Virtual (Online)

Virtual Education Center

Distance learning allows students to earn a degree outside of a conventional, campus-based setting. The Florida Tech Virtual Education Center offers accredited graduate programs to adult learners.

Virtual Education Center courses offer a great amount of flexibility, completely eliminating the need to attend a traditional classroom and offering a number of highly sought graduate degree programs to anyone in the world who has access to the Internet.

Using the same top-notch faculty and emerging technologies offered in university-wide programs, classes taught in the Virtual Education Center are moderately sized and accommodate students seeking to balance professional commitments with personal obligations. Well-rounded faculty, professional administrative leadership and strategic technological partnerships bring the university’s expertise and resources to a community of working professionals who wish to study online.

Message from Department Head

Thank you for your interest in Florida Institute of Technology and the Virtual Education Center. We know you have many options for an online education and appreciate you taking the time to consider our programs. At the Virtual Center, you will find knowledgeable faculty and staff who will assist you with navigating the path of higher education. While the length of this journey varies from one individual to another, we are dedicated to our students and will be with them from the application phase all the way through graduation. Please take time to view the available programs we have to offer and the information about our center. If you have any questions, please let us know. Below is our contact information.

Again, thank you for your interest and we look forward to having you as a student at Florida Tech!

Penny Vassar, Ph.D.
Department Head, Off-Campus and Online Programs

How Do I Know Distance Learning Is Right For Me?

Distance learning can be a great alternative to students who do not have the time or ability to get to a campus classroom. Online learning provides the opportunity for those students who enjoy working independently. Many students have reported learning more in online classes than in the traditional classroom setting.

Distance learning is not for everyone. The methods of teaching differ greatly from traditional classroom courses in terms of how the material is presented and the nature of the interaction among class members. You may find that distance learning is not compatible with your learning style.

Is Distance Learning Is Right For You?

Consider the following: Scheduling and time management
Distance learning students can sometimes end up neglecting their studies because of personal or professional circumstances. It is critical to schedule time for class work and develop good time-management skills.

Online courses often require at least as much time and commitment as traditional courses.

Learning styles and organization
Distance learning courses give students greater freedom of scheduling, although they can require more self-discipline than on-campus classes. In traditional courses, students meet face-to-face with the instructor and each other at least once a week. However, in online courses most activities and communication are asynchronous, meaning that students complete their assignments at different times throughout the day and week, depending on their schedule. Distance learning allows students flexibility and convenience, but requires responsibility. Without the structure of regular class meetings, it will be up to the students to pace themselves and keep up with assignments.

Being part of a class
Some students prefer the independence of distance learning courses; others find it uncomfortable.

Reading skills
Print materials are the primary source of directions and information in distance learning courses.

New technologies
If you are generally intimidated by technology and avoid it at all costs, an online course may not be right for you.

Computers and the Internet
The personal computer is the primary learning and communication tool in most online courses. Students need to have basic technology skills (such as using word processing software and Web browsing) as well as regular access to a computer with an Internet connection.

Communication and classroom discussion
People learn in different ways. Some students learn best by interacting with others, some prefer to read and review on their own. Distance learning courses vary with the amount of opportunity for group interaction. Even high levels of group interaction in an online course will differ from interaction within a traditional face-to-face course. Students who feel that they will miss seeing and listening to their classmates and instructors, or want to experience campus life, may not enjoy online courses.

Assignment directions and guidance
Distance learning courses require you to work from written directions without face-to-face instructions.

Confidence in discussing problems with instructors
Students who do well in distance learning courses are usually comfortable contacting the instructor as soon as they need help with the course. Instructors need to know right away if students are having problems with technology or course content.

Successful students are normally highly motivated and have developed good study skills.