Online@SBU Courses

Enjoy the flexibility of online courses facilitated by SBU’s quality faculty. Choose from general online courses (undergraduate or graduate), online independent study or online dual credit courses.

General Online Courses

Undergraduate students trying to meet graduation requirements but having difficulty fitting certain courses into a packed class schedule may enroll in online courses. These courses are available during semesters and summer or winter terms.

Undergraduate Online Courses

General education courses available online include:

Communication Studies:
- ENG 1113 English Composition I
- ENG 2213 English Composition II
- COM 1103 Fundamentals of Speech
- COM 2392 Interpersonal Communication
Humanities/Cultural Studies:
- FAR 1023 Introduction to Music
- FAR 1033 Introduction to Theatre
- SOC 2013 Human Diversity
Social Studies
- ECO 2003 LIFE Economics
- ECO 2023 Principles of Microeconomics
- ECO 2033 Principles of Macroeconomics
- POL 1113 American Government/Politics
- SOC 1003 Introductory Sociology
Technical Studies:
- BIO 1004 Principles of Biology
- CIS 1103 Computer & Information Management
- MAT 1243 Algebraic Reasoning and Modeling
- MAT 1163 Pre-Calculus
- BEH 3242 Elementary Statistics
- PHS 2005 Physical Science for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- PHS 2314 Astronomy
University Studies:
- UNI 1111 University Seminar
- UNI 1121 Introduction to Critical Thinking

Undergraduate graduation requirements available online include:

BIB 1013 Old Testament History
BIB 1023 New Testament History
SPF 2012 Introduction to Spiritual Formation
KIN 1162 Foundations of Physical Fitness

NOTE: Not all of these courses are offered every term. Please consult the Schedules & Catalog for available offerings.

How to Register for Online Courses

Current students enroll in online courses through the Self-Service portal.

Non-degree-seeking students should contact the Admissions Office at (417) 328-1810 to enroll in online courses.

View Online Course Schedules

Graduate Online Courses

The following degree areas offer many online courses:

Enrollment in online graduate courses is facilitated through your academic advisor. Contact Graduate Admissions at (417) 328-1848 or GradEd@SBUniv.edu for more information.

Graduate Degree Programs

Online Independent Study Courses

Through Online Independent Study (OLIS), you will learn at your own pace outside of a conventional classroom environment. You may start these open-enrollment courses anytime and have four months to complete the material. You may request a two-month extension if needed.

How to Enroll in Online Independent Study

Complete the online enrollment form
If you are a current SBU student, you will need your academic advisor's approval to enroll.
Current SBU students are allowed to take up to two online independent study courses at a time. Call (417) 328-1599 for more information.

Please note that there are specific academic requirements for students enrolling in OLIS courses. OLIS courses are not included in a semester's billing. The tuition charges for courses taken through OLIS will be in addition to payment made for a semester.

Online Dual Credit Courses

High school students interested in taking dual credit courses may do so online through SBU.

SBU online dual credit courses are:

Taught by current SBU professors
Delivered entirely online so you can do coursework independently and at your own pace
Flexible, because you can study anytime, anywhere you have Internet access
Personalized by consistent contact with your professor throughout the course
A great option for homeschool students seeking advanced course opportunities

Online Dual Credit Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to take online dual credit courses?

Fill out and return the online application form to your school's dual credit coordinator or counselor by the deadline set by your school. A $100 deposit is required with your application (the deposit will go toward the course tuition).

How much does an online dual credit course cost?

The tuition for Online Dual Credit is $95.00 per credit hour. A deposit of $100.00 is required with the submission of your application. The deposit will be placed on your account toward the tuition of the course.

Finance charges will be added to unpaid balances. Credit will not be granted for the course if you fail to pay the full tuition.

Is financial aid available for an online dual credit course?

Financial aid is not available for online dual credit courses.

When is the deadline to enroll in an online dual credit course?

One week after the beginning of the semester. See the Academic Calendar for semester start dates.

How do I enroll in an online dual credit course?

Your enrollment is complete once we receive your application and deposit. You will receive an email to confirm your enrollment and give you information about how to proceed.

What are the technical requirements for taking an online course?

Online courses are delivered through Blackboard Learn®. Assignments, lessons, coursework, discussion forums, exams and more are delivered through the Blackboard system.

Some important technical requirements include:

Reliable internet: You will need a reliable Internet connection of 1.5 Mbps or higher to do coursework.
Microsoft Office: You will need Microsoft Office 2003 or newer software.
Adobe Acrobat Reader: You will need Adobe Reader or another reading program in order to view PDF documents.

If you have questions regarding technical requirements, contact the SBU Help Desk at (417) 328-1702 or helpdesk@SBUniv.edu.

Technical requirements (PDF)