About Our Courses

The course lists and descriptions contained in this Catalog cite the offerings beginning with the July 2016 semester. It is occasionally necessary, and the University retains the right, to withdraw, modify or add courses to the existing list during the academic year without prior notice. For updates on course offerings, visit www.tesu.edu/academics/courses or call (609) 777-5680.

For many courses, you have options regarding the method of learning.

Which option you choose will determine how you correspond with your mentor, how you deliver your assignments and how you receive graded assignments in return. In the case of online courses, the choice involves a commitment to an interactive, Web-based format, with the opportunity to communicate with other students enrolled in the course and to take advantage of Web resources pertinent to the course. In the case of e-Pack® courses, you choose to prepare independently for an examination that will assess your understanding of the course material. To learn which of the following options is available for a particular course, look for the list of course codes included with each course description in this book. The suffix attached to the course code indicates the delivery method. 

Students may register for courses in several different formats: Guided Study, online and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). These approaches have proven most successful with well-motivated, self-disciplined individuals who enjoy learning independently.

Additionally, students may register for courses offered by other regionally accredited colleges, independent study and distance education courses or traditional classroom courses.

Undergraduate Course Options

Most courses are offered every semester, but there are exceptions such as nursing courses, which are offered four times a year. For updates, please visit www.tesu.edu/academics/courses.

You may preview online syllabus — and get detailed information on individual TECEP® examinations — at the University website. Go to www.tesu.edu/academics/courses and select the appropriate area. Choose the course in which you are interested. If you do not see a specific course listed under PLA, Guided Study, TECEP®, e-Pack®, or online, you will know that the course is not offered in that format.

New courses, particularly online courses, will be added to Thomas Edison State University offerings throughout the year. Visit the University website for updates. To ensure that a course satisfies your specific degree requirements, please confirm with your academic advisor. PLA options that allow you to earn credit for what you already know are available for almost every course, with the exception of Capstone courses.

EP = e-Pack® (12 Weeks)

GS = Guided Study (12 Weeks)

NU = Nursing (12 Weeks)

NG = Nursing Graduate (12 Weeks)

OL = Online (most are 12 Weeks)

PA = Portfolio Assessment (Single course, 12-week process)

PF = Portfolio Assessment (PLA-100/PLA-200 process)

TE = TECEP® Examination

SD = Self-Directed Course (12 weeks)

Course Engagement

Students attending Thomas Edison State University are expected to participate and fully engage in all academically related activities. Examples of these activities include making submissions to online discussion boards, communicating within the class lounge forum, dialoguing with mentors within the private mentor forum, submitting assignments, and completing exams and quizzes when due. Students must review course calendars for the timing and types of submissions expected. Note: Merely logging into or viewing your courses does not constitute academic engagement.

The University will periodically review student progress and engagement during each term. Failure to sign into your courses and complete your scheduled course work on time may result in an adjustment or termination of federally sponsored financial support; such as Military Tuition Assistance, Veterans Education Benefits or other Title IV Financial Aid (grants and loans). Such decertification or adjustments may lead to cancellation of benefits or recoupment by the sponsoring agency for any monies paid to students (or to the University on student’s behalf) for enrolling in these courses; including tuition, fees, housing allowance and book stipends. Such cancellation or recoupment does not negate the student’s financial obligation to the University; they may be held responsible for all charges incurred for the courses in which they are enrolled.

System Requirement: If you plan to register for OL, EP, PA, PF, NU, NG or SD, see Online Courses for minimum system requirements.