DistEdBanner_C
Online and Distance Education
Carmichael Hall, Room 200
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306

Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday-Friday
Phone: 1-800-872-0369 or 765-285-1581
Fax: 765-285-7161
E-mail: distance@bsu.edu

Independent Learning Admissions Process

To take independent learning courses, you must register after you've been admitted to the university. What's the difference between admission and registration? Registration is the process of signing up for courses, i.e. scheduling for courses. Admission is the process of applying to and being considered for acceptance at an university, i.e. getting in. So you must get in before you can schedule to take a class. Here's how to apply to Ball State's Independent Learning Program:

New undergraduate students
You may apply for admission online through the School of Extended Education. Learn more about the admission requirements.

Current Ball State students
If you are currently taking classes on our main campus in Muncie, you do not need to complete a separate admission application. You just need to complete a registration form for the courses you want to take.

Previous Ball State students
If you have previously been admitted to the university but have not attended in more than two semesters, you will need to complete an admission application in order to update and/or reactive your records.  

High school students
With the approval of the high school principal or guidance counselor, high school seniors may enroll in some university-level courses for credit. E-mail the Independent Learning Program office for further information.

Graduate students
If you have already completed a bachelor's degree and do not plan on pursuing a second undergraduate degree, you will need to complete a graduate application. How long it takes to get admitted depends on several factors. The most common delay is caused by the university waiting to receive transcripts from your previous institutions. Consult the Graduate School's Web site for further information.

Once you are admitted to the university, you will be sent a Ball State username and password. This information is needed to use the online registration system, access your Ball State e-mail account, log onto course Web sites, or see your grades online. If you don't receive your Ball State username and password within 48 hours of being admitted, e-mail us to request this information. Visit the admissions Web site for Online and Distance Education for further details about getting admitted.