WDT Online-Frequently Asked Questions
How can I request more information?
Can I earn an accredited degree online at Western Dakota Tech?
Is earning an online college degree right for me?
How do online courses work?
How do I apply for admission?
How do I order a computer through WDT?
Do I have to be online at a certain time each day or week?
Is financial aid available?
What type of technical support is available?
What career experience does the WDT faculty bring?
Does WDT Online offer Career Services?
How do I get started?
How do I log into my online classes?
How can I request more information?
If you are interested in learning more about WDT Online, please fill out our Information Request Form and we will send information immediately. If you don’t want to wait, you can call and speak with an Admissions Specialist at (605) 718-2565 or (800) 544-8765. You also can send an email to admissions@wdt.edu.
Can I earn an accredited degree online at WDT?
Yes! WDT has earned the right to be Regionally Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). This benefits you in numerous ways, including knowing you are receiving a quality education. In addition, all of WDT Online’s degrees are the same as the degrees completed by our on-campus students.
Is earning an online college degree right for me?
WDT Online classes allow you to do your coursework when it is most convenient for you to accommodate your other responsibilities.
Earning a college degree online from Western Dakota Tech is a great way to broaden your career opportunities without having to sacrifice that all-important time away from your family, job, or other activities.
How do online courses work?
In online courses, students "attend" class by accessing the class web pages and completing assignments according to the class schedule. Students communicate regularly with the instructor and classmates via email and online discussion forums.
Online students sign into BlackBoard, our online learning environment. Everything that is needed to complete an online class is located in Blackboard.
Each instructor runs their online classes differently. Generally, all assignments, quizzes, tests, and discussion posts have submission dates and deadlines that must be followed.
It is very important to maintain contact with your instructors. It’s your responsibility to let them know if you do not understand a lesson plan or if you are unable to submit an assignment on time.
How do I apply for admission?
If a WDT Online program sounds like a step in the right direction please complete the following admissions steps.
- Step 1: Complete the online admissions application.
- Step 2: Pay $20 application fee. The application fee may be submitted one of three ways:
- Online: Submit credit card information on the online application
- By Mail: 800 Mickelson Drive, Rapid City, SD 57703
- In person: Please visit the WDT campus at the above address
- Step 3: Obtain a copy of your high school transcript or GED, and official transcripts from any other post-secondary school. You must contact the school directly.
- Step 4: Complete the COMPASS placement test. The COMPASS test may be waived if you meet one of the following requirements:
- You have an ACT score of 18 or higher. ACT test must have been taken in the past 5 years.
- You have an SAT of 860 or higher. SAT test must have been taken in the past 5 years.
- You have completed 35 post-secondary credits with a 2.5 GPA or higher.
- If you need to take the COMPASS test, you can schedule to take it at the WDT campus or at any location that offers that exact test. To locate a COMPASS testing site near you, please visit: www.act.org/compass/sites/index.html.
- Step 5: After all of the above steps are completed, you will be accepted into Western Dakota Tech! With your acceptance letter, you will receive a confirmation letter that must be completed and returned within 10 days with a $35 non-refundable confirmation fee. This form and fee will confirm your spot in the program.
WDT's Admissions staff is here to help you through the admissions process. If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Renee Fearon by e-mail or by calling (605) 718-2412 or (800) 544-8765 Ext. 2412. Renee will be more than happy to help you in any way she can!
How do I order a computer through WDT?
Learn more about WDT's laptop program at the laptop program webpage.
Do I have to be online at a certain time each day or week?
No, but while you are working toward your college degree online, you are expected to stay on schedule with assignments, and log in multiple times per week. Some classes may have several due dates each week; others may require work once per week, but you have the flexibility of choosing the time of day or night you want to log on to the Internet and work on an assignment.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. There is a financial aid program to suit almost every need. WDT is here to make this process easy to understand and as stress free as possible. WDT has a knowledgeable Financial Aid staff who will work with you to clarify scholarship opportunities, help with required paperwork, and make sure you get the maximum assistance for which you qualify.
What type of technical support is available?
Tech support is available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (605) 394-5355. After hours, support can be requested by submitting a trouble ticket or by leaving a message at (605) 394-5355. Our Information Services staff is dedicated to handling all issues that arise.
What career experience does the WDT faculty bring?
WDT's online faculty are highly qualified. Instructors bring real-world educational experiences to the classroom, which exposes students to the most current industry standards and practices in their field of study. Instructors are readily available by email or through your class to answer questions and provide direction whenever you need it.
Does WDT Online offer Career Services?
Yes. At WDT, your future is our business, and so is your career search preparation. Our Career Services Office is dedicated to the future success of each graduate. Our Career Services staff will teach you the skills necessary to present yourself in a polished and professional manner and, upon completion of your college degree online, will assist you with locating job opportunities in your field of study.
How do I get started?
If you are ready to begin the journey toward a better career by earning an accredited college degree online with WDT, please fill out our Information Request Form, and we will send information immediately. If you don’t want to wait, you can call and speak with an Admissions Specialist at (605) 718-2565 or (800) 544-8765. You also can send an email to admissions@wdt.edu.
How do I log into my online classes?
You log in at the Blackboard log-in page.