The world of higher education is rapidly changing, and all potential students have a multitude of learning preferences, as well as personal life situations, that can have an impact on the way they learn most effectively. Online learning is a popular choice among higher education students: according to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 7 million students were enrolled in some kind of online learning course in the fall of 2018. If you have limitations that won’t allow you to take on-campus courses, such as a busy schedule, or you just prefer to take classes at your own pace, online distance learning courses may be the right choice for you. LSU Online & Continuing Education has a variety of online college credit courses that can be completed from the comfort of your own home.
What is Online Distance Learning?
Online Distance Learning (ODL) courses are for-credit college courses that are offered 100% online. Often, ODL courses are more flexible than on-campus courses. For example, most ODL courses work asynchronously, meaning that students can log on at any time to watch lectures or complete coursework, giving ODL students the chance to have their courses work around their busy schedule, not the other way around.
As the flagship university of Louisiana, LSU offers high-quality learning experiences both on campus and online. Not only that, but LSU's ODL courses are taught by the same professors and instructors that teach them on campus, so students from anywhere can get the LSU learning experience.
Why take an ODL course?
ODL courses make higher education more accessible for individuals who seek to further their education. Without the need to come to campus, ODL students don’t have to put their life on hold to earn their degree. With flexible formats, students can complete their courses in a short amount of time or pace their work out and take their time with their coursework. Students are also free to take as few or as many ODL courses at once as they need to.
Who is ODL for?
ODL is designed for any student who wants to take a course online, but distance learning courses can be especially helpful to people in certain circumstances so that they can continue their education. ODL is an excellent option for current college students who need a course that is not offered during a semester or intersession. ODL courses also help current students get ahead on their degree path. Even for those who aren’t currently enrolled in a university or had to stop their education for whatever reason, ODL courses can help those individuals recover from an education setback and help them complete their degree as quickly as necessary.
What ODL courses are available?
LSU Online & Continuing Education courses cover subjects in various disciplines, so students can find the course they need. LSU ODL courses are taught in subjects such as art, business, education, humanities, information management, languages, mathematics, science, social sciences, and more. Some of the most popular online distance learning courses from LSU are the accounting courses, such as Introductory Financial Accounting, Accounting Information Systems, and Income Tax Accounting I.
Visit the ODL page to find courses in all of the subjects offered.
What programs are available through ODL?
Fully online programs vary from university to university. ODL programs from LSU Online & Continuing Education allow students to limit themselves to a single course or learn as much as they want by engaging in multiple learning experiences. Students from anywhere can take individual courses, participate in short-form MicroCred® programs, or earn a Certificate in Accounting, all from the comfort of their own home.
Certain ODL courses stack into MicroCred® programs and certificates! For example, a student who takes ODL’s Auditing course (ACCT 3222) will already have completed one of the courses required for both the Accounting - Advanced Topics MicroCred® and the Certificate In Accounting. Just by completing an online course through LSU Online & Continuing Education, you are already on your way toward a digital badge or certificate!
See the list below to find all credit-bearing MicroCred® and certificate programs:
How much does it cost?
Not only are ODL courses designed to be accessible, but they are also designed to be affordable. Course and program prices vary, so check the ODL Tuition & Fees page to find out how much a potential course or program costs. The price of each program is also listed on each program page, so once you find the program for you, you’ll know how much it will cost.
How do I enroll?
Enrolling in an ODL course from LSU Online & Continuing Education is fast and easy so you can focus on learning. First, choose the course or program you are interested in. Next, add the course or program to your cart. From there, select “checkout,” and you will be asked to sign in to your account. If you do not already have an account, you will have to create one. Finally, pay the course or program fees. Within a few hours, your coursework will appear in your Moodle account, and you can begin learning!
Please check with your academic advisor to confirm whether these credit courses can count toward your degree.
Enroll in an ODL course today.
