Online at Iowa State

Online learning offers countless benefits to help you get to your next—whether that’s a career move, a new skill, or a bigger opportunity. Here’s how it works for you:

• Flexible & On Your Schedule: Balance work, travel, and life with the freedom to learn when it fits. Access lectures and materials anytime to stay on top of your studies.
• Stronger Time Management: Online learning helps you build discipline. Setting your own schedule and meeting deadlines proves you can stay organized and productive—skills employers value.
• Proves Self-Motivation: Earning your degree online while managing other priorities shows initiative, independence, and the ability to stay focused on your goals.
• Global Connections: Engage with classmates from across the country and around the world. Gain new perspectives and ideas that expand your thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Sharper Critical Thinking: Online learning pushes you to think differently, solve problems independently, and develop skills that make you a stronger professional.

Deciding to go back to school is a significant step. Working to develop a clear vision of your personal and professional goals will guide your next step. To determine if you’re ready, consider the following:

• Are you pursuing a degree to achieve professional goals, expand your knowledge, or make a personal impact?
• Assess how much time you can dedicate to coursework and whether it fits your busy life.
• Explore financial options like scholarships, employer reimbursement, or loans.
• Are you genuinely passionate about the subject you’re studying?
• Still wondering? Take our readiness assessment to discover the tools and support available to help you succeed at Iowa State.

Explore your options, reach out, and take the next step when ready.

You’ll complete your courses in Canvas, our online learning platform, where you’ll have access to:

• Organized course materials and modules
• Discussion forums to connect with classmates and instructors
• A built-in calendar to track assignments and deadlines
• Instructor feedback on assignments

But online learning goes beyond readings and lectures. Depending on your program, you may experience:

• Email and video conferencing to connect with instructors and classmates
• Personalized coursework at your own pace (within syllabus deadlines)
• Interactive virtual simulations
• At-home lab kits for hands-on learning

• Your instructor will provide a syllabus at the start of a course with a schedule outlining assignments, exams, project dates, policies, practices, and deadlines to help empower you to plan and organize.
• Your courses are online and available 24/7, letting you study at times that best suit your needs.
• Most courses are asynchronous and 100% online, enabling you to learn independently while meeting syllabus deadlines. Some courses may be synchronous, requiring you to log in at specific times. Course format details are available during the registration process.

• Research suggests you dedicate 2 to 3 hours of focused effort each week for every credit hour. For a 3-credit course, plan to invest 6 to 9 hours weekly.
• Our online programs are designed to complement your strengths and busy lifestyle. Whether you’re managing a full-time job, financial responsibilities, providing care for loved ones, or prioritizing your well-being, our flexible, part-time options empower you to succeed on your terms.

Before committing, consider how much time you can dedicate to your coursework. Connect your program of interest to review their time requirements. This will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your next step.

• The time it takes to complete your degree depends on several factors, including your course load, transfer credits, and personal schedule.
• Most courses follow a semester-based calendar: Fall and spring semesters are 16 weeks long, including a week for final exams. Summer semesters are typically 8 or 12 weeks, and the winter session is a shorter, 4-week term.
• Many students complete their online bachelor’s degree in about 2.5 to 4 years and a master’s degree in 18 to 24 months. Doctoral programs typically take longer, with most students finishing in 4 to 6 years. However, some may finish faster by taking advantage of accelerated courses and year-round enrollment options.
• Our programs are designed to be flexible, allowing you to progress at your own pace and balance your studies with other commitments.

To be prepared for online coursework and exams, Iowa State requires the following:

• A PC or Mac laptop or desktop computer, a webcam (built into the computer or separate), and a headset or earbuds with a microphone. For more details, visit the ISU Computer Requirement guide including discounted purchasing information.
• Reliable internet connection, preferably high-speed, broadband, or DSL.
• The most current or previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Your program might have specific technology requirements.
Technology Resources for Students

If you need help, Iowa State has a help desk that can answer questions and help resolve problems. Call 515-294-4000 or submit a help request online.

Once you are an enrolled ISU student, you will have access to various tools via the Sign On Dashboard, such as:

• Our online learning platform, Canvas, is designed to be user-friendly. It serves as your virtual classroom for accessing course materials, submitting assignments, taking quizzes, engaging in discussions, and communicating with your instructor and peers.
• Office 365 applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and more.
• Video conferencing tools like Webex and MS Teams.
• Online storage solutions like Microsoft OneDrive (Office 365) and CyBox (ISU’s Box) for uploading, sharing, and accessing files.

Additional things to keep in mind:

• Your program may incorporate discipline-specific or other tools into a course; ask your advisor or professor for guidance.