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School of Diplomacy and International Relations
Students

Diplomacy Online Studies

Under the leadership of the Director of Online Studies, Online Teacher of the Year – the education you experience online at the School of Diplomacy and International Relations features the same high-quality instruction, covers the same topics and are taught by the same award-winning faculty as our on-campus programs. Our instructors who teach online also receive additional training for successful online instruction to ensure that you receive the best educational experience possible.  Our online learning programs are supported by a full range of student services, including online registration, advisement, financial aid, library resources, campus ministry and career services.

Online Learning Experience

When you study online you benefit from the flexibility and convenience of being able to access your courses from any Internet-enabled device, whether it is your computer, tablet or smartphone. 

Your learning experience is powered by: 

A DYNAMIC ONE STOP SHOP | PirateNet is the University's digital gateway through which you can access email, your courses, register for classes, view grades, review financial aid, launch Microsoft Office 365 programs, and so much more. 
 
INTERACTIVE ENGAGEMENT |  Our faculty make online courses an immersive and interactive experience using a wide variety of digital multimedia tools, including Canvas, Microsoft Teams and more. 

MENTORSHIP AND ACCESS TO CAMPUS-WIDE SERVICES | Personal attention is at the heart of the Diplomacy student experience, and we are committed to providing you the same services our on-campus students enjoy. Your Diplomacy advisor can guide you in making program related decisions based on your interests and goals, exploring supplemental course content, and connecting with academic as well as professional resources to support your success. Utilizing our mentorship and campus services will enrich and expand your learning experience.  

TECHNICAL SUPPORT | Our technical advisors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to assist you and ensure that your online experience is both smooth and effective.

NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | Joining our community means you will have access to content and guidance vetted by our internship and career development staff, specifically for students of international relations. Advance your career by connecting with this team to engage with our professional career platform, participate in workshops as well as one-on-one consultations, and network with our global alumni family.  

Technology: Getting Started and Getting Help

Seton Hall's Department of Information Technology provides technology tools, resources and support services for the University community. Our getting started with technology guide will introduce you to PirateNet, and the technology tools you'll need to hit the ground running: https://www.shu.edu/technology/getting-started-with-technology.cfm. 

 The following tutorial videos may also prove useful:

Our Teaching Learning and Technology Center (TLTC) offers classes and events viewable on our University calendar. 

Have Technology Questions?  Visit our technology support page and your results will cover both our Knowledgebase and Service Catalog.  

Need Technology Assistance? The first point of contact for any technology related issue is the Technology Service Desk. The Service Desk is available 24/7 by phone at (973) 275-2222. You can also request support by e-mailing servicedesk@shu.edu. 

Registration 

Class registration is completed through the University's digital gateway, Canvas. To access registration, login to PirateNet and select Portal. In the navigation, click Academics, then Registration Tools, and Add or Drop Classes. Follow the prompts to Select Term (e.g. Fall 2019), Enter PIN (see below), Enter CRN (unique course number), and Submit Changes.  

New incoming graduate students will receive a registration PIN and relevant information from the School of Diplomacy's Office of Graduate Admissions, following the confirmation of their seat in the program. Learn more about next steps for admitted students.  If you require additional assistance, please email diplomat@shu.edu or call (973) 275-2142.

Current students will be provided with updates on PIN numbers, registration and advising schedules on a semester basis through the School's E-News newsletter and direct messages from the department delivered to their Seton Hall e-mail account. Additional advising information can be found here.

Get Involved 

Diplomacy 
Online students are encouraged to get involved in the life of the Diplomacy school by participating in projects and research related to their interests, student organizations and professional development activities, or, serving as student writers, social media ambassadors and more. The School welcomes outreach from students with new engagement ideas and suggestions. 

Diplomacy Research Centers: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/centers-research.cfm
Student Life: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/student-life.cfm 
Career Services: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/careers.cfm
Faculty Directory: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/faculty.cfm 
Diplomacy Staff Directory: https://www.shu.edu/diplomacy/staff.cfm 

Seton Hall
The University boasts a wide variety of student organizations, annual conferences and events. 

