Admission
A: Yes. Ashland University is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. While there is no specific deadline, it is best for all required items to be submitted at least one month prior to the start of the semester.
A: Generally, an admission decision will be sent within three weeks after receipt of an application form completed online, official transcripts and, for degree-seeking students, a $30 application fee. Initial notification will be sent via email. A formal decision letter will follow by mail.
A: Yes. One of our programs, the Master of Arts with a Specialization in Teaching American History and Government (MASTAHG), may be completed entirely online.
The Master of Arts in American History and Government (MAHG) is a hybrid program that features both traditional classroom courses during the summer and online study during the fall and spring semesters. It cannot be completed entirely online.
A: All 33 credit hours required for the MASTAHG degree may be completed online. However, MASTAHG students are welcome and encouraged to complete coursework on campus.
For students pursuing the MAHG degree, at least 16 semester credit hours must be earned on campus at Ashland during summer semesters. The remaining 16 credit hours may be completed via our online coursework, up to six semester hours of transfer credit and the four-credit-hour thesis/capstone experience.
A: Yes, it is possible to pursue two master's degrees simultaneously. Graduate students must have an advisor in each graduate degree program and plan with them an integrated course of study that satisfies the requirements of both degree programs. A program plan for more than one degree program must be completed and submitted to the director of the Graduate School within the first semester of enrollment at Ashland University. The student must qualify for admission to each program and the program directors for both programs must sign the program plan. No more than 12 semester hours may be counted in both degree programs, and this must be specified in the proposal.
A: If you were admitted within the past three semesters, you do not have to reapply. If you are unable to register for courses online, contact the MAHG program office for assistance. If you were admitted more than three semesters ago, you must reapply to the program. In most cases, you will not have to submit transcripts or pay the application fee again. Contact the MAHG program office for assistance.
Curriculum
A: Not necessarily. The required courses are not introductory in the sense of providing information or skills that are necessary for the successful completion of other courses. They are required to ensure that students are familiar with the breadth of American history and the development of America's political institutions. They may be taken at any point.
A: We recommend that you begin with the HIST/POLSC 501 - 507 series. Those courses will provide you with a broad overview of American history, which will be helpful as you take other courses.
A: Teacher certification or licensure requirements vary widely from state to state. In general, neither the MAHG nor the MASTAHG degrees are likely to meet all requirements for licensure as a social studies teacher or in any related subfield. In most cases, additional coursework in educational methods and other social science fields such as psychology, sociology and economics may be required. We suggest contacting your state's department of education to learn more about the specific requirements.
If you are interested in receiving your initial license as a social studies teacher in the state of Ohio, the Bachelor's Plus program offered by the Ashland University College of Education may be of interest to you. This program is designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than education and want to become licensed teachers.
A: Yes. Online courses in American history and government are offered as live, synchronous web conferences where students and instructors participate in real-time. Like our on-campus courses, online courses are offered for two semester credit hours. Schedules for online courses will vary. Online courses are open to both degree-seeking and non-degree guest students taking individual courses for graduate credit.
Course Registration
A: For courses during the summer, payment may be deferred until April 1. After April 1, payment for summer courses is due at the time of registration. For fall and spring online courses, tuition and fees are due at the time of registration. Finance charges in the amount of 1.5% per month begin to accrue on unpaid balances about four weeks after the due date.
A. Payment can be made in the following ways:
- Online by credit card, debit card or checking account draft. This may be done via Self-Service with your AU username and password. Please allow up to two business days for your registration to be processed prior to attempting an online payment.
- Credit or debit card by phone at 419-289-5022
- A check or money order, made payable to Ashland University, mailed to:
Office of Student Accounts
Ashland University
401 College Ave.
Ashland, OH 44805 - An actualized student loan through the Ashland University Financial Aid office
- Written proof of an outside scholarship or fellowship. Documentation should be mailed or emailed to the MAHG program office.
Please note that credit and debit card payments - whether made online, over the phone or in person - will incur a 2.75% service charge (minimum charge: $3.95). All service charges will appear on your credit card or bank statement as a separate transaction. Service charges are not refundable. There is no service charge for personal or bank-issued paper checks, or money orders. Electronic checking drafts (ACH) or cash transactions are subject to a flat fee of $2.95 per transaction.
