UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY

Independent and Distance Education
Logan, Utah

Utah State University (USU) was founded in 1888 as part of the public educational system of Utah and operates under the constitution and laws of the state. It belongs to the family of institutions known as land-grant universities, which had their origin in 1862. USU is governed by the State Board of Regents and accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools.

USU integrates teaching, research, extension, and service to meet its unique role as Utah's land-grant university.

Distance Learning Program

USU Extension Services is an integral part of USU's outreach mission. Extension's Independent and Distance Education division provides educational opportunities for time- and place-bound students who are not able to come to the campus to attend classes.

Independent and Distance Education offers several bachelor's and master's degree programs via interactive broadcast and a master's degree over the Internet. Many other interactive broadcast, Internet-based, and independent-study CD-ROM courses are offered.

USU is one of the leading institutions in the United States for its off-campus programs.

Delivery Media

Independent and Distance Education is made up of three program delivery units: interactive broadcast (satellite, video teleconferencing), online, and independent study.

Interactive broadcast degree programs are offered at USU education centers and are only available to Utah students. Online courses are designed for access any time of the day or night. Online students submit assignments electronically and interact with their instructors and classmates via e-mail and online discussions.

Students who register for independent study courses receive a CDROM or printed course outline at registration. Independent study students mail in assignments, take proctored examinations, and may contact their instructors by phone or e-mail.

Programs of Study

Independent and Distance Education offers several interactive broadcast degrees to students in Utah. An online Master of Science degree in English with a specialization in technical writing is available to students anywhere.

The graduate technical writing degree program is designed mainly to help practicing professional writers advance their careers, and most students in the program are employed full-time as writers in nonacademic workplaces. Some students in the program may be considering careers that involve both practicing and teaching technical writing, but the program is oriented toward educating the practicing specialist and does not focus on pedagogical issues.

Student Services

Student services available to distance learners include access to the University bookstore, Library Support System for Distance Learners, and the Academic Resource Center. For more information on student services available to distance learners, prospective students should visit the Web site at http://extension.usu.edu.

Credit Options

Credit earned through USU Independent and Distance Education is measured in semester units and is transferable to most colleges and universities in the U.S. Students who plan to transfer credit should make arrangements with the transfer institution prior to registration.

Faculty

The majority of Independent and Distance Education instructors are USU faculty members; many are leading researchers in their field. Independent and Distance Education faculty members recognize that the needs of individuals are of major importance; programs have been established to give students optimal individual attention.

Admission

Non-degree-seeking students do not need to be admitted to enroll in Independent and Distance Education courses. Degree-seeking students must apply for admission. Admission requirements are program specific and may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office at 435-797-1079. Prospective students may complete an application for admission online at http://www.usu.edu/admissions.

Tuition and Fees

For tuition and fee information, prospective students should visit the Web site at http://extension.usu.edu.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for distance education students. Utah State University participates in the following financial aid programs: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), LEAAP Grants, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Work-Study, Federal Stafford Loans, Plus Loans, scholarships, and emergency loans. For more information, prospective students should contact the financial aid office at435-797-0173 or visit the Web site at http://www.usu.edu/finaid/.

Applying

Students working toward any of the degree programs offered through Independent and Distance Education must be admitted to the University. Prospective students may complete an application for admission online at http://www.usu.edu/admissions or request a printed application by contacting the Admissions Office at435-797-1129 or toll-free at 800-488-8108.

CONTACT

Independent and Distance Education
5055 Old Main Hill
Utah State University
Logan, Utah 84322-3080
Phone: 800-233-2137 (toll-free)
Fax: 435-797-1399
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: http://extension.usu.edu