Search F.A.Q.

Audience Categories

Content Categories


Frequently Asked Questions

Independent Study

What is the difference between Independent Study and Online courses?
Independent Study courses are print-based, correspondence courses. You will complete all work on your own using a course guide for guidance and mailing the work to the instructor. Most Independent Study courses have at least one exam that must be proctored (additional information about Testing). Instructors may have specific due dates for assignments and exams. These courses also have a built in extension time, so you have about six months to complete course requirements, provided that you have met all assignment deadlines set by the instructor. Online courses are accessed using the Internet and allow for electronic submission of assignments, although some Online courses require at least one proctored examination (for more information see “Testing” section below). You will consult the course website in place of a course guide, although you will still need to order textbooks and other materials. These courses run for either 8 (Summer) or 16 (Fall and Spring) weeks with no extensions. Online courses contain deadlines within the semester for completion of assignments and exams.
How long do I have to complete my course?
All of our courses begin at the same time as regular on-campus classes.
  • Fall – Mid-August
  • Spring – Mid-January
  • Summer – Early-June
Online courses must be completed by the end of the regular on-campus semester (16 weeks for Fall and Spring, 8 weeks for Summer). All materials are due to the instructor by Monday of on-campus finals week.

Independent Study courses have a built in extension – provided that you have met all interim deadlines set by the instructor – so that you have about 6 months to complete the course. The final deadlines are;
  • March 1 for Fall
  • August 1 for Spring
  • Decemberfor Summer of each year.

If you are graduating or need your grade at the end of the semester, all materials will need to be turned in by Monday of on-campus finals week.
How do I check what courses are being offered next semester?
All course offerings will be available online only through Course Search on STARS. You may access Course Search from the Registrar’s website.