Frequently Asked Questions about NTEN Courses, Registration, Cost, and More
See also MSU distance learning FAQs and the Web quiz, Is online learning right for me?
About NTEN courses
Registering for NTEN
After Enrolling
I still have questions. Contact the friendly NTEN staff.
Is NTEN an accredited program?
NTEN is a program of Montana State University, which has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) since 1932.
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When do courses begin and end?
In general, NTEN courses follow a schedule similar to Montana State University’s regular academic calendar, with new courses starting in fall, spring and summer. NTEN courses vary in length. Some last nearly a full semester, although most run over shorter periods--7 to 12 weeks. The shorter accelerated courses still cover the equivalent of a full semester of content, so the weekly workload is increased accordingly.
Top How much time will I spend on each NTEN course?
NTEN courses are graduate courses, soexpect to spend from 6 to 20 hours per week or more depending on the number of credits, the length of the course and your prior familiarity with the subject, as well as your individual study habits. See the detailed descriptions for each course, where the instructor has indicated how much time s/he estimates the time commitment per week.
Top Can I access the course at any time?
Like a traditional college course, NTEN courses begin and end on pre-established days. You will have assignments that are posted and due at a specified time on a weekly basis. However, you can log on and access the assignments and lessons any time, day or night.
Top How many NTEN courses can I take per semester?
Because NTEN courses are graduate level and can be quite rigorous, we recommend taking just one course per semester unless you have a lot of extra time on you hands.
Top How can I earn a master's degree?
NTEN is not a degree program, but rather offers a wide selection of graduate-level courses. Because NTEN courses are from Montana State University, these credits can be transferred to a degree program at MSU or elsewhere at the discretion of individual institutional programs and policies. MSU offers a Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) degree program that is of interest to many teachers taking NTEN courses.
Top Can I transfer my credits to another university?
NTEN courses offer graduate-level credits from Montana State University, one of the country's top 100 research universities, and these credits can be transferred to degree programs at MSU or elsewhere at the discretion of individual institutional programs and policies. Before taking an NTEN course, always check with your educational institution to see if it will pertain to your program.
Top Will my school district accept credits from NTEN courses?
Rules vary by state and by school district. Talk to your district first about whether the academic credits from MSU's NTEN courses will count in your district. All of the NTEN online science courses are fully approved for academic credit by Montana State University and are fully accredited by the Northwest Commission of Schools and Colleges, which is one of the six regional accrediting agencies approved by the US Department of Education for accreditation of postsecondary institutions. All credits for the NTEN courses are recorded on an official MSU transcript and may be used toward a degree program at the discretion of individual institutional programs and policies.
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How do I register for an NTEN course?
See the list of all our courses. Access the course description for the course(s) you are interested in taking and then follow the link to “Register Online,” where you will be asked for your information and method of payment. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail, then another e-mail before the course begins containing course startup information.
Top Do I have to enroll as an MSU student?
No. To take an NTEN course, you do not have to register as either a degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking MSU student through the formal Admissions process. Instead, you are considered an MSU Extended University student and can enroll directly in the course and receive MSU academic credits upon its completion.
However, if you wish to apply these academic credits toward a graduate degree program at MSU, you will need to enroll as an MSU graduate student. See more information about graduate programs.
Top Can anyone take NTEN graduate-level courses?
NTEN's graduate-level courses (those numbered 500 and above) are designed for teachers who have completed a bachelor's degree. If you have not completed a bachelor's degree but wish to enroll in an NTEN graduate-level course, you must contact MSU's Division of Graduate Education BEFORE enrolling in the course. A teacher failing to follow these requirements will not receive credit for the course.
However, if you have completed a bachelor's degree and thus are eligible to take MSU graduate-level courses, you can enroll directly in the NTEN course. You do not need to apply to MSU through the formal Admissions process as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student--unless you wish to pursue a degree.
Most of NTEN's courses are designed specifically for practicing teachers. If you are not a practicing teacher, please contact the course instructor or NTEN staff before enrolling.
Top Do I have to take the GRE before taking an NTEN course?
No. However, if you wish to apply the credits from your NTEN coursework toward a degree program, you will likely have to take the GRE before enrolling as a graduate student. Individual program requirements vary, so always check with your degree program advisor first at your home institution.
Top Do I have to be a practicing teacher to take an NTEN course?
Nearly all NTEN courses are designed for practicing teachers. However, if you are a working professional and are interested in taking an NTEN course, first read the course description to see if the course is open to all. Non-teachers should check directly with the instructor or NTEN staff to get permission to enroll in an NTEN course.
Top Do I need to have a specific bachelor's degree in order to take NTEN courses?
Any NTEN course that is 500-level or higher (e.g., BIOL 580) is a graduate-level course, and participants must have earned a bachelor's degree before enrollng. It does not matter what subject your degree is in, although some courses have very specific prerequisites that must be met.
Top If I am taking an NTEN course, do I have to show proof of vaccinations or health insurance?
Only teachers who go through the formal MSU Admissions process and are accepted into a degree program are required to show proof of vaccinations. Teachers who are taking NTEN courses for credit, but are not formally enrolled in a MSU degree program, are considered Extended University students and do not need to show proof of vaccinations or health insurance.
Top How do I pay for my NTEN course?
You will pay for your NTEN course at the time you register. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover or personal check. Teachers who have previously enrolled at Montana State University may use their MyInfo accounts.
Top Are NTEN teachers eligible for financial aid?
NTEN courses are offered through Montana State University's Extended University, and NTEN teachers may be able to count these courses toward financial aid enrollment if they are admitted to Montana State University and enrolled in a degree or certification program. Some courses offered through Extended University may not count toward financial aid enrollment.
For information about financial assistance, please visit MSU's Office of Financial Aid.
Extended University requires all students, whether applying for financial aid or not, to pay some of their tuition at the time of registration. Students awarded any financial assistance will receive monies separately through the Office of Financial Aid.
Top Can I use the Montana State University library?
Current students can connect to the MSU Library through our proxy server.
The Library offers a variety of services to help people access materials in
our library and in other libraries. Our faculty and staff will be glad to be
of assistance in helping you find and retrieve the information that you need.
Top How do I get my login information for MSU's Learning Management System?
NTEN online courses use MSU's Learning Management System (LMS). We will send you your login information prior to the beginning of the course. You can also contact NTEN at (800) 282-6062 and we will give you this information over the telephone.
Top When can I log in to my NTEN course?
You can log in by the first day of class. Occasionally course access is allowed a few days before a course begins.
Top What if I lose my password?
Contact NTEN during business hours (8am-5pm Mountain Standard Time) at (800) 282-6062 and we will reset it for you.
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How are the credits from NTEN courses listed on my transcript?
All credits from NTEN courses are listed as Montana State University academic credits.
Top How do I access grades or get a transcript?
Learn how to access grades or an unofficial transcript.
You may also request a copy of your official transcript,
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