (fax)

1536 Hewitt Avenue, MS-A1710
Saint Paul, MN 55104
United States

ODCadmissions@hamline.edu