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Online Programs
Rutgers logo
Online Programs
Rutgers logo
Online Programs
Rutgers logo
Online Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Prospective Students

  • Rutgers Online is a brand representing the full portfolio of online programs offered across the university. It is not a separate entity or school. The staff from University Online Education Services help guide prospective students, navigate our offerings, and connect them with the appropriate offices.

  • Rutgers offers a wide range of fully online degrees and certificates across many fields including Business, Healthcare, Education, Social Sciences, Technology, and more. You can explore programs by area of interest and by level (undergraduate, graduate, or certificate) using the Online Program Explorer. 

    Each program page provides details about admissions requirements, curriculum, tuition, and who to contact for more information.

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  • Most schools and colleges use the Rutgers University Application Portal. Application deadlines and requirements can vary by program.  Use the Program Explorer to find links to individual program pages which will contain additional requirements such as GPA, prerequisites, materials, and deadlines.

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  • Online programs at Rutgers follow the same start dates as the traditional on‑campus programs. These timelines vary by campus (New Brunswick, Newark, Camden) and by school or program.

    To know exactly when you can start, it’s important to communicate with the program or offering department. 

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  • You can check your application status at any point in time! Logging back into your application portal is the fastest way for you to know what activity is taking place with your application, including your admissions decision.

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  • International students may apply to online programs ONLY if they are NOT seeking a U.S. visa for entry into the country. Admissions requirements vary by school, so review the program’s admissions page and Rutgers’ international guidelines for details.

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  • Yes, depending on when the course is offered. Students who are not enrolled in a Rutgers degree program may take online courses.

    • Fall and Spring semester (15-week) online courses: You must apply for non-matriculated (non-degree) status. 

    • Summer and Winter Session online courses: Many courses are open to visiting and non-degree students through a simplified registration process and do not require non-matriculated admission.

    Next Steps:

    Visit the appropriate Summer, Winter, or non-degree admissions page below to learn more and get started.

    Summer/Winter Resources:

  • Fully online programs at Rutgers are designed so you can complete all coursework remotely, without needing to come to campus. Most online programs offer a mix of asynchronous learning (work you can complete on your own schedule) and, in some cases, synchronous/live sessions, depending on the program or course. 

    Traditional and hybrid programs include in‑person components such as lectures, labs, clinicals, or on‑campus meetings, and require you to be physically present at scheduled times. Hybrid programs blend online coursework with required in‑person sessions. 

    All programs, regardless of modality, are created, taught, and overseen by the same academic departments and faculty at Rutgers. This ensures that every student receives the same rigorous curriculum, learning outcomes, and level of academic quality.

  • In many cases, yes! Credits you earn as a visiting or non-degree student may be eligible to count toward a Rutgers degree later on. However, each Rutgers school and program sets its own policies about which courses can be applied, how many credits can be transferred, and whether they meet specific degree requirements. Because these rules vary, the best way to be sure your credits will count is to check directly with the academic school or program you plan to apply to in the future.

    Next Steps:

    • Browse fully online programs: Online Program Explorer

    • Visit the program page and review the Admissions or Transfer Credit section.

    • Contact the program’s advising or admissions team using the Request Information link on the program page.

  • Each online program at Rutgers is managed by the school or academic department that offers it, not by Rutgers Online. The best way to get accurate information about specific program related questions, admission requirements, course details, advising, or deadlines is to contact the program department directly. 

    Every program listing on Rutgers Online includes a “Request Information” link, and many program pages include contact information that connects you with the program’s admissions or advising team.

    Next Steps:

    • Find your program: Online Program Explorer

    • Open the program listing and use the Request Information or select Learn More and navigate to the department’s contact information to reach the program office directly.

  • Not all Rutgers programs are available fully online. Some degrees require hands-on learning, in‑person labs, clinical or field placements, or have accreditation/licensing requirements that can only be met through on‑campus instruction. In other cases, the school has elected to only offer the program in-person.

    If you see your program offered on campus but not online, we recommend reaching out to the school or department to ask about available formats or future online options.

