FAQs about Studying at Thomas Edison State College

Thomas Edison State College is designed exclusively for adult learners. We offer courses in convenient formats that fit into your life, no matter where you live or work. And we offer innovative ways for you to earn academic credit, so you can complete your degree without sacrificing your personal and professional responsibilities.

Some details:

• Are courses offered in different formats?
• What is myEdison?
• When do classes start?
• May I start at any time?
• What student services are available online?
• Where do I get my books?
• How do I register for classes?
• How can I raise my TESC GPA?

Are courses offered in different formats?
Yes. Thomas Edison State College has developed courses in a wide range of formats for adult learners to fit several types of learning styles. The College offers online courses; guided independent study programs; online e-Pack® courses; examination programs such as TECEP®; and Prior Learning Assessment courses that enable students to demonstrate they possess college-level knowledge that has been acquired outside a classroom. Learn more.

What is myEdison?
myEdison is the online portal through which current students access their accounts, register for classes, log on for courses, check on their assignments and grades, and so on, utilizing the Blackboard format. It’s part of what makes it possible to study anytime, anywhere.

When do classes start?
For undergraduates, new terms start every month. For graduate students, our programs begin on one of four start dates. Learn more.

May I start at any time?
Undergraduates may enroll any month of the year. Graduate programs begin quarterly.

What student services are available online?
Several student services are available online. These include advising, financial aid, enrolling and registering for classes, and purchasing books. More about student services.

Where do I get my books?
Books can be purchased from MBS Direct, our full-service, online bookstore, and it’s never been easier. Of course, you can also use the New Jersey State Library.

How do I register for classes?
To enroll, select the tuition plan that fits your plans. Once you pay your tuition, you will have access to myEdison, our online course management system, through which you may register for courses at any time. Access our Enrollment Page.

How can I raise my TESC GPA?
Effective September 1, 2008, the Thomas Edison State College GPA will be based solely on graded credits earned through Thomas Edison State College coursework; regardless of when these credits were earned and regardless of whether the course is used to fulfill a degree requirement. Only grades which reflect earned credits (A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, and D) will be used to calculate the official Thomas Edison State College GPA. Courses with grades of F, U, W, I, IF, NC or any other symbol indicating no credit are not recorded on the transcript, nor will they be calculated into the GPA.

How can students raise their GPA under the new policies? You may improve the Thomas Edison State College GPA in three ways:

1. Take the same course at another institution, earning a higher grade and transferring the course to TESC. If you plan to take the same course from another institution, we suggest you get the course approved by an academic advisor at Thomas Edison State College to ensure it is equivalent. If you do not get the course approved, there is a possibility that it may not be equivalent and will not be able to be used to improve your GPA.
2. Take the same course at Thomas Edison State College and earning at least a "C" grade or by earning the credits by examination, TECEP, CLEP, DANTES.
3. Take other Thomas Edison State College graded credit courses and earning a "B" or better to offset the "C-"or "D" grade(s).

Students must have a 2.0 or above GPA to graduate or any additional standard required by their school. If you have any questions about raising your GPA, please contact the Thomas Edison State College Academic Advisement Center at 888-442-8372.