Getting Started Guide
Here's an easy step-by-step guide to taking academic credit courses at a distance through OSU Extended Campus. We recommend printing this page for future reference.
Explore your opportunities
OSU Extended Campus offers Online and Distance Degree programs, along with online courses and programs designed for professional development as well as personal enrichment. Explore our website and our Planning Your Degree page to see what options are available to help you meet your educational and career goals. Stay connected to Ecampus by subscribing to the Extended Campus newsletter, E-News.
Make a connection with Extended Campus
Whether you're seeking your degree or just taking a class, you'll find it beneficial to talk with us as early as possible. Find out how easy it is to connect with our Student Services Center, no matter where you live. To get answers to your questions, be put in touch with an advisor, receive the latest information on courses and degrees, or be added to our mailing list, you can:
- Email us from our Contact Us page
- Call 800-667-1465 or 541-737-9204
- Visit us at our main Corvallis office in The Valley Library
Apply for admission
If you are not seeking your degree or certificate or just taking one of our online courses to possibly apply to a degree at another institution, simply apply for Non-degree Enrollment Status before you register. Call our office at 800-667-1465 or 541-737-9204 and we'll connect you with the Admissions Office, or go to OSU Admissions to apply online.
If you are a degree-seeking student (including certificates and minors), you will need to be formally admitted to the university. Please go to OSU Admissions to apply online. For more information about admissions, visit the Ecampus Apply for Admission page or call the OSU Office of Admissions at 800-291-4192.
Set up your ONID (OSU Network Identification)
This account is required for you to access Blackboard, and provides you with your university email address. Go to http://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/services/start/onid_sign_up.htm to sign up. Your ONID email is your official OSU email, billing notification and all other OSU communications will be sent there. Be sure to check it regularly.
Understand Ecampus Tuition and Fees
Ecampus courses are the same price for Oregon residents, Non-residents, and international students. For the most current rates and breakdown of fees, visit Tuition and Fees. Ecampus also offers a need-based grant for deserving Oregon State University students who are admitted and enrolled in a part-time or full-time program of study offered through Extended Campus. Federal and state financial aid is also available for degree-seeking students admitted to the university. Visit Ecampus Financial Aid for more information.
Complete the Ecampus Online Orientation
Newly admitted degree-seeking undergraduates must complete the Ecampus Online Orientation before scheduling an advising session. After viewing the online orientation, your responses to the orientation review will be forwarded to your advisor, in preparation for your advising meeting.
Discuss your course choices with Ecampus and your major advisor
You can find a list of available courses on our online Schedule of Classes. Notice that most courses provide a sample syllabus for your information, linked from the course listing in the Schedule of Classes.
If you are a degree-seeking student you will need to discuss the options with your major advisor. Your advisor will make sure that you are staying on track for graduation. If you need help or just want to know some interesting courses to take, please contact our Student Services Center at 800-667-1465.
Register for courses
Registration for all OSU courses is now available online. For first-time students, we encourage you to read further instructions on our Registration page or through our Online Orientation. You may also want to visit our step-by-step Register Online Now page.
For a direct link into OSU's registration system, go to OSU Student Online Services. You can get a preview of different online teaching methods with our Ecampus Course Demo.
Starting your course
To get started on your OSU Extended Campus course(s), see the section of Enrollment & Services that will help guide you through four easy steps to Starting Your Course. In order to be prepared for your course, be sure to Check Your Computer for required applications to hear, see and read materials for your online courses. Keep up with University dates and deadlines with the Ecampus Academic Calendar.
Obtain your course materials
Your course syllabus, which can be found online each term, should list all materials you will need to complete your course. Be sure to get all materials, such as textbooks and videos, before the term starts. Visit the OSU Bookstore website in order to receive your required texts in time.
Course material information is outlined under each course listing in our Schedule of Classes.
Contact your instructor
During the first few days of your course, you should contact your instructor through the class website located on Blackboard (my.oregonstate.edu). If your course is independent study, you should contact your instructor during the first week of the course using the contact information on the syllabi posted on our Schedule of Classes. Current Ecampus students emphasize that making contact with your instructors is beneficial to your learning experience.
Give us your feedback
Once you have completed your course, please complete and return the evaluation sent to you at the end of the term. You can email additional comments to us on our Contact Us page. We're eager to know about your distance education experience so we can be responsive to your needs!
Back to Enrollment and Services.
