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

• Pentium 4 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.)
• 256 MB of RAM; 512 recommended
• CD ROM drive; DVD ROM drive recommended
• 20 GB hard drive or greater
• Internet service provider (ISP); broadband connection recommended
• Microsoft Office 2003 (Professional recommended and may be required in some courses. See Course Equipment and Software Requirements for details.)
• Netscape 7.1, Internet Explorer 6.0, Mozilla Seamonkey 1.1, and/or Firefox 2.0 or higher browser(s). AOL's browser is not compatible.
• 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

• G4/Intel, Mac OS X-compatible processor or higher
• Mac OS X Version 10.4.X or later
• 256 MB of RAM required; 512 MB recommended
• CD ROM drive required; DVD ROM recommended
• 20 GB hard drive or greater
• Internet service provider (ISP); broadband connection recommended
• Microsoft Office: Mac 2004
• Virtual PC (Power PC) or Parallels (Intel) with Windows XP or greater required (Additional Windows software and/or Windows XP Professional may be required in some courses. See Course Equipment and Software Requirements for details.)
• Safari 1.1, Netscape 7.1, Mozilla Seamonkey 1.1, and/or Firefox 2.0 or higher browser(s). AOL's browser is not compatible.
• 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.)

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.