Distance Education
Frequently Asked Questions
The Basics
What is it like to take an online course?
How do I know if online learning is right for me?
Do I need to own a computer to take online classes?
What online programs are offered at SOU?
Do I have to be working towards a degree to take classes online?
Getting Started
How much will my education cost?
Is financial aid available to online students?
Will my previous coursework transfer?
For All Students
What courses are offered online?
How and when do I register for courses?
What library services are available to online students?
How do I access online course materials?
The Basics
The term distance education is used to describe formal learning activities that occur when the student and instructor are separated by time and geographic location. Distance education courses can be delivered in a variety of formats, but you will see two main delivery methods used at SOU:
- Fully Online- All instruction occurs online so you can take the course from the convenience of your home, school, office, etc. These courses are delivered on Blackboard, our campus course management system. You access course content and resources, participate in discussions, submit assignments, and interact with the instructor and your classmates on Blackboard.
- Hybrid- A hybrid course is a combination of on-site or two-way video meetings and online course work. Some hybrid courses meet every other week while others meet only at the beginning and end of the term. When you register for a hybrid course, you will be informed of the specific meeting dates so you can plan accordingly.
What is it like to take an online course at SOU?
Online courses allow you to complete your coursework 24 hours a day, seven days a week via the internet. At SOU, online courses are delivered on Blackboard, our campus course management system. You can access the syllabus, course content and resources, lectures, and assignments on Blackboard. Additionally, you can participate in online discussions, submit assignments, take exams, and complete course evaluations online. To see an example of an online course site on Blackboard, visit the Demo Course.
SOU operates on a quarter system, which means online courses span an 11-week term. So, while you have access to your course site at any time of day, you will work at a pace determined by your instructor.
How do I know if online learning is right for me?
Determine if online learning is the best fit for your learning style and your lifestyle. Try the following survey at http://www.cod.edu/dept/cil/cil_surv.htm to help you determine if online learning is for you.
Do I have to own a computer to take online courses?
Owning a computer is not a requirement, but having regular access to a computer for extended amounts of time is necessary. You need reliable high-speed internet access so you can participate on Blackboard and check your student email account regularly.
What online programs are offered at SOU?
We offer a variety of online programs. More information is available at the Programs and Degrees page.
Do I have to be working towards a degree to take classes online?
No, you do not have to be working towards a degree to take online classes at SOU. However, your degree-seeking status may affect your financial aid eligibility.
Getting Started
If you wish to apply to one of our degree completion programs, you must complete an Application for Admission before you can register for online courses. We recommend using the Distance Education Student Checklist to guide you through the application process to your first day of classes.
If you just wish to take a course from SOU, you must complete the Application for Non-Admitted Students before you can register for online courses.
How much will my education cost?
Tuition for online courses is the same for Oregon and out-of-state residents. SOU charges course fees instead of tuition for online courses. You can find costs for each online course listed on the Class Schedule and Fees page.
Is financial aid available to online students?
Once you have been formally admitted to SOU, you can receive financial aid consideration. Your eligibility amount depends on the number of credit hours for which you are enrolled. Undergraduates must be enrolled for 6 credits to receive partial aid consideration and 12 credits for full aid consideration. Visit the SOU Financial Aid Office for additional information.
Will my previous coursework transfer?
Previous coursework can be applied towards your SOU degree as long as the work is from an accredited community college or university. To have your transcripts reviewed please contact the advisor for your program of interest. You can also review our current transfer equivalency information to assist you in locating articulated (matching) courses between SOU and community colleges.
For All Students
What courses are offered online?
Courses offered online vary each quarter. Visit the Class Schedule and Fees section of our website for more information. You can also search the SOU Class Schedule. Fully online and hybrid courses are listed in green text on the SOU Class Schedule.
How and when do I register for courses?
Currently enrolled and readmitted, former students are eligible to register according to the prioritized schedules listed in Enrollment Service's Registration Timetables . You may register for classes using SISWeb, which is easily accessible through MySOU. We recommend you contact your advisor before registering for courses. If you are a junior or senior, you will not be able to register until you have talked with your advisor.
What library services are available to online students?
SOU online students have access to thousands of online articles and journals through Hannon Library.
How do I access online course materials?
Course materials for each SOU online class are available on Blackboard. Blackboard is available through MySOU.
Your Blackboard account name is the same as your SOU network account name. If you do not know your network account name, go MySOU and select the "Students- Activate Your Account" link. Fill in the information on the form to receive your username.
If you have forgotten your password, go to MySOU and click the "Forgot your password?" link. Follow the prompts to reset your password. A message will be sent to the e-mail account you have listed in Blackboard, giving you instructions and a link to create a new password.