Admission Requirements
The Liberal Studies Online program is offered by the California State University system. In order to qualify for the program, you must meet the requirements of the university. If you have not been admitted to a CSU campus, you may begin the application process here.
The cost of the Liberal Studies Online program equals the cost of attending the host-campus, Chico State University. For a thorough explanation of current costs, please visit the Chico State Web page entitled, Fees, Tuition, Credits, and Refunds.
You will find that tuition and fees for a higher education at Chico State are highly competitive when compared with other universities. Also, financial aid and student loans are available to those who need assistance. You can fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here.
We hope that all qualified students can gain access to our program regardless of their financial situation.
If you have questions or concerns about the university requirements of the Liberal Studies Online program, please email the Liberal Studies adviser: Connie Brennan - cbrennan@csuchico.edu
Computer Hardware and Software Needed
The Liberal Studies Online program is offered over the Internet and through e-mail. In order to qualify, you must have access to a computer, a modem and a phone line. The computer requirements of our program are listed below:
Computers
The campus-supported browser for use with WebCT and CSC is Microsoft Internet Explorer
In some cases, Netscape and AOL will work, but are not officially supported.
Other browsers, such as Opera, Safari, and Mozilla, are not supported for use with WebCT.
Read the complete list of supported and unsupported browsers below.
In order to use the WebCT html editor users will need a current version of Java:
OS Version |
Browser |
--------------------Browser Versions-------------------------- |
Will work, unsupported |
Chico Supported |
Will not work with WebCT & CSC |
|
|
Windows |
|
|
|
|
Microsoft IE |
5.0, 5.5 |
6.0 |
4.0 and 5.5 SP1 see notes |
Netscape |
6.2.x see notes and 7.0 |
None |
4.7x to 4.8, 6.0 and 6.1 see notes |
AOL (Once online, minimize AOL and use IE) |
7.0 and 8.0 |
None |
3.0 and earlier |
Windows Notes:
- Pop-Up Blocking software must be disabled for WebCT quizzes and HorizonLive live Internet distance learning to fuction properly.
- Internet Explorer 5.5 SP1 is not supported. Read more in the WebCT Support Knowledge Base.
- Netscape 4.78 and 4.79 are not supported. Read more in the WebCT Support Knowledge Base.
- Netscape 6.0 and 6.1 are not supported. Read more in the WebCT Support Knowledge Base.
- Netscape 6.2.x may require an updated Java plug-in for use with WebCT 3.7
|
Macintosh |
Browser /Feature |
Will work, unsupported |
Chico Supported |
Will not work with WebCT & CSC |
|
|
|
|
Microsoft IE |
5.1 (OS 9.x and OS X.1) and 5.2 (OS X.1 and OS X.2) |
5.1.7 (OS 9.x)
5.2.3 (OS X, X.1) |
|
Netscape |
6.2.x see notes (OS 9.x and OS X) and 7.0 (OS X.1 and OS X.2) |
None |
4.7x to 4.8 and 6.1 see notes |
AOL |
OS X - (None) |
None |
-- |
Macintosh Notes:
- Pop-Up Blocking software must be disabled for WebCT quizzes and HorizonLive live Internet distance learning to fuction properly.
- Netscape 4.78 and 4.79 are not supported. Read more in the WebCT Support Knowledge Base.
- Netscape 6.0 and 6.1 are not supported. Read more in the WebCT Support Knowledge Base.
- Netscape 6.2.x may require an updated Java plug-in for use with WebCT 3.7 and higher. Read more in the WebCT Support Knowledge Base.
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Internet Connection Requirement:
You are required to have a dependable connection to the Internet. If you do not have a connection at this time, there is a multitude of Internet Service Providers available. You should research the various providers and choose the service that meets your needs and financial situation. Please keep in mind that the speed and reliability of your connection will directly influence your experience of online learning.
For various options on buying, leasing or upgrading your computer, access information provided by Chico State University. An investment in computer equipment used for your education represents an investment in your future.
If you have questions or concerns about the computer requirements of the Liberal Studies Online program, please contact Distance Education:http://www.rce.csuchico.edu
Successful Online Learning
WebCT Student Resource Center -
Classes for the Liberal Studies Online program are delivered by the WebCT software application. The Student Resource Center provides an orientation to the tools available through WebCT and academic support for the online learner.
How Online Learning Works -
Provided by OnlineLearning.net, this page presents a general overview of online learning. Here you will find answers to many common questions. While this page is generally valuable, please note that the "Step by Step Explanation" does not describe classes offered by the Liberal Studies Online program.
Tips for Online Success -
The University of Illinois provides ten tips for successful online learning.
Taking online classes requires online research and investigation. Sorting through the vast amount of information on the Web can be an intimidating task, but it doesn't need to be. Completing your degree online will allow you to improve your research skills using the power of the Internet. The following links provide a glimpse of the research tools available to you as a Liberal Studies Online student.
Meriam Library: The ReSEARCH Station -
This page serves as a gateway to the Meriam Library at Chico State. As an online student, you will utilize the journal articles, databases, and Internet information resources found here, on a regular basis.
Meriam Library: The Internet -
This page contains valuable links to search engines and Internet information resources. Five guides to Internet searching are also included.
Distance and Online Library Services -
This page presents a guide to using online library services. Subjects include how to find material at libraries in your area and how to request material from Chico State.
ChicoRIO: Research Instruction Online -
ChicoRIO provides an excellent Web-based tutorial designed to help you learn how to find information. You can complete the tutorial at your own pace.
Learning online brings its own unique requirements to the way students learn and research. Meeting and understanding these requirements will help you to be successful in the Liberal Studies Online program. As technology becomes central to most professions, the skills you learn in the program will serve you long after you leave the university.
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