Program and Course Modality
The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma offers degree programs and courses through a variety of instructional formats, including in-person, hybrid, online, and other delivery methods. Students may enroll in courses across available modalities unless restricted by program requirements, housing policies, financial aid regulations, visa requirements, or other university policies.
A distinction exists between students enrolled in a designated fully online degree program, and students enrolled in a traditional degree program who choose to take some online courses. Policies regarding housing, tuition, fees, and scholarships may differ based on a student's program designation.
Fully Online Programs
Designated fully online degree programs are intended primarily for non-residential students who cannot regularly attend classes on campus due to geographic location, employment obligations, military service, or other life circumstances.
Students admitted to and enrolled in a designated fully online program are subject to the tuition, fee, housing, and scholarship policies associated with that program.
Housing Eligibility
To maintain eligibility for university housing, students must be enrolled full-time and complete a minimum of nine (9) credit hours of in-person or hybrid coursework during each fall and spring semester.
Students enrolled in a designated fully online program are not eligible for university housing.
Students who change their major or program from a residential degree program to a designated fully online degree program will lose eligibility for university housing.
Tuition and Fees
Students enrolled in on-campus degree programs, including those that incorporate in-person, hybrid, and online coursework, are assessed the standard USAO tuition and fee rates.
Designated fully online degree programs have a separate tuition and fee structure developed for non-residential distance learners that reflects the delivery model and services associated with those programs. These rates apply only to students formally admitted to and enrolled in a designated fully online program and typically do not include campus-based fees.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students who transition from a residential degree program to a designated fully online degree program are no longer eligible for institutional scholarships, including institutional scholarships they have already been awarded. Institutional athletic scholarships are subject to NAIA regulations and USAO Athletic Department regulations.
Students enrolled in fully online programs may remain eligible for federal, state, and other forms of financial aid, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
Instructional Modalities
Students at USAO have access to courses offered in a variety of instructional modalities, including in-person, online, hybrid and other formats, and may encounter these in their academic pursuits. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisors to select course modalities that support their academic goals and degree requirements.
USAO follows all applicable policies and regulations governing instructional delivery and program modality established by the Higher Learning Commission, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
Students with questions regarding housing, tuition and fees, financial aid, or program modality should consult the Student Handbook, Housing Contract, Financial Aid Office, or their academic advisor.
Online
A course in which instruction is delivered electronically.
- Asynchronous: Instruction is delivered online without regularly scheduled meeting times.
- Synchronous: Instruction is delivered online via live video with regularly scheduled meeting times.
Hybrid
A course in which at least 50% but no more than 75% of instruction is delivered electronically, with the remainder occurring in person.
HyFlex
A course which allows students to choose how they attend each class session: in person in a physical classroom, or synchronously online via video. Some Hy-Flex courses require in-person attendance for specific events or assignments such as exams.
In-Person
A course in which instruction occurs primarily in a physical classroom or campus learning environment. Technology-enhanced learning tools, including the university's learning management system, may be used to support instruction.
*The Program and Course Modality policies are pending USAO Board of Regents approval.