About the Institution

The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 as the first state university west of the Mississippi River. It is a major land-grant institution and Missouri’s largest public research university. Mizzou has a diverse enrollment with 28,000 students from every county in Missouri, every state in the nation and 100 countries. MU is highly ranked in quality and value by U.S. News & World Report, The Fiske Guide to Colleges, Peterson’s Competitive Colleges, Barron’s Best Buys in College Education and Money magazine.

The University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study (CDIS), a program of University of Missouri Extension, was established in 1911. For over 90 years, CDIS has been dedicated to providing academic opportunities for students who desire or need to take courses independently of the traditional classroom. In 1983, the Center became the largest university-sponsored independent study program in the United States.

Today, with more than 20,000 new enrollments annually, it remains a national leader, offering courses at the university, high school, middle school, elementary school, and continuing education/noncredit levels. In 1999, it founded MU High School, establishing an accredited diploma program for students of varying ages interested in an alternative to traditional high school attendance. CDIS students come from every county in Missouri, every state in the nation and more than two dozen foreign countries.

Learn more about us.

Accreditation

The University of Missouri and MU High School are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Programs: Distance and Independent Study

CDIS is committed to the development, administration, promotion, and maintenance of a wide range of individualized educational methods involving online interactive courses, print materials, computer technology, videotapes, audiocassettes, and other media-based activities. Students may enroll in a CDIS course at any time. Please note that enrollment in an independent study course does not constitute admission to the University of Missouri and that CDIS does not award university degrees. (See below for degree completion.)

CDIS offers over 300 university and high school independent study courses to enhance the distance learning experience for students. An online course includes all of the lessons and instructions needed for completion.

Students use independent study to:

• supplement their on-campus course schedules.
• ease classroom scheduling conflicts.
• advance in their jobs or prepare for career changes.
• continue their education while out of school or working.
• earn university credit before they begin their college education.
• earn extra credits in order to finish high school early.
• supplement schedules with courses not offered at their schools.
• enrich their high school experiences with more challenging courses.
• make up credits they lack to graduate on time.
• earn an MU High School diploma.

Degree Completion Program

It is now possible to complete a Bachelor of General Studies via CDIS. For requirements, procedures, and other background, go to Online Bachelor of General Studies Degree Completion Program Requirements.

How to Register/Enrollment Information

Read enrollment information and visit the Center’s online enrollment system.

University Courses Available

Our university program includes about 160 courses, most developed by faculty members from one of the four University of Missouri campuses. The course areas include:

• Accountancy
• Anthropology
• Astronomy
• Atmospheric Science
• Biology
• Black Studies
• Classical Studies
• Economics
• Education
• Engineering
• English
• Film Studies
• Finance
• Geography
• Geological Sciences
• German and Russian Studies
• History
• Human Development and Family Studies
• Information Technology
• Management
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Parks, Recreation & Tourism
• Philosophy
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Religious Studies
• Romance Languages & Literatures
• Rural Sociology
• Social Work
• Sociology
• Women's and Gender Studies

University Program and Course Information

High School Diploma Program

The mission of the University of Missouri High School is to provide courses through a variety of delivery methods that will complement traditional high school curricula and to provide an accredited diploma program for independent learners of all ages seeking an alternative to traditional high school attendance. The minimum requirements for an MU High School diploma meet those established by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for public schools in the state.

High School, Middle School, and Elementary Courses Available

CDIS offers more than 150 high school courses that can be used for credit if approved by a student’s high school principal or counselor. In addition, there are approximately 60 core courses for students in grades 3-8. The high school course areas include:

• Agriculture
• Business & Computer Science
• Driver Education
• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Fine Arts
• Foreign Languages
• Health and Physical Education
• Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Personal Development
• Science
• Social Studies
• Advanced Placement Courses
• Gifted Courses
• Semester-based Courses

MU High School, Elementary/Middle School Program, and Course Information

The University of Missouri does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era.