Economically Relevant
Our Online and Distance Education programs are designed to help you advance your career and life objectives. Courses are steeped in our philosophy of Think and Do and a wide variety of business partnerships help keep course material current and forward-focused.
As a result of NC State’s commitment to innovation, you learn the latest skills and knowledge in your field, whether you are enrolled in a certificate or a degree program.
Life Friendly
The advantage of online and distance courses is that they give you a level of flexibility that on-campus courses do not. And, at NC State you don’t sacrifice quality. Our online and distance courses are taught by the same professors who teach the subject on campus.
Online and Distance Education programs are offered in a variety of delivery formats depending on what best suits the program. Some are offered all online, some are offered onsite at a location away from the main NC State campus and some are a hybrid that have online as well as onsite programs. Regardless of the delivery format, our programs follow the same academic calendars. All work must be completed within that timeframe.
Online courses and programs can follow a synchronous or asynchronous model. Synchronous courses require all students and the instructor online during class time using technology to engage through chat or instant messaging functions. Asynchronous courses, allow more flexibility, enabling access on your own schedule within certain time parameters.
Online and Distance Education programs are offered and supported using three delivery formats — fully online, onsite (at locations away from NC State campus), or a hybrid of online and onsite.
Non-Degree Studies Options
For those interested in taking courses without enrolling in a degree program at NC State, Online and Distance Education offers courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels to fit higher education needs in a demanding and busy world. Students may apply to the university to be approved as a Non-Degree Studies (NDS) student. However, admission as an NDS student does not imply admission to an NC State degree program.
NDS students are classified as non-degree-seeking. Grades earned as an NDS student will go toward the student’s NC State University GPA and may be transferred to another institution based on that institution’s transfer policy. Students enrolled in Undergraduate Certificate programs are classified as NDS students.
Non-Degree Student Classifications

Undergraduate Studies (UGS)
The Undergraduate Studies (UGS) classification is assigned to NDS students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. UGS students take courses as prerequisites for admission to degree programs, to transfer to another institution or for professional and career development. Students enrolled in Undergraduate Certificate programs are classified as NDS.

Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS)
The Post-Baccalaureate Studies (PBS) classification is assigned to students who have earned a bachelor’s degree. This is an excellent way to explore different fields of study to fulfill your personal and career goals, to pursue a teacher licensure program or to prepare to enter master’s, doctoral or graduate certificate programs.
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