What is a Self-Paced Distance Education Program?
Self-paced distance education allows students to get through classes or modules as quickly or slowly as they like. Many for-credit programs set a minimum and maximum length of time allowed for completion.
Self-Paced Distance Education Defined
<p>Distance education programs are self-paced when they allow students to complete sections of work within (or possibly without) a maximum time limit. The traditional correspondence course is an example of this. You may enroll at any point, and you can often finish a typical course in less than 15 weeks or up to one year.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutSelfPacedDistanceEducationPrograms"> Important Facts About Self-Paced Distance Education Programs</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Varies, depending upon program or purpose of enrolling in course; proficiency with English spelling, grammar and style is required</td></tr>
<tr><td> Programs of Study </td><td> English, chemistry, mathematics, philosophy, psychology, religion, sociology, to name a few</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Construction manager, photographer, secretary, insurance appraiser, fashion designer, business operations specialist</td></tr>
<tr><td> Continuing Education </td><td> Typically voluntary, but may help with career advancement; for example, administrative assistants with only a certificate might pursue an associate's degree</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---SchoolsOfferingSelfPacedDistanceEducation">Schools Offering Self-Paced Distance Education</h3>
<p>The colleges and universities listed below are reputable, accredited, non-profit schools with self-paced distance education programs. Consider the following for single course offering or entire degree programs:
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<ul><li>University of Colorado at Boulder's Independent Learning program offers self-paced courses in numerous subject areas. These courses may be taken online.
</li><li>University of North Carolina system's ten universities offer self-paced college courses online or by mail. Students may complete a three-credit course in a minimum of 12 weeks.
</li><li>Penn State World Campus hews to a regular academic schedule for most courses, so most homework assignments and tests must be completed by a specific time. These self-paced offerings use DVDs, written material and Internet-based communication for instruction.
</li><li>Independent Study in Idaho is a collaboration of four state colleges and universities. ISI offers self-paced distance education in library science, as well as continuing education courses for K-12 educators.
</li><li>University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Extended Education programs enroll students from the high school level through the doctorate level. Independent Study High School is self-paced, as are many of the degree and certificate programs and most of the continuing education courses. They also have a self-study package for para-educators.
</li><li>The University of Georgia offers a variety self-paced courses for academic credit. Although no degree programs are offered, these courses may count toward a degree if you later enroll at the university. Courses are available in 18 subject areas.</li></ul