The Department of Dental Hygiene in the College of Allied Health and Nursing at Minnesota State University, Mankato offers a bachelor of science degree completion program for dental hygienists who have an associate degree in dental hygiene. The online program will allow students to pursue undergraduate study in dental hygiene while continuing to work full–time or part–time. An advisor will help develop an individual plan of study for each student based on the number of needed general and upper division education courses to complete the Bachelor of Science degree. This plan will vary according to the previous credits obtained by the student.
To start in May (Summer Term) April 20th
To start in August (Fall Semester) July 30th
To start in January (Spring Semester) December 9th
The coursework for the B.S. degree completion program in dental hygiene will consist of a) 32 upper division (300–400 level) semester credits in dental hygiene offered online (40 upper division credits required out of 128); b) general education courses necessary to complete Minnesota State University, Mankato requirements (44 credits required); and c) elective credits needed to complete the minimum of 128 semester credits for a bachelor of science degree. Students are permitted to transfer credits from their associate degree, subject to the approval of their faculty advisor, to meet upper division, general education and elective requirements. A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at Minnesota State University, Mankato. The faculty advisor will help develop an individual plan of study for each student. This plan will vary according to the previous credits obtained by the student.
Students will have the opportunity to take as many or as few classes as desired based on their ability and time constraints. A rotating schedule of courses will be released describing which courses will be offered in each academic year and semester. A minimum of three upper division dental hygiene courses (3 credits each) will be offered every semester. Courses may be offered in additional semesters based on student demand. Early registration for coursework is recommended as maximum enrollment per course is 20 students. Courses may be cancelled by the university if a sufficient number of students have not registered.
All students must complete 44 credits of general education coursework to complete the university requirements of a bachelor degree. The current general education guidelines can be found on the Academic Bulletins website (select appropriate year). In addition, each student must complete a minimum of 128 semester credits, with 40 of those credits upper division. There is an opportunity to complete general education courses at Minnesota State University, Mankato or at an institution closer to the student's home.
The degree completion advisor provides vital information and guidance in developing an individual plan of study. Frequent interaction with that advisor is strongly recommended to facilitate optimal learning and achievement. Degree completion advisors can be located on the last page of this pamphlet.
Location, job responsibilities, travel demands and family needs often stand in the way of pursuing further education. This degree completion program allows the practicing dental hygienist to earn a top–quality bachelor's degree from home using times available in their schedule. Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Dental Hygiene features courses designed for distance delivery that are interactive, engaging and group–based. Students will be encouraged to draw upon their professional work experiences to shape their on–the–job concerns into course projects, merging both worlds in a way that benefits both themselves and their employers.
Students will need to visit the Minnesota State University, Mankato campus for a maximum of 3 weekend sessions as defined by curriculum instructors during the dental hygiene degree completion coursework. General education and elective courses may not be available in on–line format at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
The internet connection of the computer greatly impacts the speed of downloads during on–line education. While it is possible to utilize a dial–up connection, it is strongly recommended to use a broadband connection, cable or DSL.
PC requirements:
Mac requirements:
Desire2Learn, the on–line management system at MSU, can perform a system check to ensure the computer system is properly configured for MSU web courses. The System Check verifies the browser version, browser settings, display settings, and ensures that the computer has any plug–ins that the MSU course(s) require. The "Click here to do a system check" feature can be found on the D2L login page. Additionally, students will need to be able to view PowerPoint presentations, video media (Windows Media or RealPlayer) and Microsoft Word documents. Free viewer software for these programs (if entire program is not installed) can be downloaded on the Technical Requirements page.
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
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Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