A: You may check your account balance and make payments through Self-Service.
A: Yes, and many students do this. You don’t need to enroll in the degree program to take courses. To take classes in the program without committing to pursue the M.A. degree, follow the instructions provided in the Admissions section.
A: You may register for as few as one or as many as four courses in any particular semester. While offered on a unique intensive schedule, each course is designed to replicate a full semester-long class, including a selection of readings and assignments. In order to ensure that students are not overwhelmed by the demands of such an intense schedule, you may not register for more than four courses in any one semester.
During the fall and spring semesters, you may take no more than two courses during the same eight-week session. During the summer semester, you may take no more than one course at a time, even if the course meeting times do not overlap.
The following courses do not count toward the four-course limit. M.A. students may enroll in four courses in addition to any one or more of the following:
- HIST/POLSC 670 – Directed Study
- HIST/POLSC 691 – Thesis
- HIST/POLSC 692 – Capstone Project
A: Yes. You may add yourself to a course's waitlist on Self-Service. We monitor class enrollments closely and you will be notified if a seat becomes available.
A: To avoid full tuition and fee liability, you must drop a course prior to its first meeting. Once you’ve attended a class, a full refund is not available.
If you withdraw from one course, from all courses during a term or from the university entirely, you may be eligible for a prorated refund up through the 60% point of the course. No tuition refund is available after that. The withdrawal date is EITHER:
- The date on which you begin the withdrawal process by notifying the program office of your intent to withdraw from a course or from the university.
- Or, your last date of attendance in a class in the case of an unofficial withdrawal.
Refunds of summer room and board charges are likewise prorated based upon the nights and meals elapsed at the time you notify the program office of your intent to vacate your accommodations. In the event that you leave campus without formally notifying the program office of your departure, no refund of unused room and board will be made after 4 p.m. on Friday.
A: If it is necessary for you to drop a course and you are unable to do so via Self-Service, please put your request in writing and email it to mahg@ashland.edu, or mail it to:
MAHG Program
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University
401 College Ave.
Ashland, OH 44805
Please note that all drop requests must be received prior to the deadlines noted above.
A: MAHG, MASTAHG and students admitted to take courses on a non-degree basis remain active students through three semesters of inactivity (summers included). No notice to our office is necessary if you expect to continue your studies within three semesters. When you are ready to resume classes, you may simply register at that time.
If you find you will be absent from the university for more than three semesters, please contact our office to let us know when you expect to resume your studies. Students absent for more than three semesters may be required to reapply for admission to the program.
Financial Aid
A: Visit the Graduate Financial Aid web page for complete information about graduate student loan options, including deadlines and requirements, and to begin the application process.
A: Ashland's Title IV code is 003012.
A: Yes. Only students pursuing the degree or graduate certificate may receive a Federal Direct Loan. Additionally, you must be enrolled at least half-time (three or more credit hours) in each semester you receive a loan. Be aware that reducing your course load after receiving loan funds may result in a recalculation of the maximum amount you can borrow. Overpayment made to a student as a result of a load reduction may require immediate repayment.
A: Students receiving federal financial aid must make Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible for Title IV aid. To meet Satisfactory Academic Progress expectations, graduate students must earn grades of C+ or higher for each course, maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 and successfully complete at least 66.67% of their cumulative attempted credits. Grades of F, W, I, IP or U are not considered satisfactory. Failing to complete degree requirements within 48 attempted credit hours (MAHG) or 54 attempted credit hours (MASTAHG) will render the student ineligible for further federal student aid.
Complete details can be found in the university's Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
Please note that the Satisfactory Academic Progress definition above is specific to financial aid eligibility. The MAHG and MASTAHG programs' definition of a student in good standing is higher than financial aid minimums.
A: While the amounts will vary, the books for each course will be approximately $100. You can find author, title and edition information in a course's syllabus. All titles are available at the Ashland University Campus Store, but you’re free to purchase books from the vendor of your choice.
