Independent Study vs Directed Study
The University offers accredited distance education degree programs in business, education, law, and taxation. It employs two learning modalities in the delivery of educational services. Programs offer either an Independent Study or Directed Study modality.
In all cases, highly experienced and academically qualified faculty members are assigned to courses to provide assistance, individual guidance, and meaningful feedback.
Students are provided with login information to the University ’s online learning platform, which provides access to course syllabi and a list of required and recommended course materials for the program. The learning platform also allows for online submission of assignments, retrieval of grades and feedback from the faculty, and access to discussion boards.
University programs emphasize learning that is meaningful, where individuals enjoy the learning process, and acquire knowledge to better understand and manage their own careers.
Independent Study
Independent Study recognizes that education can be an individual process where students with different learning needs and study schedules can be accommodated. As such, Independent Study is the most flexible option for busy professionals with varied working and family schedules. Students enrolling in Independent Study programs may work independently at their own pace. Students submit assignments and retrieve feedback from faculty, completing courses within the time limits of the 8-week session.
Title IV Federal Financial Aid cannot be used to cover the costs of this learning modality. However, the University has established interest free payment plans that permit a student to make monthly cash payments to cover the cost of their education. Students may begin a program offered in the Independent Study at the start of any 8-week session, or six times per year, as outlined on our Academic Calendar.
Directed Study
The Directed Study programs are offered in a more structured format with cohort groups and require regular and substantive interaction with faculty. The cohort format allows for meaningful interaction with other professionals and faculty in a group context. Students are required to participate in weekly discussion boards to meet attendance and the academic requirements of the program.
A student may use Title IV Financial Aid to cover the cost of this learning modality, as they are eligible. New students may begin study three times a year, at the start of each semester, as outlined on our Academic Calendar.
Independent Study vs Directed Study
| Independent Study | Directed study | |
|---|---|---|
| Highly credentialed faculty with real world experience | X | X |
| Nationally recognized curriculum that addresses contemporary workplace issues | X | X |
| Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) | X | X |
| Facilitated courses designed to fit in your busy life | X | X |
| New students may begin enrollment at the start of any semester (three times per year) | X | X |
| New students may begin a program six times per year, at the start of an 8-week term | X | |
| Weekly reading and assignments | X | X |
| Weekly discussion board participation required | X | |
| Affordable tuition rates (tuition rates are the same regardless of modality) | X | X |
| No classroom or residency requirements | X | X |
| Federal financial aid available to cover 100% of tuition & fees to those who qualify | X | |
| Interest-free payment plans available | X | X |