Online Learning FAQs
We offer two types of online learning experiences:
SELF-PACED: The individual classes and Basic Interior Design certificate, and Associate in Applied Science in Interior Design are self-paced. You can sign in whenever you can to watch pre-recorded lectures and get weekly assignments. Weekly login participation is required.
REAL-TIME: For the MPS in Sustainable Interior Environments program, you join your instructor and classmates via video conferencing for discussions in real time.
What are the advantages of the self-paced online class?
Convenience and Flexibility: Convenience and flexibility are the most obvious advantages. Students can log into the course throughout the week, on any computer, and study when it’s convenient. The self-paced online courses are all pre-recorded.
Freedom to travel while you study: Courses can be taken from anywhere you have an internet connection; business trips and vacations no longer mean missed classes.
Great courses, just like onsite: NYSID’s online courses have created an atmosphere of shared learning that is close to the classroom experience. In many cases the courses are taught by the same faculty teaching onsite.
You can take a combination of online and onsite courses: Students matriculated in the onsite Basic Interior Design (BID) certificate (with the exception of international students) may take up to 9 credits in the online format; students matriculated in the online BID may take up to 9 credits in onsite courses. Any academic credits earned online will directly apply to future degree programs. International student requirements are listed here.
How do the self-paced online courses work?
Structure: Typically, there is a lecture each week with required assignments to complete and post. Additionally, students interact with each other in the discussion forums where they respond to questions. Students have flexibility in terms of completing their studies. Students should expect due dates for assignments which require participation in the online course throughout the week. Some classes will have scheduled conference calls or video conference options, which will be identified in the course syllabus.
Schedule: Each for-credit course is 15 weeks long during the fall and spring semesters, and 8 weeks long during the summer semester. Students typically have several due dates a week where participate in a discussion forum, submit an assignment, or take a quiz.
Time commitment: The time that you spend working on your online course will vary based on the number of credits and assignments.
Relationship building: There are lots of ways in which students interact with their instructor and peers. Students discuss topics in the discussion board, where their instructor and peers provide insight, guidance, and feedback. Students and the instructor also communicate through private assignment correspondence within the course site or via e-mail. Sometimes instructors arrange for a class chat, either using a conference call or an instant message system.
What about exams? Some courses require midterm and final exam proctoring. This will be listed in the course description. There is an additional fee for exam proctoring. Students will need access to a webcam during the exam.
What do I need to be successful?
Hardware/software: You will need a computer or laptop with access to the internet. The web-based instructional system is compatible with both PC and Macintosh computers. Be sure that your computer or laptop has a camera and microphone. You don’t have to be a computer expert to enroll in online classes!
When can I start?
Courses are offered according to our Academic Calendar. We have a fall, spring, and summer semester schedule that all for-credit courses follow. In addition, we have the 6 week Introduction to Interior Design course that runs twice during the fall and spring semesters, and once during the summer semester.