Madison Fellowship
A:The James Madison Graduate Fellowship is a federally-sponsored program for current or future social studies teachers. The fellowship covers the full cost, up to $24,000, of graduate study leading to a master's degree in a field which will enhance the fellow's ability to teach the principles of the United States Constitution. Visit the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation website for details about eligibility.
A:Yes. Both M.A. programs fully meet the requirements of the Madison Foundation. We offer many courses which fulfill the program's constitutional study requirements. Many Madison Fellows have earned their master's degree at Ashland University and more than 60 are presently enrolled.
A:Yes. We have worked with many Madison Fellows and have some helpful insights for creating a successful application.
A:The Plan of Study form should be completed by the fellow and the programs director. Once you’ve been admitted to the university and have been awarded a Madison Fellowship, contact Chris Pascarella to discuss the Plan of Study.
We have worked with many Madison Fellows in the past and can offer extensive assistance in planning an acceptable course of study. Once complete, the program director and your academic advisor will sign your Plan of Study. We will then mail your Plan of Study directly to the Madison Foundation office.
Find step-by-step guidance for completing the Madison Plan of Study.
A: Follow the instructions on the Payment Request Form and submit the form.
Usernames and Web Resources
A: All students, both degree-seeking and non-degree, are issued a username and password for all of the university's various web-based systems. Instructions for obtaining your username and password will be provided with your admission letter. It’s important for you to know and remember your username and password because they provide access to these AU systems:
- Self-Service - Self-Service is Ashland's student information system where you can check grades, track your progress in the program, check account balances and make payments.
- Ashland University Student Email - Each student is issued a student email address, powered by Microsoft Outlook. Your email address is <your username>@ashland.edu.
- Blackboard - The Blackboard learning management system is used by online course instructors to provide supplemental course materials, submission of assignments and examinations.
- myAU Portal - Ashland University's online portal features news and information for students.
- Campus computers and networks - Use your username and password to log in to campus computer workstations and to connect your own laptop, tablet or smartphone to the campus WiFi network.
A: If you need to change your password, go to Ashland University's Self-Service password reset tool at pass.it.ashland.edu. First, follow the prompts to log in using your username and current password. Once you have logged in, you may change your password or enroll in the self-service reset tool.
ALL STUDENTS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO ENROLL IN THE SELF-SERVICE RESET TOOL. By doing so, you will create a series of challenge questions with answers only you would know. Should you forget your password in the future, you can reset it on your own without having to call the Ashland University IT Help Desk.
A: Yes. All students have an ashland.edu email address. Your email address is provided with your welcome packet at the time of admission. You may access your student email at https://outlook.office.com/mail/. Enter your Ashland University username and password and select "Sign In".
This is the university's official means of contacting you. Certain university communications, including those from the Financial Aid office and invoices from the Student Accounts office, are sent only to this address. If you do not expect to use it on a regular basis, set your ashland.edu mail to forward to your primary email address.
Summer Travel and Arrival Information
A: Ashland is located about one hour's drive from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) and the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK).
We offer a complimentary shuttle service between Ashland and the Cleveland airport ONLY. You are responsible for ground transportation from any other airport. The best way to get to campus from Columbus or Akron-Canton is by rental car.
A: If you want to use the shuttle service, book your flight several weeks prior to your planned arrival. Please schedule your arriving flight at CLE for Sunday prior to 2 p.m. Eastern Time and your departing flight for Friday after 5:30 p.m. We cannot guarantee shuttle service for flights scheduled outside of these times.
Please contact us prior to booking non-refundable flights for any time other than Sunday or Friday. If you MUST arrive or depart at a different day or time, you may have to stay overnight in a hotel near the airport at your own expense and take the shuttle during its regularly scheduled hours.
Once you’ve booked your travel arrangements, please send a copy of your itinerary to us at mahg@ashland.edu. Please include your name, city of departure, airline, flight number, time of arrival and a cell phone number. The shuttle schedule will be created based on all participants' arrival information. During the week before your session begins, you will receive the schedule by email with detailed instructions.
A: Ashland University is located in Ohio, roughly halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, off of Interstate 71. Take I-71 to Exit 186 (US 250) and head west into town. Follow the signs to the university.
