Getting Started FAQ

Can I earn a degree by taking only online courses?
Yes. Currently, we offer several Undergraduate Degrees and Graduate Degrees fully online. Our online courses can be taken by students admitted to FIU to fulfill course requirements or electives needed to earn their respective degrees.


I registered for an online course, now what?
All students will have access to their registered courses on the first day classes begin of the term they are registered for. When classes begin and there after please click on the "Course Login" button on the menu on the top right hand side of http://online.fiu.edu in order to access your online course(s). Your log in information will be as follows:

• Your username is your FIU MyAccounts username. (Example: jdoe001)

• Your password is your FIU MyAccounts password.

If you forgot your MyAccounts username, please click here to look it up. You must know your Panther ID in order to look up your MyAccounts username.

If you forgot your MyAccounts password, please visit the MyAccounts website, enter your MyAccounts username (User ID) first, then click on the "Forgot your password?" link. Please remember to set your MyAccounts security questions, so that you will be able to retrieve your password in the future if you forget it. You can also view the MyAccounts FAQ page if you have any questions about your MyAccounts username and password.

If you're still having trouble logging please contact FIU Online Support Services or call them at 305-348-3630.

You can also check to see which learning management system your online course is located on by going to mylms.fiu.edu.

To ensure that you get the most out of your online course(s), please log into your course(s) as soon as possible and review the course syllabus, welcome audio and video (if available) and take the practice quiz. The sooner you become familiar with your online course(s), the better you will be prepared to perform well in the course(s).


Is taking an online course easier than taking a traditional on-campus course?
Fully online courses are meant to be the same difficulty level as traditional face to face courses. You need to read the chapters just like you would have read them in the classroom, submit assignments, and discuss the course (online versus in the classroom). Depending on the course, there may be a semester project as well, which will be in group form. Taking a class online requires discipline, time management, and being actively aware of specific due dates.


What is an online course?
Online courses involve completing a course online, by means of the internet, rather than the traditional way of going to the classroom on a weekly basis. Taking an online course at FIU requires that you have access to the Internet. For other requirements, click here.

There are many factors to consider when taking an online course such as:

• communication between other students and the professor

• taking quizzes and exams

• submitting assignments

• important due dates and time management

What is the FIU Online Student Orientation and do I have to attend?
The FIU Online Student Orientation consists of vital information regarding Online Learning and the learning management system that your online course uses. If this is your first time taking an online course, to ensure a positive experience, we highly recommend you attend one of our on-campus student orientations or our online student orientation. Please note that this is not a requirement.

For information about the FIU Online Student Orientation dates, times, and locations, please visit our FIU Online Events & Announcements section on our home page at http://online.fiu.edu/events.


What happens if I register for an online course after the first week, can I still catch up?
You need to contact your professor immediately with your concern and then review the professor's syllabus in it's entirety. In most cases you will be able to catch up and complete the course successfully but this depends on the particular course, the term you are in and on the individual student.


Do I need to come to class every week?
No. Once you attend the Online Student Orientation (dates are posted every semester on our website: www.online.fiu.edu in our News & Events section) or attend the Instructor Orientation (within your course), you will study at your own convenience via the web. (the server runs 24 hours per day, 7 days a week).

Please Note: You will have due dates which you need to abide by.


Where and when do I meet my instructor?
Unless a date and time is specified on our Course Catalog or in your course for an Instructor Orientation, you will not be required to meet with your professor in-person during the course of the semester. However, occasionally during the semester, you may have to chat online with your professor. Please note that your professor will be constantly interacting with you through your online course. Please make sure to read your syllabus about any possible online or on-campus meetings.


Do I need to study during a designated class time?
No. You will study at your convenience via the web (the server runs 24 hours per day, 7 days a week). Please check your course syllabus and Getting Started page for more information.

Please Note: You will have due dates which you need to abide by.