FAQ's

What are the benefits of learning online?

Online education is truly about student convenience. Students can check in, work on assignments, and turn them in when their schedules permit, not when the college doors are open. Flexibility, self scheduling and anytime anywhere access to course material are key advantages. Students learn at their own pace, gain more one-on-one access to their instructors, and earn degrees in less time than it would take to juggle traditional courses with their work schedule.

Is Becker College fully accredited?

Becker College is a fully accredited the New England Association of Schools & Colleges, Inc. (NEASC), the nation’s oldest regional accrediting association. Becker College will only accept credits from a school, college or university, in the United States, that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies, which are New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Transcripts and their credits from a school, college or university located outside the United States will have to be evaluated by Becker College to determine their transferability.

For any courses to be considered for credits, you must have achieved a grade of C or higher for Becker College to accept them.

Working Independently

Perhaps the most common characteristic of Virtual Students is that they feel somewhat isolated. It is of course exactly true that studying at home, often late at night, is a solitary activity. On the other hand, many Virtual Students report that the online experience has been responsible for their accumulating an entire new group of friends. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the online study experience usually takes place apart from personal, social contact. If you are considering an online degree program, please realize that a lot of your class time will be spent alone.

Personal Discipline

You will not have the structured time and place that can impose discipline on your work. You will need to be more self-disciplined to getting your work done, in a timely manner. Online courses require frequent login, almost daily. Online discussions, assignments, materials, and announcements move along at a rapid rate. Most students find that online courses require a higher level of personal organization and self discipline than standard, classroom-based courses.

Online Communication

Some Virtual Students report that they miss the personal contact of spoken, in-person communication. Online communication often lacks in nonverbal communication cues such as voice tonality, facial expressions, and eye contact. For those who feel most connected to another by these body language factors, the online study environment can seem impersonal. However, for others, the opportunity to communicate honestly and perhaps forcefully without having to risk speaking out in a crowded classroom is welcome. They appreciate the chance to get to “know” their instructors and classmates in what they perceive to be a less risky environment.

Time and Energy

Although distance learning has made studying for a degree much more convenient, it has not eliminated the need to work hard or devote time and effort.

Distance learning requires just as much work from their online learners as they would from a campus course. Virtual Students often find that online degree programs drain their time and energy just as much as an on-campus program would. This is not a negative or a criticism of online programs. It is just a reality of legitimate programs that prospective Virtual Students should take into account.

What skills do I need to take an online course?

Although it is not necessary to know how to use Angel, the computer platform by which our courses are delivered, you should have basic computer skills. If you know how to navigate a web site, can use a drop down menu, browse for a file on your computer, have used a word processor like Microsoft Word, and are able to send an email with an attachment, then you have the technical skills needed to take an online course.

How will I be graded?

Some examples of typical kinds of assessment used in this program are reflective journals, classroom logs, responses to readings, individual examinations, research projects, active online participation, portfolio development, discussion board postings and responses, and small group work.

What is Angel?

Angel is the learning management system used at Becker College to compliment and supplement our web-based course offerings. All web-based and web-enhanced courses are hosted by Angel on a dedicated server. Students who use Angel find that it is easy use and easily accessed anywhere, any time there is an internet connection.

How do I access my Angel online class at Becker?

All Students who registered for courses at Becker College are automatically enrolled in their Angel course site. A letter is mailed to students with their assigned username and password before the start of the semester. If you are taking an online course login information is also emailed. To become familiar with Angel view the student tutorial online.

To Login: Go to http://angel.becker.edu
Enter: Assigned Username
Enter: Assigned Password

If I experience a problem with Angel, how do I get help?

Angel is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week online or by calling our toll free support line 800-630-8986. To access Angel support tools, chat with a technician or report a technical problem visit our Angel Online Resource Center.

I forgot my password, now what do I do?

From the login page click "Forgot your password." An email will be sent to you with new password information. Still having problems? Please call our 24/7 Angel support line at 800-630-8986.

Does the College offer information sessions?

Becker College holds “Advisement Nights” before a course begins. These events may be at a physical location, or held online. Matters of technology, course content and approach, student support, and other important issues will be covered.

For more information, contact Dr. Jay C. Lacke, 508-373-9779 or Toll Free (877) 5 BECKER extension 9779, or jay.lacke@becker.edu.