Online Programs

Both the Associate's degree (AAIS) and the Bachelor's degree (BAIS) in Interdisciplinary Studies can be taken fully online. The required IST courses are available in a seven-week online format every semester, including summer. There are many possibilities to create a personalized degree plan available in the Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies and you should consult with your academic advisor to formulate a plan that makes best use of your previous studies and meets your career goal interests. More information about the online IST program can be found at onlinedegrees.nku.edu.

We also offer the Master's degree online although some courses from other graduate programs may not be offered online for the chosen pathway of study.

The three required Interdisciplinary Studies courses for the B.A. degree (IST 185, IST 397, and IST 497) are all offered online in the seven-week format. Interdisciplinary  Studies students can also choose their areas of study (areas of focus or minors) from a number of programs that are fully online.

Programs with courses typically offered in 7-week online formats, with some 16 week online course options:

• • General Business Minor or Business Administration (General Business) Focus

  • Criminal Justice Minor or Focus

  • Health Science Minor or Focus

  • History Minor or Focus

  • Library Informatics Minor or Focus

  • Management Minor or Focus

  • Marketing Minor or Focus

  • Organizational Leadership Minor or Focus

  • Psychological Sciences Minor or Focus

  • Sociology Minor or Focus

  • Women and Gender Studies Minor or Focus

  • English Focus

Programs with courses typically offered in 16 week online only: 

• • Communication Studies Minor or Focus

  • Business Information Systems Minor or Focus

  • Religious Studies Focus 

  • Political Science Focus

  • Public Administration Focus

  • Social Work Focus

  • Human Services Focus

Many online courses are offered in a seven-week format. This means the work can be intense and demanding. The online environment requires more effort to be "present" in the course and to engage with others. Many will argue that this kind of learning works best for independent learners who can structure their time, meet deadlines, and hold themselves to high standards. Here are some tips that will help you become that kind of learner.

Know What is Expected

• Go through the syllabus and Getting Started material carefully so you understand what to expect and what is expected of you.

• Rubrics are often available for assignments. Study them carefully and match your work to those expectations. Ask questions if you don't fully understand what is expected.

• Look at the learning objectives for the course and for each module. 

• Find out early what technologies or apps or learning tools will be used in the class and be sure you know how to use them.

• Look for due dates and times. Keep a calendar that displays due dates in advance.

Manage Your Time and Work

• A three-credit course, whether online or in person, whether offered in seven weeks or 16-weeks carries the expectation of 135 hours of work dedicated to the material. This includes time spent reading, writing, taking quizzes or exams, studying, participating in the discussion forums, working on projects, and communicating with the instructor or other students. Spread out over 7-weeks this requires 20 hours each week. A 16-week course demands 8 to 9 hours of work each week, including class time.

• Log in everyday. Make sure you see all class announcements as soon as possible and respond as quickly as possible when you need to respond.

• Schedule time each day to complete your coursework. It is best to identify a time and place everyday for your work. Think of our class hours as you might think of scheduled hours for a job.

• Find a quiet place to work. Eliminate distractions, including social media. 

• Schedule breaks in your study time.

• Meet all assignments fully and on time. Some courses allow you to move ahead in the syllabus and turn work in early. Don't fall behind.

• Proofread all assignments you submit.

• Save your work.

• Make use of online resources like the library, online tutoring, the IT Help Desk.

Be Engaged

• Participate in class discussions and group projects as much as possible. Get to know other students.

• Follow the discussion forums fully; check the forums frequently. 

• Don't hesitate to ask questions of the instructor. This includes questions about the course itself or the course content. Use the Canvas email/communication system when contacting the instructor.