Mar 29, 2024  
2017-18 Catalog 
    
2017-18 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Distance Learning


SOU’s online programs provide students the flexibility of completing coursework outside the traditional classroom setting. Courses follow the academic term schedule. Students engage in course activities as guided by their instructor, not through independent study. Delivery format and assessment methods vary by course, but all require frequent access to e-mail and a web browser. Some courses may require students to arrange for exam proctoring services. Learn more about proctored exams here.

A complete list of online course offerings may be obtained by using the Advanced search feature in the online Class Schedule and selecting Online in the Delivery Method field.

SOU’s distance learners include full- and part-time students, working and retired professionals, community college students, active-duty and retired military, high school students and individuals who want to further their education with a single college course. Web courses are particularly appropriate for students capable of self-directed learning. Learn more at Preparing for Online Learning here.

All curricula for online courses and degree programs are designed by SOU faculty and are held to the same rigorous academic standards as the University’s on-campus classes. SOU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and all online students who complete degree requirements receive the same diploma as campus-based students.

The programs listed below are offered utilizing online delivery and collaborative learning.


Bachelor’s Degree Completion

Typically, students in degree completion programs build their degrees on a foundation of lower division coursework earned at community colleges or other universities.

Bachelor of Applied Science in Management (Requires AAS in Technical Field)
Business Administration (Emphasis in Management or Accounting)
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Early Childhood Development


Master’s Degrees

Master in Education/Continuing Teaching License
Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education
Master in Theatre Studies with an Emphasis in Production & Design


Endorsement/Licensure Programs

The Nonprofit Management Certificate  may be obtained by individuals who are earning or have already earned a Bachelor’s degree. Enrollment in the programs listed below is limited to individuals who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree:

Accounting Certificate
ReadOregon
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Special Education


Authorization for Out-of-State Course Delivery

The United States Department of Education has published regulations in the Federal Register (Chapter 34, § 600.9(c)) that require all institutions of higher education to seek authorization in every state in which they operate, physically or virtually, in order to maintain eligibility for federal financial aid. Learn more at  WCET. State authorization impacts individuals residing out-of-state only. There are no restrictions for individuals residing in Oregon.

 

The State of Oregon is a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) and Southern Oregon University is an approved SARA institution . As such, we adhere to a common set of standards for offering postsecondary distance education among member states, districts and territories. This participation is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions located in another state. Find information about SARA in general as well as information about the benefits of SARA for students. While we do monitor the laws in each state, authorization of distance education is a dynamic environment and prospective students should check the NC-SARA site to ensure their state is a member of SARA.

 

Student consumer complaint processes are available from these links:

Southern Oregon University

Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission

NC-SARA