Distance education is a form of independent study which allows you to schedule your education around you. Distance education courses have equivalent standards, rigor, student outcomes, substance, and assignments as courses offered on campus.  At BHSU, we offer correspondence, online, and videoconference courses.

All distance education students have access to the BHSU Bookstore and the Library.

Answer these questions to determine whether distance education is a method of learning for you.

• Do I work well alone?
• Am I self-disciplined enough to follow the lessons on my own without peer pressure or pressure from the course instructor?
• Will I be comfortable if I am not able to see the instructor in person and have to ask questions via e-mail or telephone?

If you are able to answer yes to these questions, distance education is for you!

• If you take only online and/or correspondence courses and are non-degree seeking, you may simply register for courses .
• If you are degree-seeking and plan to take courses on BHSU's campus, you will need to complete BHSU's application .

All correspondence, off-campus online, and off-campus videoconference courses are self-support rates.

Yes. For information on how to apply for financial aid, visit BHSU Admissions or contact the Financial Aid Office (605) 642-6145.

Minimum PC Requirements

• Windows 98 or newer
• 16 MB of RAM
• 10 MB of hard disk space
• 28.8 kbs or higher Modem or broadband service
• Web browser – Internet Explorer 5.5 Note: your web browser must be configured to accept cookies (an optional setting in your web browser)
• An active e-mail account
• Access to the Internet through a local Internet provider

Recommended PC Requirements

• Windows 2000/XP Pro or Home Edition
• 128 MB of RAM
• 100 MB of hard disk space
• 28.8 kbs or higher Modem or broadband service
• Web browser – Internet Explorer 5.5 Note: your web browser must be configured to accept cookies (an optional setting in your web browser)
• An active e-mail account
• Access to the Internet through a local Internet provider

To be successful in your distance education course, you should be comfortable performing the following tasks on a computer:

• Send and receive e-mail
• Use a word processor
• Attach documents to an e-mail message
• Navigate computer screens and web browsers easily
• Create, save, retrieve, and browse for computer files
• Successfully connect to the Internet and log in to a specific URL (Internet address)
• Possess knowledge of how to download media players and other free software available on the world wide web

Online assignments are submitted online. Exams may be given via online or proctored. Correspondence assignments are submitted via mail (or may be delivered directly to the Registrar's Office on campus) and tests are proctored. The methods used to submit assignments and exams will vary from course to course. Please contact the instructor with any concerns.

Within one week of registration, you will be notified through email that you are registered for an online and/or correspondence course. This email will include all the information you will need to begin the course. If you do not receive an email within one week of registration, contact Educational Outreach at (605) 642-6258 or toll free at (877) 847-8134.

You can purchase textbooks, as well as other supplies that you need, online at the BHSU Bookstore or by telephone at (605) 642-6636.

Web Advisor is a program that allows students who are registered for courses to access the following information online.

• check billing information
• check financial aid status
• check your grades
• search and register for classes
• add/drop classes
• view an unofficial transcript

See our D2L computer requirements page.