MBA Studies

Frequently Asked Questions Distance Program

Q - How does the distance-based program work?

The Distance MBA at TTU brings together two powerful technologies, CDROM content delivery and Internet-based class interaction.  Together, these two technologies provide students with a very rich learning environment that is both flexible and value-added.

Many courses offer a set of CDs.  The CDs contain the lecture content that the faculty members would normally present in the classroom . . . with one very important difference.  The Distance-based course content is created in a special studio right on our campus.  Each of the short lecture media elements are created just for the distance-based program using state-of-the-art digital technology in a studio constructed just for the creation of this material.  In addition, the lectures are broken down into small pieces that are easily searched and re-viewed whenever you want to go back and take another look at any of the material. 

These CD's may be requested any time, but will be mailed the week before classes begin. The content is ALSO available for download and for viewing online.

Request Course CD's here.

View sample content here.

Click here to see the help document for new and current students. This document tells you how to find your username, change your initial password, log in to iLearn and gives some contact information for additional assistance.

Q - How does the class interaction work?

The class interaction is accomplished by use of an internet-based class management program called iLearn (powered by Desire2Learn).  You simply log onto our website (http://ilearn.tntech.edu) using your assigned username and password, and you are taken to a page with all of the information about the courses that you are taking.  For each course in which you are registered, there will be a link.  On the webpage for each course, there will be tools for activities such as course email, threaded discussions for course case studies, links to online quizzes and exams, a course calendar, and course chat rooms.  In addition, there are links to course content areas that contain Powerpoint presentations that you can download or print, documents that your instructor might want you to read, and assignments.

Q - What is the profile of the distance-based students?

Most distance-based students work full-time and many are married and have families. Many have been in the work force for a number of years. Distance-based MBA students have a variety of undergraduate degrees, business and non-business.
List of distance-based student employers

Q - Can I start my distance-based coursework at any time?

You can start distance-based coursework at any time-Fall, Spring, or Summer. Distance-based courses run on a semester schedule, just as on-campus courses do. The Fall semester begins in mid-August and ends in early December. The Spring semester begins in early January and ends in early May. Summer courses usually run from the beginning of June to the end of July.

Q - What will my diploma look like?

The campus-based and distance-based programs earn the same degree. The diploma will not indicate that you have taken distance-based courses. You will have the same courses, the same professors, and the same diploma as campus-based students.

Q - Can I get Financial Aid for the distance-based program?

Please direct financial aid questions to the Financial Aid office. Generally, the DMBA courses do qualify for financial aid, though you will need to take a minimum of six credit hours of course-work a semester in order to qualify.

Q - I work for the state of Tennessee, will the state cover my tuition?

The state will cover the cost of in-state tuition for State of Tennessee Employees. However, the differential of the cost between campus-based and distance-based courses is not covered by the state reimbursement plan.

Q - Can I register for my distance-based courses online?

You can register for your next semester courses online using Eagle Online.

You will need two numbers to register; your PIN and your Registration Access Code (RAC). Your PIN is the same PIN you used to log on to Eagle Online. Your RAC changes each semester and you will need to call Barbara Glasscock at 931-372-6404 to obtain your RAC.

When registering for distance-based MBA courses, remember to only register for the courses with section number M10. All distance-based MBA courses have a section number M10. All other section numbers are for on-campus courses.