Enrollment Procedures

1. Select Your Independent Study Course

It is your responsibility to determine whether a particular distance learning course will apply toward your diploma, degree, certification, or other educational goals. If necessary, please check with your advisor or counselor to be sure that the course you want to take will satisfy your academic needs.

Military and Veterans: Independent study university courses are approved for veterans and other persons eligible under the provisions of the GI Bill and DANTES program. Please notify the Center prior to course enrollment. If you are an MU student with financial aid, a UM employee using educational assistance, or if you're using third party payment including military benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation, please call CDIS at 1 (800) 609-3727 option 4 for assistance with enrolling instead of using the online enrollment process.

English Language: All independent study courses are written in English. Therefore, a good command of the English language is essential for successfully completing any course.

2. Complete Course Application/Textbook Order Form

Unless you're an MU High School Diploma student, we generally recommend that you enroll in no more than two independent study courses at one time.

Application Forms (download pdf application forms)

3. Submit Course Application To The Center

In Person or By Mail: Mail or deliver application and textbook order form, along with a check, money order, or credit card information, to:
The Center for Distance and Independent Study
136 Clark Hall — Columbia, MO 65211-4200

Forms can be found in the back of the MU High School bulletin (elementary and middle school course listings and application forms located in the back of the MU High School Bulletin). Additional copies may also be printed in PDF format from our Web site. (download pdf application forms)

By Fax: You may fax your application to: (573) 882-6808.

Online: Submit your application directly to the Center by directing your browser to the Center's Web site and completing the online enrollment form. If you are an MU student with financial aid, a UM employee using educational assistance, or if you're using third party payment including military benefits and Vocational Rehabilitation, please call CDIS at 1 (800) 609-3727 option 4 for assistance with enrolling instead of using the online enrollment process.

4. Pay Independent Study Enrollment Fees

The Center accepts personal checks, money orders, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. Payment must be made by credit card for enrollments submitted by telephone, fax, or online.

Enrollment Receipt: The Center will ship your course materials the next working day after processing your enrollment; an enrollment receipt will be included in this shipment. Please check this receipt carefully, and if you find a problem, contact us immediately. It is important that you keep your enrollment receipt because it includes your CDIS ID number and password, both of which you will need to access your coursework online.

5. Begin Your Independent Study Coursework

Studies show that students are more likely to succeed at independent study if they begin their coursework right away. It is important to set goals for yourself and maintain steady progress when you study on your own. Keep in mind that your success with independent study depends primarily on you and your commitment to completing your course.