Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take me to complete the Graduate Certificate?
It will take eight weeks to complete the program.
How do online courses work?
In online courses, students "attend" class by accessing the course virtual classroom (Web page) and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via e-mail and online discussion forums. Students are required to complete assignments according to the course schedule (where applicable), to maintain regular contact with the instructor, and to participate in online discussions.
Can I start and complete the Online Graduate Certificate whenever I want?
No. Our online certificate programs have set dates when courses begin and end. Students take courses in groups, with homework and assignments due on specified dates. However, students maintain the flexibility to decide when, within a week, they will study their course materials and attend online classes, since class sessions are asynchronous – they do not take place simultaneously for everybody at set times.
Can I complete the Graduate Certificate faster or slower than the eight weeks?
No. The program is not self-paced; all course work must be completed in the sequence in which it is offered.
Do I have to be online at a certain time each day or week?
No, but you are required to stay on schedule with assignments (where applicable) and login multiple times per week. You have the flexibility of choosing the time of day or night you want to log on to the Internet to work on an assignment, but you must complete your assignments and turn them in (through the Web site) by the specified date and time (as outlined in the course schedule). Some courses may have several due dates each week; others may require work only once per week.
What skills do I need to complete an online course?
As an e-learning student you need a basic familiarity with computers and the Internet. You do not need to be an expert in computing. You have to be comfortable with using a personal computer and Microsoft Office (e.g., MS Word, MS Powerpoint), know how to use an Internet browser (i.e., Internet Explorer) and how to communicate via e-mail. Most of the interaction with your instructors and peers will be via e-mail, online chat and 'threaded discussions' (online discussion forums), so you need to be comfortable with these applications.
You also need to be somewhat disciplined as a learner and committed to your education as you are responsible for keeping up with the course schedule and submitting your assignments and projects online
How much time per week will the courses take?
Generally, students should plan to spend between 6-8 hours per week on online coursework, research and writing projects, and reading assignments.
How will I receive official communications from Seton Hall Law and my online course instructor?
Official communications will be sent via your Seton Hall e-mail account and/or within the Blackboard system. It is very important for you to have access to your Seton Hall e-mail account and to check it often.
Are my online credits transferable to Seton Hall degree programs?
Students who successfully complete the certificate program and subsequently enroll in the Master's of Science in Jurisprudence (M.S.J.) program may apply their three certificate credits towards the M.S.J. degree. However, certificate program credits may not be applied towards a J.D. degree.
Will my certificate state that I earned it online?
No, your certificates are the same as if you took the program in a campus- based setting.
Is financial aid available?
Financial Aid is not available for Online Certificate programs.
Do I need to come to the law school to complete this course?
The online Graduate Certificates offered by the Center for Health & Pharmaceutical Law and Policy are online only courses, at no time will are you expected to meet at the law school during the duration of the course.
When does the next session of the program begin?
We offer the online Graduate Certificate programs three times per year beginning in February, June and October of each year. The programs always begin on a Sunday and usually begin on the second Sunday of the month. Check back frequently for updates.
Where do I go for technical support?
If you need help with PirateNet, your email or BlackBoard please contact us at 973-642-8017.