  • Rutgers is a multi-campus university, and online programs are offered by individual schools on specific campuses. Each campus—Camden, Newark, New Brunswick, and Rutgers Health—has its own academic schools, which independently decide which programs to offer online. To avoid duplication, each online degree program is offered by only one Rutgers school and campus.

  • If you have questions about a specific online program, the best place to start is with the school or academic department that offers the program. Every program page on the Rutgers Online website includes a “Request Information” link that connects you directly with that program’s admissions or advising team. 

    If you're not sure which program is right for you, or you’re uncertain where to begin, Rutgers Online is here to help. You can reach out to us, and we’ll guide you toward the right academic department or resource based on your interests and goals.

    Next Steps:

    • Find your program: Online Program Explorer

    • Open the program listing and use the Request Information or select Learn More and navigate to the department’s contact information to reach the program office directly.

    • For general help choosing a program or understanding where to go next contact us at - online@rutgers.edu

  • Yes. All online degree programs offered through Rutgers are fully accredited through Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Online programs follow the same academic standards, curriculum, and faculty oversight as traditional on‑campus programs because they are created and taught by the same Rutgers schools and departments. When you enroll in an online program at Rutgers, you are earning the same Rutgers degree, held to the same rigorous academic quality.

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  • Tuition and fees for online programs at Rutgers vary by the school and academic department offering the program. Some programs use standard in‑state and out‑of‑state tuition rates, while others have set online rates or differential program pricing. The best way to understand your tuition cost is to review the details listed on your specific program page. 

    Financial aid may be available for eligible students enrolled in online degree programs. Aid can include grants, scholarships, loans, and other forms of support, depending on your degree level and enrollment status.

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  • Yes! There are scholarships and financial aid options that online students may be eligible for. Scholarship availability and eligibility depend on your program, school, degree level (undergraduate or graduate), and enrollment status. 

    For undergraduate programs, Rutgers offers a range of merit‑based scholarships and need‑based aid. Graduate programs may offer fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or program‑specific awards, depending on the school. The best way to understand what you may qualify for is to review the information on your program page and explore the University’s financial aid resources.

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  • In many cases, yes. Rutgers may accept transfer credits toward an online degree. However, transfer credit policies are set by each Rutgers school and program, and they can vary widely. Programs may have limits on how many credits you can transfer, requirements about course equivalencies, or rules about how recently the coursework was completed.

    The best way to understand what will transfer is to review the Admissions or Transfer Credit information on your program’s page and contact the program’s advising or admissions team with questions.

    Next Steps:

    • Find your program: Online Program Explorer

    • Review transfer credit details on the program’s Admissions page.

    • Contact the program directly using the Request Information or Contact link on the program page.

  • Many Rutgers schools allow students to take online courses as a visiting or non‑matriculated (non‑degree) student. This option is helpful if you want to take a specific course, explore a field before committing to a program, or earn credits that may be applied to a degree later. 

    To register as a visiting/non‑matriculated student, you’ll need to follow the application process for the school offering the course. Enrollment is typically space‑available, and non‑degree students may be limited in the number of credits they can take.

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  • Yes, in many cases tuition differs for in-state and out-of-state students, especially for undergraduate programs. However, some fully online programs at Rutgers charge the same tuition rate for all students, regardless of residency. 

    Tuition is determined by the school or academic department offering the program. The best way to understand the exact cost is to review the tuition details listed on your program’s page. We also recommend exploring the University’s Tuition and Fees information for a full breakdown of rates and potential additional costs.

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  • Yes! You can utilize your Veteran/Military education benefits for certain online programs. To best gain assistance, review the information on the Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services website and contact this office with any questions regarding your benefits/enrollment.

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  • Many programs offer asynchronous content with some synchronous/live sessions depending on course and program. Check each program or course listing for meeting times and formats.

