Extended & Distance Learning

The Offices of Correspondence, Extension & Study Abroad Programs

302 Academic Services Building-North
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666-4616

Telephone: 512.245.2322
800.511.8656
Fax: 512.245.8934

Email Us

Frequently Asked Questions
Students often have many questions about extended and distance learning classes. Here is a list of some of their most frequently asked questions with answers. These questions and answers do not apply to courses offered for correspondence and extension credit.
Does Texas State offer classes via the Internet and ITV, and at off-campus locations?
Yes, a complete listing of all scheduled undergraduate and graduate extended and distance learning classes may be found on the CatsWeb Schedule of Classes.
How do I apply for admission to Texas State?
Whether you are applying for admission to an undergraduate or graduate program, your application is available online. If you are interested in an undergraduate program, then you should follow the admissions application process provided at http://www.admission.txstate.edu/index.htm. Graduate students should follow the admissions application process found at http://www.gradcollege.txstate.edu/applicationproc.html.
If I enroll in extended and distance learning courses, will I also be eligible to enroll in other courses on- or off-campus, during the same semester?
Yes, if you enroll in extended and distance learning courses, you are also eligible to enroll in other university courses during the same semester.
Are there special fees for enrolling in distance and off-campus courses?
All students enrolled in classes held at off-campus locations are required to pay a fee that will help defray the cost of services provided at these locations. Off-campus locations include Westwood High School, San Antonio locations, the Round Rock Higher Education Center (RRHEC), and other locations not at the San Marcos campus. Distance learning courses (e.g., Internet, ITV, and video) are also considered to be classes held at off-campus locations. If a student is enrolled in solely off-campus courses, then the following four fees will be waived: medical service fee, recreational sports fee, bus fee, and student center fee. Students enrolled in both off-campus and on-campus courses will be charged all the fees mentioned above.
Do I have to be officially admitted to the university in order to enroll in an extended and distance learning course?
Yes, you must first be admitted to the university before you are eligible to enroll in an extended and distance learning course. You must also meet the requirements of the Texas Academic Skills Program unless you have been officially exempted from the requirements of this program.
How do I get textbooks for my class?
You may order your textbooks from the Texas State Bookstore online, or you may telephone the Bookstore (512.245.2273).
Will I be eligible for financial aid?
Students enrolled in extended and distance learning courses are eligible for financial aid as long as they meet all other requirements for financial aid.
How do I find out what programs and courses are available through extended and distance learning?
The Program Offerings page lists programs available online and at our off-campus locations. The Texas State Schedule of Classes lists extended and distance learning courses shceduled to be offered each semester.
If I live in San Marcos or even in a residence hall on campus, may I enroll in an Internet or off-campus course?
Yes, once admitted to the university, you may enroll in courses delivered on-campus, off-campus, or via any electronic delivery system.
May I complete my degree via extended and distance learning, or must I come to the San Marcos campus and attend classes?
The Program Offerings page lists programs available via Extended and Distance Learning. Some class sessions may require on-campus attendance.
How do I contact an academic advisor when I do not come to the San Marcos campus to take courses?
You may contact the department of your major to identify an academic advisor, or you may contact the Advising Center of the academic college of your major. If you are enrolled at the RRHEC, you may contact the RRHEC office (512.219.5798) to identify an academic advisor.
Will any of my class sessions be held on the San Marcos campus?
Some faculty may require you to attend one or more class sessions on the San Marcos campus. You should contact the faculty member of the class for specific information on attendance.
What kind of computer and software do I need for an Internet class?
Almost any PC or Macintosh computer will meet the requirements for your course, but you should always contact the faculty member of the course in which you are enrolled for specific computer hardware and software requirements. Of course, you’ll also need a modem and Internet connection.
When does my Internet class meet?
Unless the faculty member requires specific meeting times and dates on the San Marcos campus, your class will be conducted "asynchronously." Generally, you can log on and off the class according to your schedule.
When do classes start and end?
All extended and distance learning classes start and end according to the university’s regular semester calendar. For example, there are Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. You should review the Schedule of Classes for specific starting and ending dates.
Will there be hundreds of students in my Internet class?
No, each academic department sets limits on the number of students that may enroll in a class. Many classes are limited to no more than 20 enrolled students.
Will I be able to communicate with my instructors?
Yes, your instructors will provide you an e-mail address, telephone and fax numbers, and office hours where they may be reached.
If the class is not for me, may I drop it?
Yes, you may drop the class just as you would drop a class if you were an on-campus Texas State student. Please follow the procedure on CatsWeb for how to drop a class.
Will I have access to the library since I will not be on campus?
Yes, the Alkek Library on the San Marcos campus offers a comprehensive list of services for extended and distance learning students. You may want to review the distance learning services that are available to you at the Library Services for Distance Learning Website.
If a required course is not offered via extended or distance learning, will I be able to substitute another course in its place?
If a required course is not offered, you must contact your academic advisor for permission to substitute a different course.
Additional questions? If you have a question that did not get answered, then e-mail us at DistanceEd@txstate.edu.