Jul 15, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Continuing & Distance Education


Julie Barnett, Ed.D.
Director of Continuing & Distance Education

LaDonna Rodvold
State Authorization Specialist

Ashley Lemons
State Authorization Specialist

University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Belbas Center 16
Vermillion, SD 57069
Phone: 605-658-6152
cde@usd.edu
http://www.usd.edu/online

 

The mission of the Division of Continuing & Distance Education (CDE) is to extend the academic resources of the University to the citizens of South Dakota, the region, and beyond so students can complete their educational goals. The Division of Continuing and Distance Education provides students the opportunity to obtain a degree, advance credentials, or simply learn more about a topic of interest through credit and noncredit instruction. The University of South Dakota is approved by the Higher Learning Commission to offer face-to-face programs in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Yankton, South Dakota. For a list of degree programs please contact CDE@usd.edu. Moreover, the University offers 30 undergraduate and 39 graduate robust online degree and certificate programs facilitated by the Division of Continuing and Distance Education. Face-to-face field experiences and study abroad courses are extended throughout South Dakota, the United States, and at select international locations.

 

Non-Credit Courses

The Office of Continuing and Distance Education offers year-round opportunities for individuals to engage in professional development and personal enrichment activities. Continuing and Distance Education can authorize Continuing Education Units (CEUs), manage externally funded courses, and coordinate professional development workshops.

For more information, please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 605-658-6152, e-mail, or visit the Continuing Education website to learn more.

 

STATE AUTHORIZATION

Online Courses and Supervised Field Study

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.  Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

USD is permitted to offer supervised field experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in the states highlighted in red on this map. However, out-of-state supervised field experiences in licensure-track programs may require additional approval from that state’s licensure entity.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

If you have additional questions regarding your ability to enroll in distance education courses outside of the United States or participate in supervised field experiences outside of South Dakota, email the Division of Continuing & Distance Education.

 

Student Complaints

Submit a complaint or concern

The University of South Dakota adheres to all federal guidelines. For more information on distance education, the complaint process for program integrity, consumer protection laws and complaints for students residing in other states, learn more here

 

Refund Policy

Refund Policy and Requirements for Withdrawal and Return of Federal Financial Aid

Complete Withdrawal Form (Use this form if dropping all your courses, within the 100% refund period. Use this form even if you are registered for one class and are withdrawing from that class or all classes.)

Petition for Late Drop Withdrawal Form (Use this form to request and document your rationale for a refund from USD, or for dropping courses after the 70% refund period.)

 

Adverse Actions:  

As of January 1, 2024, the University of South Dakota has no previous, current, nor pending adverse actions related to distance education that has been taken by an accreditation agency or state entity within the last five years.

 

Important Disclosures
 

  • If the licensure-track program allows students to enroll in at least one course through distance education during the first semester, the program is categorized as a Distance Education Program Leading to Licensure. Pursuant to Federal Regulations, a Distance Education Leading to Licensure may only admit students who are located in states where the program meets the educational requirements for professional licensure or who attest in writing that they intend to seek licensure or employment in a state where the program meets those requirements. As part of your application to this program, you will be asked to provide additional information regarding your location to assist the program in determining your eligibility for admission. 
  • If the licensure-track program allows only face-to-face instruction during the first semester, students may be admitted regardless of their location. If you intend to enroll in a licensure-track program that is fully face-to-face during the first semester, it is your responsibility to determine whether the program’s curriculum meets the educational requirements for professional licensure in the state in which you intend to work.
  • It is USD’s responsibility to ensure that state licensure and certification information is current and students who are admitted are located in eligible states or territories; however, you are strongly encouraged to contact your state’s licensure board (contact information is included on the map and lists) to review all licensure and certification requirements imposed by that state before beginning an academic program. Admission into the program is not a guarantee of licensure.
  • It is your responsibility to notify the University if your address changes while enrolled at USD by updating your Personal Information.

 

If you have additional questions, email the Division of Continuing & Distance Education.