  • Online courses at Rutgers are delivered through Canvas, the learning management system (LMS) used across the University. While each academic department designs its courses a little differently, most online classrooms share a few common features:

    • Modules or weekly units that organize your readings, videos, assignments, and activities 

    • Discussion boards where you interact with classmates and instructors 

    • Recorded lectures or multimedia materials you can view on your own schedule 

    • Live virtual sessions (in some courses) held through web‑conferencing tools 

    • Assignment submissions and quizzes completed directly in Canvas 

    • Instructor announcements, feedback, and grades all posted in one place

    Each Rutgers school and program creates and teaches its own online courses. The experience may vary depending on your field of study, the instructor, and whether the program uses asynchronous/synchronous online formats. Prospective students can review Rutgers’ Getting Started in Canvas resources for a preview of how Canvas works. Some sections are designed for currently enrolled students, but it still provides a helpful look at the platform and its features.

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  • Yes! Many students complete their Rutgers online programs while working full‑time. Online courses are designed with flexibility in mind, especially those that offer asynchronous learning, allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule. Just be sure to review the weekly workload, assignment deadlines, and any required live session times for your specific program so you can plan a schedule that works for you.

  • Technology requirements can vary by school, program, or specific course, so it’s always best to check the requirements listed on your program page or ask the academic department directly.

    In general, online students should expect to have:

    • Access to a reliable computer (Windows or Mac) capable of running modern browsers and course software 

    • High‑speed internet (a minimum of 100 Mbps is recommended for streaming lectures, participating in virtual sessions, and uploading assignments) 

    • A webcam and microphone for live class meetings or presentations 

    • Access to a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge) 

    • The ability to run tools commonly used in Canvas, such as video conferencing, document uploads, and media playback

    Some programs, especially in fields like design, analytics, or IT may require additional software or hardware. Your program or instructor will let you know if anything special is needed.

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  • Student support services vary by program and school. To learn about the services available, please contact the school/department of the program you wish to enroll in.

    Next Steps:

    • Find your program: Online Program Explorer

    • Contact the program directly using the Request Information or Contact link on the program page.

  • No. Your diploma and transcript do not indicate whether the program was completed online, in person, or in a hybrid format. All Rutgers programs follow the same academic standards.

  • Yes! There are Rutgers Offices of Disability Services (ODS) at every Rutgers University Campus location to provide reasonable accommodations and services for students with disabilities.

    Next Steps:

    Explore Access and Disability Resources and Contact the Offices of Disability Services: Rutgers Offices of Disability Services

Current Students

  • Students register for courses through an online portal. Before registering, make sure to review the academic calendar, check for any registration holds, and follow the instructions provided by your school.

  • Rutgers online courses are delivered through Canvas, the university’s learning management system (LMS). 

    To enter your online classroom, log in to Canvas using your Rutgers NetID. If you have trouble logging in, accessing a course, or using Canvas tools, Rutgers IT provides support for technical issues, password resets, and general troubleshooting.

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  • If you're considering a switch between a traditional face-to-face and fully online degree program at Rutgers, it's important to understand the process and implications. Your first step should be to consult with your academic advisor at your current school. They can guide you through the necessary steps for transition.

    Aspects to be aware of:

    • Some online programs may be offered by different schools within Rutgers, potentially requiring a change in your school affiliation.  

    • Changing modalities can impact your tuition and fees, as online and on-campus programs may have different cost structures.  

    • Switching from face-to-face to online learning may affect your eligibility for on-campus housing and access to certain campus resources like the recreation center.  

    • Students in fully online programs are exempt from vaccination and health insurance requirements.

    Your advisor can provide comprehensive information about how this change might impact your academic journey, financial aid, tuition and fees, and campus life experience, ensuring you make an informed decision about your educational path at Rutgers.

  • It depends on your school, program, and how much of your degree you still need to complete. Readmission and online‑completion options vary across Rutgers. If you’re interested in finishing online, contact the school or program that offers the fully online pathway to review your eligibility and remaining requirements.

  • You can explore Rutgers course schedules including Summer and Winter in the University Schedule of Classes. Choose your term and use the filters to view online sections and meeting dates.

    Next Steps:

    Summer/Winter Resources: