Correspondence Courses in the 21st century

Correspondence courses are designed for students studying at a distance. Each course can be completed from home and includes a variety of learning assignments. Students generally communicate with their instructor via phone, mail, or email.

Correspondence courses are self-paced independent study courses that allow students to work at their own pace often with instructor guidance and no formal classroom attendance is required. For most courses, students work with a textbook and course guide.

Students who wish to apply credit earned through correspondence study to a college degree or a high school diploma should consult the resident institution before enrolling in a correspondence study course. Most institutions have limitations on the number and kinds of correspondence study credits they will accept.

Students may study at their own rate and at the time and place of their choosing. This approach has been proven highly beneficial for those who desire to continue their college work: to teachers who wish to take courses leading to additional certification or who are in need of additional study in the disciplines they teach and to citizens who wish to broaden their learning.

Distance learning using correspondence courses, can contribute to the homeschooling process, if the guardian or parent deems it necessary that the student needs formal, albeit non-traditional instruction, in areas where specific skills and knowledge are required.

It is advised that whenever signing up with a college for a correspondence course that you check their credentials and ensure they are an accredited educational institution.