|
Julie Barnett, Ed.D.
Director of Continuing & Distance Education
TBA
State Authorization Specialist
University of South Dakota
414 East Clark Street
Belbas Center 108
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. CDE 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 36 undergraduate and 43 graduate robust online degree and certificate programs facilitated by the Division of Continuing and Distance Education. Face-to-face field experiences and are extended throughout South Dakota, the United States, and at select international locations.
In addition, CDE offers year-round opportunities for individuals to engage in professional development and personal enrichment. CDE can authorize Continuing Education Units (CEUs), manage externally funded courses, and coordinate professional development workshops. Through these offerings, individuals can engage in educational experiences designed to enhance their careers and enrich their personal knowledge.
Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is a recognized unit of measurement for non-degree educational programs and professional development activities. CEUs are designed to acknowledge the time and effort invested in continuing education and are often used to document professional development. While CEUs do not count as academic credit, they are valuable for maintaining certifications, licensure, or advancing professional knowledge.
Externally Funded Programs
Externally funded programs are courses offered for college credit at the University of South Dakota (USD), with funding provided by an external partner or organization. These programs are designed to meet specific educational needs and are approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents. The external sponsor absorbs the course overhead costs, allowing students to receive credit at a discounted rate.
To qualify for credit, externally funded programs must meet specific criteria, including clear learning objectives, approved instructors, and a minimum of 15 contact hours per credit hour. Courses may be delivered in-person, online, or in hybrid formats. At the conclusion of each Externally Funded Program, a transcript is issued to participants.
Professional, Executive, & Customized Programs
USD offers non-credit training and customized education in collaboration with partnering organizations. These programs are designed to meet the specific needs of each organization and can be delivered through various methods. In partnership with our clients, we determine the ideal program length and location to ensure it aligns with the unique requirements of each offering.
If your organization requires a tailored course, USD can work with you to design and customize a program that aligns with your specific goals and needs. We offer flexibility in scheduling, allowing programs to be delivered at a time and location that is most convenient for you and your employees.
For more information on any of these types of programs, 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 July 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 Program 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.
|
