Frequently Asked Questions about online learning

Absolutely! Distance education degree programs were developed with working adult students in mind. We recognize that not everyone can leave their responsibilities behind in order to start or finish a degree. Online courses offer flexibility to working adults through easy access to class materials, instructors, and video conferencing for live lectures. Our High Tech, High Touch™ eLearning environment utilizes advanced technology for a highly interactive experience. You receive face-to-face instruction from anywhere you can access the internet.

We offer much more than simply an online degree; you receive face-to-face instruction from anywhere you can access the internet. We bring our university to you. We provide you educational services anywhere you are located through e-books, virtual labs, online research libraries and databases that contribute to your learning experience. For example, for certain healthcare programs, such as our medical assisting and pharmacy technician programs, each student is provided with a lab kit, with which they complete assignments while under the watchful eyes of their instructors.

You do need to have some basic technology skills. Common tasks include accessing websites, writing papers using word processing platforms, and uploading/downloading documents. If you can do this than you are tech-savvy enough for an online degree program.

American National University is institutionally accredited by DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission). American National University of Kentucky is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). DEAC and ABHES are listed by the U.S. Department of Education as recognized accrediting agencies.  The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is also recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA). For more information on DEAC, see: https://www.deac.org/. For more information on ABHES, see: https://www.abhes.org/.

No, students follow the same curriculum whether their classes are synchronous online or hybrid. Additionally, online classes at American National University has regular, synchronous class sessions. The only thing you’ll miss is the commute!

No, there is no difference in the appearance of your transcript or your diploma, regardless of the modality in which you earned your degree.

Many employers encourage an online degree to their workforce to develop their skills without having to leave the job. We offer flexible, in-demand distance education programs that meet the needs of employers in a changing global marketplace.

No, courses in an accredited university must adhere to the same quality standards as in-person courses, therefore the difficulty-level should be the same. All online courses use the same syllabi and course materials as the in-person version of the same course. Some students report that online courses are more difficult than in-person courses due increased accountability.

No, like their in-person counterparts, fully online classes have a set start date and end date. Assignments have deadlines and time limits to keep you on track. Additionally, all online courses have synchronous class meetings using Zoom.

The best interest of the student of the University will be served by maintaining the same attitude towards coursework that is required for a career. Therefore, regular attendance will be expected as a necessary part of the student’s career training. Good attendance frequently means the difference between success and failure. The importance of regular attendance cannot be overemphasized. Experience indicates that there is a direct relationship between grades and attendance.

Non-College Degree and Institutions of Higher Learning, Chapter 33 veteran students must verify their enrollment status each month to continue receiving their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments. Students may verify their enrollment status in one of two ways with text messaging or by telephone.

Yes, students attend a live session at specific times and days each week through video conferencing. Many classes offer scheduling options to meet different circumstances, such as frequency of meetings, daytime meetings, evenings, and weekends. All online degree programs use synchronous learning, and this sets us apart from the others. Live engagement with your instructor and peers is a valuable characteristic of any learning experience. We want you to feel like you are in a physical classroom.

Yes, the synchronous class meetings bring you and your classmates together with your instructor to promote discussion about assignments and class topics. Instructors also make themselves accessible outside of the classroom through email, phone, and video conferencing. Your class meetings are interactive and engaging. Instructors like to get to know their students and make them feel comfortable asking questions during class. Depending on the class, there may assignments and projects that allow the students to work together with the instructor or other students. There is ample opportunity to network and interact with your instructor and classmates, it is just like being in a real classroom.

No, instructors are there to engage and teach the course material, just as they are in a physical classroom. The student should ask questions when instructions are not clear or if they need additional help understanding a concept.

All our faculty and staff are there to support students through their online learning experience.

Yes! Our High Tech, High Touch eLearning environment utilizes advanced technology for a highly interactive experience. You receive face-to-face instruction from anywhere you can access the internet.

There are programs that can assist students in acquiring low cost internet and laptop devices.

For assistance with a low-cost device, check out PCsforPeople and PlaniTROI.

For assistance with low-cost internet service, check out USAC Affordable Connectivity Program.