"The students come from different walks of life, educational backgrounds and professional experiences and offer different perspectives of Environmental Sciences. Whether my classmates' backgrounds are in biology or agriculture or something in between, hearing their experiences has been just as beneficial as learning from the professors."

 Jerrin Borrego, online M.S. in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, May 2020

How many classes should I take?

How many classes you should take in a given semester depends on several different factors: Are you working full or part-time? What are your family or community obligations? Do you have any travel plans this semester?

Montana State University uses the following formula for determining the number of hours of work needed for college level courses:

1 credit (undergraduate or graduate) = 45 hours of work per semester. Thus, a 3 credit course = 135 hours of work per semester.

A typical fall or spring semester is about 15 weeks, so when you divide 135 hours by 15 weeks, it works out to approximately nine hours of work per class, per week (for a 3-credit course). Keep in mind, some courses may require more work, and some may take less. Some graduate classes also run over a shorter time frame and require more hours per week.

Please carefully consider how much time you will have to devote to your studies before signing up for classes. Even though taking classes online adds flexibility for those who can’t attend campus-based courses, the amount of work in an online class is the same as a campus-based class (and sometimes more).

Tips for Success

Getting started in an online program can seem daunting at first. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your online program:

Advising

  • Identify your advisor. Make an appointment and establish a positive relationship. Prepare for your advising appointment by having your transcripts close by and researching the classes offered as part of your program.

Be "Present"

  • Set up a quiet place in your home where you can study undisturbed. Your computer, room lighting, broadband connection, even your chair—all are key to creating an environment optimized for studying and learning. 
  • Log into your online courses as often as you can—at least five times a week—and every day if you can. You don’t want to miss out on important updates or discussions that happen in your classes.
  • Minimize social distractions. Consider turning off your phone and logging off social networks during study time. 

Time Management

  • MSU online courses are self-scheduled, but not self-paced. You will be required to keep up with the class and meet assigned deadlines.Be aware of your dates and deadlines when you start the class; most classes have weekly assignments and discussions. 
  • Be aware that the flexibility of the online environment can be challenging for students who are prone to procrastination. Don’t be fooled by its flexibility! 
  • Find a time management system that works for you. Choose a calendar or tracking system that is reliable and easy to update. Make a note of all due dates and set reminders.
  • Print syllabi and course calendars and keep them in a highly visible place so you can refer to them often. The class syllabus is the road map that typically lists all course readings, assignments and deadlines. You can refer to it throughout the course to make sure you are on track.
  • Set aside time each day to devote to your online class the same way you would for attending a class in person. Make sure you set aside sufficient time each day to study. Think of it as an appointment you can’t miss!

Communication

  • You and your instructor may never meet face-to-face but will communicate regularly through email, online discussions or video tools like Webex.
  • Check your email often (daily, if possible) and make sure MSU has your correct, preferred email address. This is the primary means of communication between online instructors and distance students. 
  • Consider that once you post something in an online class, you may not be able to remove it. Think carefully about what you want to say in your post before you submit it. 
  • Ask questions if you are not sure about something. Use the interactive tools available to you in Brightspace (such as the Discussion Board, Pages and Email) to ask your instructors and fellow classmates questions. Keep in mind that what you ask on a Discussion Board can be seen by others in your class, so if you need to ask a question privately, use email.
  • Keep in mind “Netiquette.” Netiquette is pretty much as it sounds: social guidelines and rules that dictate interaction in online environments. For example, TYPING IN ALL CAPS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING. 
  • Be careful with sarcasm and humor; it often doesn’t translate in an online environment. Remember, too, that even though you are not in a classroom, you are still expected to abide by the MSU Student Conduct Code.
  • Online learning can sometimes feel isolating. Be involved and interactive. Taking part in class discussions and communicating with your instructors and your advisor can help you feel more connected.

  • Some instructors set online office hours when they are “live” and available. Communicate immediately with the instructor when you know you are having a problem. 

Technology

  • Assignments and quizzes will be given in an online format and exams may require proctoring.
  • Technology can sometimes fail us. Wi-fi goes out. Computers crash. Have a backup plan and keep copies of your work on a cloud or backup device.
  • MSU’s Help Desk phone number is (406) 994-1777.

Personal Life

  • Turn to classmates, a friend or your family for support. If you’re stuck on an assignment or facing writer’s block on a research paper, email or use the tools in Brightspace (your course site) to reach out to a fellow classmate. 
  • Make time to have fun! Taking online classes is a tremendous accomplishment. Reward yourself along the way.