Student Organizations: https://www.shu.edu/student-organizations/ 
Online Resources: https://www.shu.edu/health-intervention-communication/student-organizations-online-resources.cfm 
University Calendar: https://events.shu.edu/ 
Petersheim Academic Exposition: https://www.shu.edu/petersheim/ 
Conference on Women and Gender: https://www.shu.edu/events-and-conferences/womens-conference.html 

University Learning Resources

Frequently Asked Questions 

We hope that the following provides you with immediate feedback regarding some of the most frequently asked questions by online students. If your question is not covered below, please contact the School's Director of Online Studies or the Technology Service Desk for additional support

  1. When do online courses start?
    They start the same time as the regular semester.  See the academic calendar.
  2. How long do online courses run and are they offered on a semester-basis?
    They run for ten weeks during fall and spring semesters.  Summer sessions run for six weeks.
  3. Do online courses feature the same breaks as the rest of the university?
    Online classes try as much as possible to align holidays with the rest of the semester, although because the run time is shorter, they do not necessarily get the same number of breaks.  However, breaks such as Spring Break or Thanksgiving break are generally incorporated.
  4. How are the courses taught?
    Online courses are generally taught asynchronously. This means that students can access material and do the work all at their own pace. While the content of the course differs depending on the instructor, most use a combination of PowerPoint slides, video and film, blogs and discussion boards in their courses.
  5. What medium is used for online courses?
    The School uses both Canvas and Microsoft Teams. While Canvas is the main medium that houses the course, faculty also use Microsoft Teams to communicate with students via video chat, livestream, and for student projects.
  6. What skills do you expect online students to have?
    Online students should at minimum have some web browsing skills, know how to use a computer and have familiarity with the internet. 
  7. How can I attend office hours in an online course?
    Faculty have virtual office hours and you can also schedule a meeting with the professor outside of this, depending on your availability and time. Meetings are generally held via Microsoft Teams, but professors use Skype as well. 
  8. Where can I get technology assistance if I am running into difficulties with my online class?  Canvas has tutorials that students can use. These tutorials are a combination of text and video demonstrations that you can do to familiarize yourself with the Canvas environment. Additionally, students can also get assistance through calling the Technology and Learning Teaching Centre and speak to live operators. 
  9. When will I receive the class syllabus?
    These tend to be posted to the Canvas the weekend before class commences; however, you can always reach out to the professors ahead of time, and they can send it to you.
  10. How/where should I access books?
    Most faculty use a mix of books, articles, videos and podcast. Articles will be made accessible to you on Canvas and some books have content that can be accessed online, either through the library or online formats sold on amazon. Students can also rent books, and/or order their books through online stores such as Amazon and Addall.com.
  11. Can I register as a part-time vs. full-time student?
    Yes.  Part-time enrollment consists of 2-6 credits (or 1-2 courses) and full-time status consists of 9-12 credits (or 3-4 courses).  The enrollment status would affect the time required for completion.  The certificate requires that you complete five courses total.  The Master's program requires that you complete 10 courses total.
  12. What kind of class work is involved in online courses; do I have to complete a test or final paper?  
    Online course requirements may vary by professor – weekly assignments, online peer reviews and final research papers are common.
  13. What are the available online specializations for the master's degree programs? 
    Online graduate specialization options include: Africa, Global Health and Human Security, Global Negotiation and Conflict Management, International Economics and Development, International Law and Human Rights and Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability.  Candidates are required to select one specialization (populated with three courses).  In addition, the program electives can be bundled to form a second specialization.
  14. How can I engage with the School virtually?
    Online students are encouraged to schedule one-on-one phone/virtual appointments with their advisor, professor, visiting practitioners, professional directors, current students and more.  Online students can also monitor E-NEWS and the School's social media channels for upcoming event opportunities that include live streaming or follow-up recordings. Online students also have access to resources to improve learning outcomes. Virtual chat sessions can be held with librarians, while the writing center also offers remote assistance and review of student papers for grammar and other issues.
  15. How do I keep track of my progress? 
    Candidates are encouraged to populate their audit program worksheets (graduation application form to be accompanied by the program worksheet (signed by the advisor).
  16. Can I transfer online certificate courses to the online master's program?
    Yes, certificate courses can be transferred to the master's program, as long as they are properly allocated under the curriculum requirements.   A separate graduate application would be required.  
  17. How do I obtain a student ID?  
    Please contact the Campus ID staff to inquire if a card can be produced remotely.
  18. How do I view my student account?
    Please access PirateNet portal to view your profile and other functional applications for daily use.
  19. How do I view my bill?
    Your statement is populated on a semester basis and it is viewable through your student account.  For tuition and fees information here.