| Core Certificate: FAQs |
|
|
How do I get technical assistance? How do I get technical assistance? Answer: Technical assistance is available through the University's ATN department at 962-HELP or go to help.unc.edu to use live chat support or to submit a support request online. You can also go through the course faculty and teaching assistants. If you are uncertain as to where to turn for assistance, feel free to email Michele Fulton who will forward your information to the most appropriate person. Can I enroll in the certificate or take certificate courses if I am currently a UNC degree student? Answer: Unfortunately, you can not be dually enrolled in a degree or continuing education program and a certificate program at the same time. You must complete or terminate your other program before applying for a certificate program. Do I have to take two courses a semester? Answer: No, in fact, we recommend you only take one course a semester. These are demanding graduate level courses. This program is designed for working professionals with full time jobs and family responsibilities. Certainly many people do take two a semester, but it is not required. Most courses take 10-12 hours of course work per week/per course. Do I have to take all five courses, or can I just take the ones I want? Answer: At UNC priority for admission to the online core courses is given to those who are in the official distance learning programs, since space is limited. Individuals not in a program can take an individual course if space is available and with faculty permission. In short, it is like flying standby. We do not know if there is space until shortly before the course begins. How many hours a week do the courses take? Answer: Obviously, this varies from student to student. These are demanding graduate level courses. Many students have said that they were not prepared for the time commitment and had to adjust their time accordingly. The average number of hours per week/per course is 10-12. For some it is more and for others less. The best place for advice is from other students. Do I have to submit a residency form (NC students) every semester? Answer: No, as long as your remain a continuing study student. If you choose to take either the spring or fall semester off you will need to submit a new form. Can I get financial aid? Answer: Unfortunately, there is no financial aid for the certificate program at this time. Here are a few URLs that you may be able to get information regarding scholarships and loans:
Will the Certificate program accept third party payments? Answer: The cashier office will not process third party payments. If the student's tuition is going to be paid via their employer, an invoice can be created in our office and sent to the employer/student or the student will need to pay the tuition and seek reimbursement directly from their employer. A receipt can be sent for reimbursement from our office. Tuition must be paid before a student can be registered for their course. Do I have to take all five courses for to get the Certificate? I have already taken a biostatistics course. Answer: To get the Certificate, you must complete all five courses; however, one course may be transferred in from another institution, provided it was taken within the past three to five years. If you would like to transfer a course in, you need to submit your syllabus to the registrar who will get it approved by the faculty member. If the syllabus indicates that the course you took meets the requirements of the current course, you will need to have your transcript mailed to us. The other four courses must be taken through this program. Also, please note that you cannot transfer in your last course. I have never taken an online course, what is it like? Do I have to be online at a certain time? Answer: No, you do not need to be online at a certain time. There are, however, specific activities that must be completed by a certain time. Each course consists of a mix of readings, group assignments through a discussion forum, individual assignments and audio/visual tutorials. Do students have access to Online Library Materials? Answer: The UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries license and provide access to many electronic
databases and journals for the use of UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff, and
students. Most electronic resources are accessible both on campus and from off
campus locations. The resources are accessible from on-campus computers without
a login and password. Off-Campus users may access the resources via the
UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries proxy server. Will I be able to ask questions? Answer: All courses have a faculty member and teaching assistants that are very accessible via phone or email. After I complete the certificate program, can I put some credentials (initials) after my name indicating my training? Answer: The short answer to this question is no. UNC does not confer a degree on Certificate graduates, but rather a Certificate in the Core Public Health Concepts. You should put this on your resume/CV however as part of your education and training, since it is a program you have completed and training/expertise you've developed. In general credentials or initials after one's name are reserved for nationally recognized and standardized academic programs. Nationally, Certificate programs vary widely in the type of training, number of hours, whether graduate credit is offered, etc., therefore there are no universally recognized and accepted initials which are appropriate to signify the completion of a Certificate program. Will the Certificate be listed on my transcript? Answer: Yes, after you complete the program, your transcripts will indicate not just your completed course work but also that you have earned this Certificate. Completing the Core Concepts Certificate represents a significant amount of work and 15-hours of graduate credit. It is an impressive accomplishment of which you should be very proud. We are pleased that UNC will similarly acknowledge your accomplishment on your transcripts. Will I receive an official Certificate after I complete all of the courses? Answer: Yes, this will be mailed to you from the University Registrar office in 1-2 months after the final grades have been submitted. |
|
| Last updated July 31, 2008 |
