Frequently Asked Questions about Independent Study

Q: When can I enroll?
A: You can enroll at any time of the year and begin work immediately.

Q: Do I need approvals?
A: Only if you are a degree candidate or attending classes at the time of enrollment.

Q: How many courses can I take at one time?
A: Two.

Q: How long do I have to complete the course?
A: You'll have one year from the date you enroll.
More information is available on the Deadlines for Course Completions and/or Graduation page.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: The tuition fee for a course is $205.50 per semester hour or $616.50 for a three-semester hour course.

The tuition for a correspondence course(s) is separate from the tuition charges for non-correspondence study courses, and will not be included in the calculation of fees for the semester, and is not included in the standard full-time student (12-19 hours) tuition that is charged for non-correspondence study courses.

Q: What if I can't finish in a year?
A: A three-month extension of time may be granted to students who have completed half of all course work for a $100.00 fee.

Q: How quickly can I complete a course?
A: The minimum time needed for the completion of a course is two months from the date on which the first lesson is received in the Independent Study office. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE MINIMUM ENROLLMENT.

Q: Can I transfer to another course?
A: Yes. A student may transfer an enrollment from one course to another provided that no more than three lessons have been submitted, and the transfer is requested within the two months following enrollment. See the section on Exchange of Courses for more details.

Q: Can I drop my course?
A: Yes, A non-University of Mississippi student may withdraw from a course at any time prior to taking the final exam with no academic penalty for withdrawal, and no grade will be recorded. A University of Mississippi student can only withdraw before taking the mid-course test. See the section on Withdrawals for more details, or contact our office.

Q: Will I get a refund if I drop my course?
A: Partial refunds are given when students withdraw within thirty days of enrollment.

Q: What if I have questions once I enroll?
A: Your instructor will be available to answer content questions, and the Independent Study staff (662-915-7313 or indstudy@olemiss.edu) can help you with any other questions. DO NOT CONTACT THE INSTRUCTOR DIRECTLY UNLESS HE/SHE GIVES YOU PERMISSION TO DO SO.

Q: Where do I take tests and examinations?
A: Students residing in Mississippi write tests and examinations at any one of the approved examination centers in the state. Students in residence at colleges and universities in Mississippi other than those listed on the examination schedule write tests and examinations under the supervision of an academic dean, the registrar of their college of university, or a director of testing and counseling. More information is available on the Exam FAQ page.