Center for Distance and Independent Study
Welcome to Independent Study
Items of Interest
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 in 1911, in accordance with the land-grant mission, 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, middle 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 communication technologies, print materials, CDs, 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 limitations of time, place, or situation; and/or who are unable to reach their educational goals because of curricular constraints at their institution.
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:
- 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
Gera Burton, Ph.D. Associate Director
University of Missouri's Center for Distance and Independent Study is featured on World Wide Learn under "College Courses".