The University of Pittsburgh provides selected courses and programs in a distance learning format in order to increase student access.

Graduate and Professional Programs

At the graduate level, the School of Information Sciences currently offers a Master’s in Library Science online. In fall 2009, two additional online programs will launch through the University of Pittsburgh Online. The programs are the Masters of English Education and the Master of Science in Nursing, Certified Nurse Leader program.

Undergraduate

At the undergraduate level, for example, courses are offered through the College of General Studies. For information about these programs, see Distance Education Degrees & Program

Commitment to Quality

Distance education courses at the University of Pittsburgh are developed and taught by University faculty. They are subject to the same rigorous evaluation standards used for courses taught in the traditional format.

Technology

Pitt faculty use a range of instructional technologies in their distance courses in an attempt to provide the richest possible learning experience.  Nearly all courses include some print materials, such as textbooks or study guides. Web-based materials typically are developed using CourseWeb/Blackboard, a course management system that provides students with communication tools and other resources that facilitate Web-based instruction. 

University Guidelines for Off-Campus Graduate Programs

When a graduate program is offered completely off campus, either by electronic means or through other more traditional means, we require assurance that the off-campus program is comparable in quality to the on-campus program. We want to ensure that the experience of a student earning a degree in an off-campus environment is equivalent to that of a student earning a degree on our campus. From the Council of Graduate School's brochure Of/-Campus Graduate Education and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education's Distance Learning Policy Statement I Guidelines.

For information about distance education facilities and faculty support services at the University of Pittsburgh, you may email Center for Instructional Development & Distance Education (CIDDE) or call 412-624-3335.