Frequently asked questions
How long will it take me to get my degree?
If you take two courses per semester, you could complete the course work in three years.
This master's program is designed to be completed within three to five years.
Can I complete this degree entirely from off-campus?
Yes, but you may complete sooner by coming to campus, particularly to pick up courses in
the summer. The MFCS-Comprehensive, MFCS-Family Financial Planning,
and the MFCS-Gerontology degrees can be completed entirely
from off-campus. Specialization in other areas can be completed by a
combination of on- and off-campus courses.
I've never taken a Web course before. How does it work?
Each course has a start and end date. A week before the course begins, the instructor and teaching institution contact you with information about how to access the web course,
providing you with a login id, password, and syllabus.
It is important to login prior to the first day of the course in order to:
- verify that you can access the class
- work through any introductory materials
- insure your computer is set up properly, and
- familiarize yourself with the course software.
You can log into the course at any time of day that works with your schedule. Most instructors ask you to login 2-3 times a week. Usually there is a course text book and you may have weekly assignments, projects, papers, quizzes, and online tests. Many instructors
include discussion boards and group projects in their courses.
What are the computer, Internet connection, and software requirements for taking online courses?
You must have a high speed internet connection (256 Kbps DSL / Cable Modem or better). A dial-up connection will not work. While the specific requirements vary by course, your computer should meet or exceed the minium requirements listed at: http://www.hs.iastate.edu/online/tips/Miscellaneous/computerrequirement.php.
Make sure to work through the two computer compatibility checker programs provided at the bottom of the computer requirements page.
Is there an application deadline?
You may apply to the program during any semester. Once all parts of your application packet are received, it takes about 5 weeks to hear if you have been accepted.
How much will it cost?
Tuition is set by the Iowa Board of Regents or
the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GP-IDEA) for GP-IDEA
courses.
For 2007-2008, ISU graduate tuition
is $347 per graduate credit. At this tuition rate, a three-credit course costs $1041.
For 2007-2008, GP-IDEA graduate tuition is $415 per credit hour. At this tuition rate, a three-credit course costs $1245.
May I take Family and Consumer Science courses without seeking a degree?
Yes, you may register as a graduate non-degree/undeclared student. Please note that ISU
transfers only nine approved credits taken in this status into a graduate degree
program.
Is the GRE exam required for application to this program?
Yes, you must submit your Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores as part of your application materials to the MFCS-Comprehensive.
The GRE is a general aptitude test. The exam has three parts: verbal, quantitative and analytical. When a student
applies for admission to this master's program, all admission criteria are considered; no
minimum GRE score is set. Call Iowa State University Student Testing
Office, 515-294-5058 for test
dates and sites or visit the GRE web site at www. gre.org.
Who should I ask to provide the letters of reference required in the application packet?
Letters of recommendation should be obtained from professionals that you have worked with and/or from past instructors. People who are writing a recommendation for you can do so either by completing an online form or by mailing a reference letter directly to the college. An online form will be provided to your reference if you submit your reference's email address during the online application process.
Please note: Character references from family members and personal friends should not be used in place of professional/educational references.
How do I set up my program of study (POS)?
At the time of acceptance into the degree program,
your temporary advisor will help you identify a Major Professor. Your Major Professor will then assist you in selecting a Program of Study (POS)
committee that will consist of two faculty members from focus areas within the department, and a third faculty member from another
department. Your POS committee could meet with you through a telephone
conference call, or you may want to come to
campus to meet your committee. Your Major Professor will likely provide advising by
telephone and e-mail.
Will my previous graduate course work transfer into this degree program, or can
I pick up graduate work from another institutions?
Transfer credits must be approved by your program of study graduate committee. Up to 14
graduate
credits, having a "B" or better grade, earned within the past five years may be transferred from other
accredited university graduate
programs into this degree program. At least 22 of your 36 total credits must be from
Iowa State University (ISU).
How can I find out which courses are offered and when?
Check the MFCS-Comprehensive course listing for a short description of available courses and their rotation cycles, which will be posted as it becomes available.
You can also check the ISU Schedule of Classes, which lists both on-campus and off-campus courses. You can search the schedule of classes for courses by type and department.
What prerequisites are needed for these courses?
If you don't meet a prerequisite or are uncertain about your qualifications for a specific
course, call the College of Human Sciences (CHS) Research and Graduate Office at 877-891-5349 (toll free) and ask to be
transferred to the course professor.
How do I register for courses?
To register for Family Financial Planning (FFP) or Gerontology (GERON) courses, contact Karen Smidt, ksmidt@iastate.edu, 877-891-5349 (toll free) or 515-294-5397.
For all other courses, register through the ISU online AccessPlus system. You must have an ISU University ID number and password to use this system.
What is AccessPlus and how do I login to it?
AccessPlus is a secure and personalized online resource for accessing your important and confidential ISU information and web applications. You will receive your ISU university bills (U-bill) through Accessplus: no paper bills will be mailed.
To login to AccessPlus, you'll need your Social Security Number or University ID, and your AccessPlus password.
The first time you go to AccessPlus you can login using your Social Security number and a default password equal to your birth month and birth date as a four digit number (mmdd). You will be prompted to set a new password. Carefully record and save this password!
Once in AccessPlus, click on the "A+ Home" tab (upper right corner). On the left side menu, click the "ISU IDs" link. After entering your password again, you will be shown your University ID number.
If you are having problems entering AccessPlus or getting your University ID, contact the ISU Solution Center at solution@iastate.edu, by phone at 515-294-4000. Solution Center hours of operation are listed at http://www.it.iastate.edu/solution/
For additional assistance, contact Karen Smidt, ksmidt@iastate.edu, 877-891-5349 (toll free) or 515-294-5397.
