Questions to Ask About Quality by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

This list of questions that potential students may want to pose to distance learning providers is reproduced with permission from Quality Issues in Distance Learning published in 1999 by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

• Is the institution or program accredited by an established and respected accreditation body?

• What are the age, experience, academic qualifications, GMAT (if required), skills, or knowledge prerequisites (technical/academic)?
• What exemptions or course waivers are possible?
• Are there any language prerequisites?
• What is the registration process (on line/ in person)?

• Is the program lock-step (fixed curriculum and set cohort with a prescribed course progression)?
• Are there opportunities for electives?
• Are there opportunities to exit and reenter the program?

• Is the program designed and delivered by regular faculty members of the institution?
• What is the availability of academic support services, such as counseling, advising, tutoring, and placement?
• Is there some form of help-desk/help-line facility available to distance learners?
• What access to library materials and databases is provided by the school?
• Is all required software provided?

• What performance expectations are placed upon students concerning deadlines for assessment, study time requirements, active participation, and face-to-face attendance?

• When, where, and how do student-to-student and student-to-faculty interactions occur?
• What is the mix between face-to-face and electronic interaction?

• What proportion of students complete the program
• How long does it take to complete the program?
• Is there a time limit to complete the program?
• Why do students not complete the program?

• What are the technical support resources available (initial/ongoing)?
• What are hardware and software requirements for the program?
• What prior technical competencies are needed?

• What is included in the price (books, meals, accommodations, Internet access, travel)?
• What is the expected payment schedule?
• What is the school's policy for reimbursement of fees upon withdrawal?
• What is the availability of financial aid/scholarships?

• How much experience does the school have in offering distance learning programs?
• How many students are studying in this program by distance learning?

Other related articles about distance learning:

Distance Learning Goes the Distance
Are You a Candidate for Distance Learning?
How Ready Are You for Distance Learning?
Rate Yourself for Discipline and Motivation
Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing Distance Education Programs
On Line or Face-to-face: Which Works Best?
What's Coming for Distance Learners?
The Perfect Match: Technical Degrees and Online Learning
Virtual Professor/Virtual Student: Real Education
Three Students--Three Stories
What Distance Students Want