For those using GPS devices or internet maps, check-in takes place at Senior Apartment Building A, located at 420 Samaritan Avenue, just east of King Road on the south side of campus.
A: Check-in takes place on Sunday between noon and 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Senior Apartment Building A (building 6 on the campus map).
Students who need to check in prior to noon on Sunday MUST make arrangements with us at mahg@ashland.edu AT LEAST one week in advance. Early arrival times are limited and cannot be guaranteed without prior arrangement.
A: Bring your books, photocopied course packet(s) and personal items. We will provide a basic blanket, sheets, towels, washcloths, a pillow and pillowcase. A laundry facility is available at no charge. Consider bringing a robe, drinking cups, hangers, laundry detergent, shampoo, soap and an alarm clock. Some students prefer to bring their own pillows and blanket or comforter.
On Campus
A: Yes. On-campus housing and meals are available on a week-to-week basis during the summer semester. This includes a double-occupancy air-conditioned room, basic linens and all meals from dinner Sunday through lunch on Friday.
A: Because of the intensive nature of each course, you are strongly encouraged to stay on campus during the week the course meets. Classes, meals, and the library are all within walking distance of campus housing. The campus dining and M.A. program staff take care of the logistics of your stay so you can focus solely on your studies without distraction.
On-campus housing is not required, however. Students who live within commuting distance of the university or who choose to make other living arrangements may live off campus during the week.
A: In most cases, M.A. students stay in double-occupancy air-conditioned apartment-style housing. Each apartment has two bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Two students are assigned to each bedroom; a total of four students per apartment. All apartments are fully furnished and feature a common living room, dining room, full kitchen and patio. Please notify us at mahg@ashland.edu at least one month before the start of classes with roommate requests or special needs.
A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional charge: in a traditional dormitory (Clayton Hall) with a private bath; and, a single room alone with private bath within a two bedroom apartment.
A: Ashland University's Rybolt Sports Sciences and Recreation Center is available for your use during the week. The Rec Center features a 5,000-square-foot fitness center with weight room, lap swimming pool and diving well, whirlpool, racquetball courts, climbing wall, basketball, indoor track, game room and more.
A: Yes. Computers are available throughout the library, in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center (building 24 on the campus map), and in the Ashbrook Center. All campus computers have access to the internet and Microsoft Office and are connected to printers.
You are welcome to bring your own laptop or tablet computer to campus. Ethernet and WiFi are available in all campus residential facilities. WiFi is also available in all classroom buildings, the library and most student dining and lounge areas on campus. Technical support for connecting to the campus network is available from Ashland's Information Technology Help Desk on the MyAU portal.
A: Students in the M.A. program may get an EagleCard, Ashland's student identification card, in the EagleCard Office located on the Lower Level of the John C. Myers Convocation Center (building 32 on the campus map).
A: Yes, you are welcome to stay on campus for the Friday and Saturday night between classes. There is no charge for the weekend stay. You must make your request in advance by contacting us at mahg@ashland.edu. No meal service is available between lunch on Friday and dinner on Sunday evening. Several fast food and casual dining restaurants are located within walking distance of campus.
Online Courses
A:Participants are responsible for supplying the following items:
- A relatively recent PC, Mac, Chromebook or iOS or Android mobile device.
- A broadband internet connection.
- A webcam.
- A headset with a microphone is required. This helps minimize the possibility of audio feedback and background noise.
- A current version of Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Apple Safari is recommended.
Additionally, participants may need administrator privileges on the computer they plan to use. In certain cases, you may be required to download plug-ins or updates to your software which are required to run WebEx. If you are using a computer from your employer's IT department, please verify in advance that your computer is capable of running the necessary software.
A: The Master of Arts in American History and Government (MAHG) degree cannot be completed entirely online. Degree-seeking students in MAHG are required to complete at least 16 hours of the program in residence during summer sessions.
The Master of Arts with a Specialization in Teaching American History and Government (MASTAHG) degree program can be completed entirely online. MASTAHG students have the option to take some or all of their courses on campus.
