Welcome to Independent Study
Von Pittman, Ph.D. Director
Gera Burton, Ph.D. Associate Director
For over a century now, savvy students across the nation have chosen independent study as the common-sense option to help fulfill their educational goals. Across the curriculum, hundreds of thousands of professionals have included independent study courses in their degree programs. This time-honored methodology affords independently minded students the opportunity to access a diverse curriculum developed by a world-class faculty. Using a learner-centered approach, independent study offers students the latitude to expand their educational options without the constraints of time, space, or the confines of the traditional classroom. Students tackle a challenging academic curriculum as they develop critical thinking skills. Independent Study promotes the construction of new knowledge through interactions and negotiations which, in turn, form the basis of further intellectual activity. With more control of the instructional process, students exercise greater responsibility for learning.
The University of Missouri's Independent Study program created online courses to take advantage of the speed, storage capacity, and interactivity of the Internet. Courses integrate the traditional Study Guide with the vast resources of the Internet. Supplementary materials may include textbooks, specialized kits, audio cassettes, videotapes or CDs. Individual performance is assessed using a range of instructional techniques including essays, case studies, short answers, as well as objective questions such as multiple-choice and matching items.
Building on their natural talents, students are afforded the flexibility to progress at their own pace. Typically, students take from six weeks to nine months to complete their course work. Lesson assignments, carefully designed to build upon prior knowledge, are essential components of every course. Students succeed when they submit lessons in sequential order, allowing ample time to review lesson feedback in preparation for proctored exams. Carefully selected exam questions allow students to demonstrate what they have learned as a result of their Independent Study experience.
Our History
Center for Distance and Independent Study (CDIS) has established itself as a national model and leader in the field of distance and continuing education. Originally formed as an independent study division in 1911, CDIS has an uninterrupted history of providing award-winning individualized learning opportunities to students away from the campus. The Center specializes in serving students, including adult learners and working professionals, through courses at the university, high school, and noncredit levels. It remains one of the largest university-sponsored independent study programs in the United States.
The Center is committed to the development, administration, promotion, and maintenance of a wide range of individualized educational methods involving print materials, computer technology, videotapes, audiocassettes, and other media-based activities. Courses are offered under the approval of sponsoring academic departments, and recommendations are sought for appropriate faculty. Thus the Center for Distance and Independent Study serves as an arm of the University of Missouri in its efforts to extend individual learning opportunities to students who are away from campus; who are unable to earn credit due to the limitations of time, place, or situation; and/or who are unable to reach their educational goals because of curricular constraints at their institution.
Accreditation
CDIS is part of the University of Missouri, which is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the NCA-CASI—North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The University of Missouri High School is fully accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement as well as the Commission on International and Trans-Regional Accreditation. In addition, most core courses offered by MU High School have been approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association for establishing initial-eligibility certification of student-athletes.
Quality Courses
The Center for Distance and Independent Study has earned a solid reputation based on a commitment to providing quality courses and superior service to students. Our program features:
Award-Winning Courses
Since 1980, more than 40 of our independent study courses have received
excellence awards from the University Continuing Education Association.
Technology-Based Courses and Service
We are utilizing the web in all aspects of our program. Students
benefit from the power, speed, and resources the Internet provides.
Interactive Course Material
Many of our courses incorporate interactive elements that are designed to open a dialogue between students and content.
Excellent Student Service
Our staff is committed to providing prompt, helpful, and friendly
service to all students.
Quick Turnaround of Graded Assignments
Computer-evaluated lessons are usually processed the same day they
are received; faculty-evaluated lessons are returned in an average of five working days.
A Learning Alternative
As a leader in distance education, the Center for Distance and Independent Study offers valuable learning opportunities to students around the world.
Students use independent study to:
- Supplement their on-campus course schedules
- Ease classroom scheduling conflicts
- Advance in their jobs or prepare for career changes
- Continue their education while out of school or working
- Earn university credit before they begin their college education
- Complete a Bachelor of General Studies at a distance (BGS)
- Earn extra credits in order to finish high school early
- Supplement schedules with courses not offered at their schools
- Enrich their high school experiences with more challenging courses
- Make up credits they lack to graduate on time
- Earn an MU High School diploma
University of Missouri's Center for Distance and Independent Study is featured on World Wide Learn under "College Courses".