Frequently Asked Questions

I'm having trouble signing in or accessing my online course.
How much does it cost to take classes online?
Can I use financial aid for online classes?
Can I transfer credits to Montana State University Billings?
Can I use my past work experience for anything?
Will I be able to challenge any classes?
How can I get course descriptions for a class?
How do I register?
How does a general online class work?
Do I have to be in class at a certain time?
How do I contact the instructor?
What classes are available online?
Are you accredited?
What software do I need on my computer?
How can I get my books?
Are tutors available for online students?
How do I add/drop an Online class?

I'm having trouble signing in or accessing my online course.
At the bottom of the online homepage, enter your student ID number in the STUDENT ID field. Your password will be the same as your student id. (Make sure you include the dash (-) and all the zeros) Click on Go To Class. Once you have entered your course homepage, select the Academics tab at the top of the screen, and click on the course title. If you do not remember your student id number, click on Need Password/User ID and follow the directions on the next page.

How much does it cost to take classes online?
To access the online tuition and fee schedule, click here.

Can I use financial aid for online classes?
Yes, you can. To apply for financial aid, complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is located online at www.fafsa.ed.gov For more information about Financial Aid please contact our financial aid office.

Can I transfer credits to Montana State University Billings?
An advisor will be able to evaluate any transfer credits you may have from another school. MSU Billings accepts transfer credits from any accredited institution. Academic Advisors are available to evaluate transfer credits. Contact an Academic Advisor

Can I use my past work experience for anything?
For information about past life experience credit, please contact our Academic Advising Office at 1(800) 565-6782 extension 2240 or you can email the Advising Office.

Will I be able to challenge any classes?
Montana State University Billings offers credit for successful performance on selected General and Subject Examinations through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). For more information, please visit our CLEP page or call (406) 247-3025. If you are looking to challenge an upper division course, contact the department of the course.

How can I get course descriptions for a class?
You can access course descriptions for each class through our online catalog, which can be found on our main campus website.

How do I register?
Click on Apply & Register, or click here.

How does a general online class work?
Access our online class demo on our website.

Do I have to be in class at a certain time?
Online courses allow the student the ability to learn at their convenience. Some classes will have deadlines for homework and testing. Some instructors may require weekly chats or discussions. These will be outlined in your course syllabus. If there is a conflict, please discuss this with your instructor.

How do I contact the instructor? Your instructor should give you a way to get in contact with him/her. You can also look them up in our Campus Directory.

What classes are available online?
To access a list of courses available by semester, please go to our course catalog page. Select the semester you plan to study online.

Are you accredited?
Montana State University Billings is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. It is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education for preparing elementary and secondary teachers and school counselors through the Bachelor of Science and Master of Education degrees and the Master of Science in Special Education degree. MSU Billings is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, and the Council on Rehabilitation Education. College of Technology programs are approved by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and the Montana Board of Nursing. MSU Billings has achieved candidacy status for Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for its College of Business.

What software do I need on my computer?
Software will be determined by the class you are in. For a complete listing of system requirements, please see our technical requirements.

How can I get my books?
You can order your books online from our online bookstore, Jackets & Company. Click on textbooks and select your course.

Are there tutors available for online students?
Check out our Academic Support Center.

How do I add/drop an Online class?
To Add or Drop an online course, you must log into your account on the Online website as if you are going to access your online class. You will log in with the ID and password that was provided in your confirmation email of your enrollment into the online course. Once logged in, you will select the “Add/Drop Course” option located on the Academics Tab of the Online University. You will then choose the course that you wish to add/drop and your course schedule will be updated via the web. If you need further assistance in this matter, please contact the registrar at registrar@msubonline.org or 800-565-6782 ext. 2158

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