FAQ--click the link to find the answer to each question:

• What are Distance Education Classes?

• What Format are the Classes offered in?

• How do I access my classes?

• What if I need to speak with the professor?

• How do I take my tests?  Do I have to come to campus?

• Does it cost extra to take classes online?

• How much does it cost?

• What about financial aid and loans?

• Can I get certified through this program?

• What if I have taken some graduate courses somewhere else?  Can I transfer these into the UH program?

• What if I have questions about which classes to take or need advice about the admissions process or how to register?

• What is a degree plan?

• How do I buy textbooks as a Distance Education student?

• What is a Cougar One Card and do I need one?

• What is my student ID number and where can I find it?

• How do I access library services with my HA ID number?

• Can I take classes at my own pace?

• What if I have a schedule conflict on an exam day?

• Ok! I want to do it!  How do I apply?

• What is the application deadline for Distance Education Students?

What are Distance Education Classes?

Distance Ed (DE) is any instruction that takes place outside the main campus classroom setting.  Classes offered through DE are regular UH classes taught by UH faculty and have the same prerequisites and requirements as classes taken on campus.

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What format are the classes offered in ?

All of the MED/PE classes are offered online only.

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How do I access my classes?

To access your classes you'll need to go online to the WEBCT website.  Click on the New Users link and follow the directions to get your login ID and to use the website to access your classes.

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What if I need to speak with the professor?

Contact your instructor by phone or email.  Numbers and email addresses for most faculty are available on the Distance Ed website or through WebCT.  Once class starts you should also get contact information for any teaching assistants working with your class.  Try contacting the teaching assistant if your instructor is not available.  When you leave a message for an instructor, clearly state your contact information and details of why you are calling.  Allow enough time for the professor to respond.  Professors and teaching assistants are always available to answer your questions and address your concerns.

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How do I take my tests? Do I have to come to campus?

All tests and quizzes and homework assignments are administered online for your convenience.  You don't have to come to campus until you take your comp exams!

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Does it cost extra to take classes online?

Taking a class online at UH costs the same as if you took the class in the classroom.  There are no extra fees for taking the classes online.

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How much does it cost ?

The cost for the 36 hour credit hour degree program will vary according to whether you are eligible for in-state ( Texas ) or out of state tuition rates.  It should be noted that there are a series of mandatory fees in addition to tuition fees.  However, you will not be charged 'extra' for being an online student.  Also note that tuition and fees are subject to change with the approval of the University of Houston 's Board of Regents.  For more information on the cost of attending the University of Houston please visit http://www.uh.edu/financial/graduate/tuition-fees/index.php

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What about financial aid?

To apply for financial aid, you need to complete a Financial Aid Federal Services Application (FAFSA).  You can pick up a copy of the application from the Financial Aid office at UH, request an application to be mailed to you, or you can complete a FAFSA online. For more financial aid and loan information, check out the Student Financial Services webpage.

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Can I get certified through this program ?

The University of Houston offers various teaching certification plans that will allow you to teach in the public schools in Texas. Depending on how much deficiency coursework you need, all of the courses may count for your Master Degree if taken on the graduate level. Additionally, you must be admitted to the graduate program before or during the first semester of coursework. Please refer to the admissions section of this website for information and requirements regarding admissions to the Online Master of Education in Physical Education Program. For information on how to apply for a teaching certification program at UH how to apply, please visit the teaching certification program website.

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What if I have taken some graduate courses somewhere else?  Can I transfer these into the UH program ?

Yes, you can transfer up to 9 hours of approved graduate courses from other schools.  The classes that you take t UH are also transferable to other schools AND there is no thesis requirement!  You just take the 36 hours of required courses.

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What if I have questions about which classes to take or need advice about the admissions process or how to register?

You can contact Mr. Todd Boutte, Graduate Admissions Counselor via email at tcboutte@uh.edu or Ph: 713-743-0571

Through the Distance Education program you'll have an Academic Advisor who will help you through the admissions and registration process.  Just call the advisor at 713-718-7626 or at 713-743-9835 if you have any questions.

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What is a degree plan?

A degree plan is a document outlining which courses you will take to graduate.  It must be approved by your major department.

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How do I buy textbooks as a Distance Education Student?

You can buy books on campus at the bookstore or order online.  With the online university bookstore you can purchase new or used books for all your classes.  Have books delivered right to your door or ask to pick them up from the UH main campus.

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What is a Cougar One Card and do I need one?

The Cougar One Card is the student ID card at the University of Houston. You do not need to have a Cougar One Card to access resources at the University of Houston if you are distance education student.  You do however need to know your student ID number.

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What is my student ID number and where can I find it?

Your student ID number is a unique number to you.  Your student ID number is no longer your social security number (SSN).  Your student ID number can be used to access resources at the University of Houston, such as library services. 

1. You can find you student ID number here, if you don't have one you can request it here: https://my.uh.edu/
2. If you are still having problems finding your ID number you can contact the MEd advisor at tcboutte@uh.edu

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How do I access library services with my HA ID number?

To use the HA number to access library services, students should go to the library website and log in with their LAST NAME and their library ID/Barcode. The library ID/Barcode is the HA number with the numbers 101 used to replace HA.  So for example if my HA ID is HA123456 then my library ID is 101123456

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Can I take classes at my own pace ?

No. Like all on-campus students, you'll need to keep up with course material every week and complete assignments or exams as scheduled by the instructor.  You can, though, "go to class" anytime you can fit it into your schedule and take as many or as few classes as you feel like taking per semester.

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What if I have a schedule conflict on exam day ?

On your first day of class check the exam schedule on your syllabus and talk to your instructor about any possible conflicts right away.

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OK!  I want to do it! How do I apply?

Apply online or download an application .  For more detailed information check out the Online MED/PE application check list.

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What is the application deadline for Distance Education students ?

Application deadlines for Distance Education students are the same as for all UH students.  Your specific deadline depends on your department. 

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