Requirements and Online Training

Requirements and Online Training

Baker's online students must have experience with computers, know how to load software and know how to use a word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word). 

Prior to registering for your first online course, you must complete a technical orientation. Your Development Coordinator or Academic Office will provide instructions for completion of this orientation. (See link below for access to the virtual campus and online orientation materials).

Students applying for the master's degree programs must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a four point scale in order to be eligible for admission. These students must also have a minimum of three years' work experience.

Technical Requirements 
Students must have the following hardware and software (additional equipment and software may be required for some courses):

PC Requirements

  • Intel Core-2 compatible processor or higher
  • Windows XP or higher required (Windows XP Professional may be required in some courses. See Course Equipment and Software Requirements for details.)
  • 2 Gb of RAM required
  • CD ROM drive; DVD ROM drive recommended
  • 80 GB hard drive or greater
  • Internet service provider (ISP); broadband connection recommended
  • Microsoft Office 2007 (Professional recommended and may be required in some courses. See Course Equipment and Software Requirements for details.)
  • Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla Seamonkey 1.1, and/or Firefox 2.0 or higher browser(s). Other browsers may allow Blackboard access but not all functions will operate correctly and are not supported.
  • Virus Protection Software
  • Java 1.5 or later
  • Webcam recommended and may be required in some courses (See Course Equipment and Software Requirements for details.)

Mac Requirements

  • Intel, Mac OS X-compatible processor or higher
  • Mac OS X Version 10.4.X or later
  • 2 Gb of RAM required
  • CD ROM drive required; DVD ROM recommended
  • 80 GB hard drive or greater
  • Internet service provider (ISP); broadband connection recommended
  • Microsoft Office: Mac 2008
  • Safari 3.0, Mozilla Seamonkey 1.1, and/or Firefox 2.0 or higher browser(s). Other browsers may allow Blackboard access but not all functions will operate correctly and are not supported.
  • Virus Protection Software
  • Mac supplied Java
  • Webcam recommended and may be required in some courses (See Course Equipment and Software Requirements for details.)

Requirements for Success

  • Textbooks for all online courses must be purchased through the bookstore in the SOLAR System.
  • Most online courses are 6 weeks long and require a lot of reading.
  • Class discussion takes place throughout the week, including weekends. Instructors consider student participation very important and will grade accordingly.
  • You must participate in class discussion at least five out of seven days each week.
  • A term paper and/or final exam is due at the end of each course.
  • Assignments and structure vary from course to course.
  • Always check the course outline at the beginning of each course for assignment information and due dates.

Access to Virtual Campus
Students will use their Internet Service Provider (ISP) to connect to the Internet. Online training for the virtual campus is accessible using a Web browser such as Internet Explorer 6.0 (or higher).  Click here to receive instructions for the Online training.

The Baker College System