Take control of your future
NAU Online gives you the tools you need to be successful
As an NAU Online student, your education is in your control. Everything from the pace of your classes to the places you study can be adjusted to fit your needs. We’ve spent the last 20 years perfecting the online program format and here are some of the things you can expect.
Community
Contrary to what you might expect, you’ll form strong connections to peers and faculty in our online classrooms. Students participate in discussions using online tools and it’s impossible to fall through the cracks. Friendships form here just like they do on social media. But in our classrooms, everyone is sharing the academic journey.
Platform
You’ll take courses through the Blackboard platform. It’s easy-to-use software that allows you to participate in discussions and view lecture presentations.
Format
Traditional online classes. Most online courses are “asynchronous” and they allow you to attend class whenever it works best for you. There are some which are “synchronous” with set times when you are required to log in and participate. Look for asynchronous or synchronous when registering for online courses.
Competency-Based study. This format is ideal for self-driven students who are looking to take on as much coursework as they can successfully complete. Competency-Based study is a program with no set classes or schedules. Coursework is entirely online and customized to fit what you already know and how you learn.
Support
We offer numerous resources for online students. These include:
- Technical support – The Student Technology Center offers 24/7 IT support during the fall and spring semesters and daytime-hour support in the summertime.
- Online library resources – The NAU Cline Library provides online access to journals, e-books, Google Scholar, and other resources. You can even chat live with Cline librarians.
- Tutoring – Need assistance with science, math, or writing? NAU’s Student Learning Centers will connect you with an online tutor who can help.
- Peer Mentors – All new online students are automatically assigned a Jacks Online peer mentor. Mentors are current NAU online students who can answer questions, share resources, and help connect you to the NAU community.
- Campus resources – You can also tap the resources of your local NAU campus, including computer labs, in-person tutoring, IT help, and more.