Students often find that supplementing their "on campus" Ball State courses with Distance Learning over the summer is an option that seems to work well with their plans for completing degrees. It's important to plan ahead and gather information when you are investigating any distance education options to be sure that they will fulfill your academic needs. The Online and Distance Education Office is the central area of the University offering options for off-campus or distance learning, independent learning, and internet degree programs.
When thinking about or considering summer options for online courses, most students are thinking about taking a course on the internet while away from campus and having an independent experience, somewhat self-paced and self-directed, with guidance and grading from a teacher. These courses usually fall into the category of Independent Learning courses, available on a 10-week option or a 9-month option. Courses are also offered with other methods of online delivery. Internet degree programs are also available. Make sure you ask questions (your advisor or Distance and Online Learning at 765-285-1581) if you are not clear on how to select the course offering or the link to select when registering.
Consulting with your advisor before registering for these courses is recommended to make sure your course is appropriate for your program. Students need to be aware also that Online and Distance Education courses can be combined with their summer on-campus courses for "block" payment in the 12 to 18 hour fee range. Otherwise, tuition for these courses is figured on a per credit hour fee. The updated fees and tuition rates for courses are available on the Office of the Bursar Website.
Summer registration for Online and Distance courses is separate from summer registration for on campus classes, and the procedure is quite different from the on campus process. To access the online registration form for Distance and Online courses, look under the Registration Tab on the Ball State Services for Current Students page and select, "Students Taking Online and Distance Courses." To see available summer courses, look under Course Tools and select "Courses Offered: Online and Distance." Registration for summer courses online begins February 20.