Graduate Programs - Course Structure

Course structure

The Herzing University Online MBA degree programs were designed with the busy adult in mind. The school year has three semesters, and each semester is comprised of two eight-week terms. Students have new classes every eight weeks, separated by either a long weekend or the winter or summer break (see Academic Calendar).

Program length

Graduate students can choose to take one class at a time and complete the program in 2 years, or take two courses at a time and finish in 1 year. In addition, the student may adjust this schedule as other responsibilities permit, taking a lighter course load some terms and a heavier load in others.

Attendance

Students are never required to be online at a specified date or time. However, students should plan on logging in at least four different days each week for an online weekly total of approximately three hours.

Coursework

Students will be required to participate in some group projects, but most assignments are completed on an individual basis. Homework assignments are posted at the beginning of the week and must be completed and submitted by the due date. Typical assignments include a discussion question based on the lecture and reading due by mid-week (with replies and comments on classmates’ posts by the end of the week), and a written assignment or test due at the end of the week.

Depending on the course, students may be required to write essays, complete term projects, and/or take exams. Instructional materials differ for each course but often include textbooks, web sites, voice-over power point lectures, journal articles, case studies, and interviews.

Faculty availability

Instructors are available by internal message and telephone. Faculty can be reached for immediate answers during their posted office hours and will respond within 36 hours to any questions received outside of those hours. View faculty bios

Tutoring

Because class sizes are kept small, your instructor is also your tutor. Students and instructors can interact in a chat-like manner that allows for real-time discussion and example exercises. If the instructor’s posted office hours conflict with a student’s schedule, special appointments can be made.