Independent Study Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do I have to finish my course?
- Can I finish my course in less than nine months?
- What are the costs?
- Can I use financial assistance?
- Where can I get my textbooks?
- How are my assignments processed?
- How do I contact my instructor?
- What do I need to do if I am planning to graduate soon?
- How do I learn my grade and how do I obtain a transcript?
- May I receive an extension?
- May I withdraw from the course?
- May I transfer from one course to another?
- May I request a refund from my independent study course?
- Can I finish my degree through independent study?
- What are the office hours of The Department of Distance Education and Independent Study?
How long do I have to finish my course?
You have 9 months from the date you enrolled in the course (date on your receipt).
Can I finish my course in less than nine months?
Yes, you can. You are allowed to submit up to 3 lessons per week for most college courses and 2 lessons per week for high school courses. You may obtain special permission from your instructor to submit more than the limited amount of lessons.
What are the costs?
Please see our Independent Study Fees for a current price list of our courses and other miscellaneous costs. Some supplementary materials must be obtained directly from the Department of Distance Education and Independent Study, i.e. audiotapes, video tapes, etc. All books and materials are subject to change. Please contact our Information Center at 1-800-670-8657 should you need and additional assistance.
Can I use financial assistance?
In some cases it is possible, please call our office at 1-800-670-8657.
Where can I get my textbooks?
Textbooks are available from MBS Direct or you may call them by telephone at 1-800-325-3252.
How are my assignments processed?
When we receive your assignment, we record the date it is received and forward the assignment to your instructor. The instructor grades and returns the assignment to our office where the date and grade are recorded. Then the assignment is sent back to you. Under normal circumstances and using the regular US Mail services, this process may take a minimum of two weeks. Many of our courses offer the option of submitting lessons by e-mail. Using this option or taking the online version of a course can posssibly speed up the processing of assignments. If you have a question concerning receipt of your assignments or grades you have received, you may contact our office.
How do I contact my instructor?
Contact our office at 1-800-670-8657 or by email at disteducation@utk.edu. The staff will provide the appropriate instructor contact information.
What do I need to do if I am planning to graduate soon?
You are required to take your final examination at least six weeks prior to the date your grade is needed in order to graduate. All of your assignments must be submitted before you are eligible to take the final exam.
How do I learn my grade and how do I obtain a transcript?
After you have taken the final examination and the instructor has submitted the final course grade to our office, we will automatically send your course grade to you and the high school or registrar's office indicated on your enrollment form. If you enrolled via our online registration process you may login and view your final grade online by reviewing your enrollment history. You will need your user name and password in order to access your online account information. Grades cannot be given out over the phone.
May I receive an extension?
An extension is approved only if a student has submitted at least half of their lessons and demonstrates extenuating circumstances. All extension requests must be submitted in writing. You must fill out an Extension Request Form for consideration. The form may be faxed to (865) 974-4684, or mailed to:
Department of Distance Education and Independent Study
Conference Center Building
600 Henley St., Suite 208
Knoxville, TN 37996-4126
If your request for an extension is approved, you will receive an invoice for the requested extension and instructions on submitting payment.
May I withdraw from the course?
You may withdraw from the course during months 3 through 8 of your enrollment. For University of Tennessee students the grade of "W" will be assigned. The "W" is recorded on the official university transcript but does not affect the grade point average.
May I transfer from one course to another?
Yes, you may transfer from one course to another. See the procedures and fees or contact our office.
May I request a refund from my independent study course?
You may request a refund within 60 days of your enrollment (date on your receipt) in the course; refund requests must be received in writing or in person. A processing fee will be charged.
Can I finish my degree through independent study?
You may take undergraduate college courses to work toward a college degree. A degree completion is not available through our independent study program.
What are the office hours of The Department of Distance Education and Independent Study?
Our office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern; Monday through Friday.
Contact This Department
Department of Distance Education & Independent Study
Conference Center Building
600 Henley Street, Suite 208
Knoxville, TN 37996
Phone: (865) 974-5134
Toll Free: 1-800-670-8657
TDD: (865) 974-5078
Fax: (865) 974-4684
Email: disteducation@tennessee.edu