FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the UNL Independent Study program work?
A: Students like you can earn the credits you need with an easy-to-follow online or print-based course. With an Open Enrollment course, you can start anytime and finish in as little as five weeks. If you’re a UNL student, you can also choose term-based courses that run for the same time frame as on-campus semester courses, or special summer sessions that let you earn the credits you need for graduation, even when you’re off campus.
Once you register for a class, we’ll ship the course materials to you. Just follow the syllabus and enclosed instructions for completing the course. Students in online courses will be e-mailed a URL and password/username to access their course on the Web. You set the pace for all coursework. Instructors are available for academic questions and a help desk is available for any technical problems that may occur.
Q: When can I register for a UNL Independent Study course?
A: Anytime you want! Here’s how. (University of Nebraska students cannot register for College Independent Study courses using the eNRroll system.)
Q: How long do I have to complete a course?
A: Some open enrollment courses can be completed in as little as five weeks or as long as one year. After a year, students can extend their enrollment for 90 days by paying a $65 extension fee. Term-based courses should be completed within the academic semester.
Q: How do I access my online classroom?
A: If you register for an online course, we’ll send the course URL, plus your username and password within 24 hours to the e-mail address you provide on your registration form. Use the username and password to log on to your online course.
Q: How do I take exams?
A: First, you’ll complete and submit a Request for Examination form to the Independent Study program. Then, you’ll report to the appropriate testing center to take your exam. Nebraska students living within a 35-mile radius of Lincoln must take their examinations at the Extended Education & Outreach testing center, 22nd and Vine Streets, in Lincoln. Students living within 35 miles of the Omaha Metropolitan area are requested to use one of three Omaha testing center locations.
All other students will either choose another testing center location in Nebraska, or if outside of Nebraska, they will select a proctor to administer their exams. To qualify as a proctor, an individual must be active in the educational field as a teacher, a counselor, or an administrator at any level (elementary, secondary, or college). Test control officers or superior commissioned officers may serve as proctors for military personnel. Students overseas may use American embassy or consular officials or approved non-family members.
Q: How much do your courses cost?
A: $192.25 per credit hour for undergraduate courses, $224.75 per credit hour for graduate courses and $238.50 per credit hour for nursing courses. These rates apply no matter where you’re located. Students are also responsible for the cost of course materials (syllabus, textbooks etc.). Materials prices vary with each course. Each course description provides total tuition for that course, plus a list and cost breakdown of required materials.
Q: How do I pay for these courses?
A: You’ll pay for your courses when you register, by using a credit card, check or purchase order. We are not allowed to bill student accounts. If you have a scholarship, tuition assistance, G. I. Bill or another source to pay tuition, please call our Customer Service Office for payment details, (402) 472-2175.
Q: I have questions about what courses I should take. Do you have an academic advisor?
A: Yes. Your academic advisor is Dr. Bob Mathiasen. Contact him at (402) 472-9329 or rmathiasen1@unl.edu to discuss degree requirements or other issue related to the program.
Q: Are your courses accredited?
A: Yes, all courses are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Learn more.
Q: Does my financial aid cover these courses?
A: Generally speaking, to be eligible for most scholarships and financial aid, students must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours) in on-campus (resident) courses. Federal financial aid is not typically available for distance education courses where enrollment is accepted at any time of the year and a student can take up to 12 months to complete a course. This flexibility takes most courses out of a traditional semester timeframe on which the awarding of financial aid is normally based.
Q: Will UNL Independent Study courses transfer to other colleges and universities?
A: Generally speaking, our course credits will transfer to most other colleges and universities. If you’re considering transferring credits earned through the UNL Independent Study program to another institution, you should always make sure the credits will be accepted BEFORE you register. Click here to find out more.
Q: Do you offer any undergraduate degree programs through University of Nebraska-Lincoln College Independent Study?
A: An undergraduate degree program is coming soon. Until then, if you’re seeking a degree and are not a UNL student, these reputable schools accept the transfer of UNL Independent Study course credit for their degree programs.
Excelsior College (formerly Regents College)
7 Columbia Circle
Albany, NY 12203-5159
(888) 647-2388
Email: admission@excelsior.edu
www.excelsior.edu
Thomas Edison State College
101 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1176
(888) 442-8372
Email: info@tesc.edu
www.tesc.edu
UNL does offer graduate degrees through distance learning courses. Find out more here.
Q: How do I get an official transcript once I complete my course?
A: Plese click here to find out more information about it.
Q: I’m having a computer related technical problem with my course. Who can I contact?
A: Contact the UNL Help Desk at (402) 472-3970, 1-866-472-3970 or helpdesk@unl.edu. Click here for Help Desk useful tips and hours.
Q: I'm currently enrolled in nine credit hours on campus at UNL. If I add a three-hour College Independent Study course, would I be considered a full-time student?
A: No. Currently, UNL Independent Study courses in the open enrollment format do not apply toward full-time status. Term-based (X-section) courses do. Please see the course listing for more information. If you are not considered a full-time student, your Financial Aid and/or scholarship can be affected. Call the financial aid office at (402) 472-2030 to clarify how your situation might be affected.
Q: Will these courses remove D or F grades I received previously at UNL in the same course on campus?
A: Yes, as long as it's the exact same course number. For instance, taking ENGL 150 (Composition) will remove a D or F previously received in ENGL 150.
Q: Do these courses apply toward UNL's Comprehensive Education Program?
A: These courses do apply toward the Essential Studies (ES) requirements for the respective UNL college. However, due to the delivery format, these courses do not meet the Integrative Studies (IS) component. To see a list of the College Independent Study courses that meet Essential Studies (ES) requirements, please click here.
Q: My UNL Independent Study course is not showing up on my WAM page account. Why not?
A: Because UNL Independent Study courses are enrolled through the office of Extended Education & Outreach, they will not show up on your WAM account course listing. When you finish your course you will receive your course grade and the information will be sent to the university records office to post on your official transcript.
Q: I'm a senior at UNL. Can I take my last 12 hours through the UNL Independent Study Program to finish my degree?
A: No. For all UNL undergraduate degrees, 30 of the final 36 hours must be completed in residence (i.e., in the classroom, on campus in Lincoln). To seek a waiver of this policy, contact your respective college dean's office.
