Online Learning

Online Learning

Online Programs

In order to accommodate students with busy schedules, Simpson University offers programs in Degree Completion in an online format. All online courses are completed using Canvas — Simpson University's online learning management system. The Psychology program, the Business Administration program, and the Social Welfare program for Degree Completion are currently available in an online format.

  • Each course is five weeks long, running in a Monday through Sunday format.
  • Course work is submitted throughout the course, usually on a weekly basis.

Technology

Technology Requirements

Hardware

  • Windows 10 or MacOS Catalina (or newer)
  • 8 GB RAM
  • High Speed Internet connection
  • Webcam
  • Speakers
  • Headset with microphone (or laptop with built-in microphone)
  • Printer
  • Access to a scanner (Recommended)
  • Access to a fax (Recommended)

*Software

  • Microsoft 365 Apps (free for all Simpson University students) - available for download by signing into portal.office.com with your Simpson student email.
  • Most updated version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/)
  • Google Chrome Web Browser (free at google.com/chrome; Recommended for both Windows and MacOS computers)

*Please see the download instructions for each program at their respective websites

Technology in the Online Programs

Students will use the webcam and headset to connect to Orientation, to make presentations, and for any Microsoft Team calls. The printer will be used for printing forms as needed or printing reading material if the student prefers to read a hard copy of notes. The scanner or fax may be used to return paper forms to Simpson University.

All papers, spreadsheets and presentations must be in Microsoft Office formats. These programs will be utilized regularly for assignments and are required. Adobe Acrobat Reader is used regularly to view PDF documents used by all of the courses. Simpson University's websites work best with the Google Chrome web browser. Microsoft Teams will be used for voice and optionally video calls between students and professors and administrative staff. YouTube is the standard format for videos that professors may post online for you to view.

Student Familiarity with Technology

Students are required to be familiar with the following processes in order to start the online program:

  • Send and receive email
  • Attach a document to an email
  • Open an attached document from an email
  • Navigate the internet
  • Create and save word processing documents
  • *Use webcam
  • *Download and install required programs listed above

*Students who are not familiar with Excel, PowerPoint, YouTube or Microsoft Teams will learn these programs as they progress through the major. It will help if you are already familiar with these technologies.