A: Yes. The WebEx Meeting Center module is supported by the WebEx apps for iOS and Android devices. The tablet apps (iPad and Android tablets) feature nearly all of the functionality of the PC/Mac version. Please note that the experience on a Windows PC or Mac will be more complete than that of any mobile device.
Please be aware that videoconferencing entails substantial data use. You are solely responsible for any data charges associated with the class.
Low-end Android devices may lack sufficient processing power to handle the demands of videoconferencing.
A: As in a traditional course at Ashland, discussion between students and professors is the essence of a online class. Participation is expected at all sessions. We strongly encourage you to consider upcoming obligations prior to registering for classes.
If you know of a conflict prior to registration that will make it difficult or impossible to attend all class meetings, you should NOT register for that course. If, after the start of the semester, a medical, family or other emergency occurs that makes it impossible for you to attend a class meeting, contact the course instructor and the teaching assistant prior to missing class. If the emergency circumstances make it impossible to make contact prior to missing class, please contact the instructor and the TA as soon as possible.
In the event of an unanticipated internet access failure or other computer-related outage, you can still participate by phone. Instructions for participation via phone are included in the weekly reminder email from messenger@webex.com. Additionally, WebEx is supported on most smartphones and tablets, including two-way video and audio. Students who are traveling may still be able to attend class via a mobile device.
A student who misses class without explanation may be withdrawn from the course without a tuition refund. Students with valid excused absences who miss two or more class meetings (three or more class meetings of a twice-weekly course during the fall or spring semesters) may be withdrawn but may be eligible for a pro-rated refund of tuition. See the Graduate Catalog for details of the refund policy.
A: Yes. To access the library's research databases, go to the Library homepage. Search for the journal or database you wish to use, then select the appropriate link to access the resource. You will be taken to an authentication screen. Enter your last name and your seven-digit Ashland University student number. Do not use your Ashland University username or password. Complete instructions are available on the library's website.
Getting Help
A: Your academic advisor is the best resource for questions about academic progress and course selection. You were assigned an advisor at the time of admission and the advisor's name
A: To log in, go to selfservice.ashland.edu. Select "Log In" in the upper right corner. Enter your Ashland username and password and select "Submit."
A: Address general questions not related to your personal academic progress to Chris Pascarella at cpascare@ashland.edu or 419-289-5608.
A: Yes. The Writing and Communication Center is available to students enrolled in the MAHG program. Graduate Writing Consultation can help reacquaint you with the academic style of writing and provide assistance developing skills in written communication. While they don’t provide proofreading or editing services, consultants will provide suggestions for improving structure, grammar and punctuation. To learn more or schedule an appointment, email wcc@ashland.edu. You may also refer to Purdue University's well-regarded Online Writing Lab.
A: The university and the M.A. program take matters of academic integrity seriously. All students are expected to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Ashland University Graduate Catalog. Students accused of academic dishonesty may face failure on the assignment, the course or dismissal from the program.
You are STRONGLY encouraged to familiarize yourself with the correct procedures for citation and use of sources. The Writing and Communication Center offers many excellent resources on research, writing, citation and use of sources. You may find additional information on citations and the proper use of sources at the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.
After Class
A: Grades are ONLY available via Self-Service, the university's student information system. Neither your professors nor the program office can release grades over the phone or via email.
A: Grades will be posted on Self-Service within two weeks of the end of fall/spring courses; within four weeks of the end of summer courses.
A: Request official transcripts from the Ashland University Registrar's Office.
A: Contact a professor who is familiar with your work. We encourage you to discuss recommendations with your academic advisor. Please be aware that faculty members are not obligated to provide recommendation letters.
Graduation
A: Track your degree progress on Self-Service. After logging in to Self-Service, select the Student Planning option on the Home page. Choose “Go to My Progress”.
The university has a series of training videos available for Self-Service's Student Planning module.
A: Complete the university's Application for Graduation. Here are the deadlines for application:
- August graduates (summer completion): July 31
- December graduates (fall completion): Nov. 1
- May graduates (spring completion): April 1
M.A. students should apply for graduation when they begin their thesis or capstone project or when they schedule and prepare for their comprehensive examination. Delaying registration for graduation may result in the assessment of a late fee. Additional information is available on the Registrar's Graduation & Commencement page.