Program Method of Delivery Definitions
South University offers programs through multiple delivery methods to support student success and expand educational access. Through on-campus, online (both synchronous and asynchronous), and hybrid program options, the university accommodates diverse learning needs while supporting students’ academic, professional, and personal commitments. Note: Different programmatic accreditors may have different terminology and definitions for delivery modes.
- On-Campus Program: A synchronous program where all/most program specific courses are delivered in person at a physical campus/site location, requiring students and faculty to attend classes and activities on-site. General education and elective courses may be offered in other modalities.
- Online Program: A program where all learning and engagement occurs through digital tools and platforms via the internet, allowing students to complete their entire degree without the need for on-campus attendance. Fully online programs can be further categorized as:
- Online (Asynchronous) Program: A fully online program where courses are primarily delivered through asynchronous methods. Students can access materials and complete assignments on their own schedule, while adhering to set due dates, without real-time interaction requirements.
- Virtual (Online-Synchronous) Program: A fully online program where courses primarily require students and instructors to be present simultaneously at scheduled times, typically using video conferencing, real-time communication tools.
- Hybrid Program: A program of study where curriculum is offered in different course modalities, typically combining online, virtual, and/or on-campus elements. For specific definitions of each course modality (online, virtual, blended, and on-campus), please refer to the Course Definitions section of the academic catalog.
Course Modality Definitions
On-Campus/On-Site (Synchronous): All instructional engagement and activity for the course is delivered face-to-face in a physical classroom or learning environment on a college campus or designated educational facility. Instructor and student are present and together for 100% of the scheduled class time.
Online (Asynchronous): Course is delivered entirely via digital tools and platforms, the internet and Learning Management System (LMS). Instruction occurs by students engaging asynchronously with their instructor and classmates. Students complete work on their own schedule within the parameters of the given weekly/module/assignment due dates and deadlines.
Virtual (Online Synchronous): Course requires students and instructors to be present simultaneously at scheduled times, typically using video conferencing or other real-time communication tools. Instructor and student are present and together for 100% of scheduled class time.
Virtual Teaching Classrooms (VTC): Course is offered simultaneously on-site at multiple campuses, with the host campus broadcasting the instructor to other campuses. All students attend class on their home campus as a group with a proctor, which allows for real-time, interactive communication via video and audio.
Blended: Course is offered through multiple modalities to achieve learning outcomes and meet credit hour requirements.
- Blended- Campus/Virtual (B-CV): A course that integrates scheduled on-campus/on-site, in-person classes with synchronous online virtual sessions.
- Blended- Campus/Online (B-CO): A course that integrates scheduled on-campus/on-site, in-person classes with asynchronous online learning activities.
- Blended- Online/Virtual (B- OV): A course that integrates asynchronous online learning activities with synchronous online virtual sessions.
Site-Based Experience Courses: Modality and locations will vary for supervised, applied learning experiences completed at approved sites such as clinical rotations, practicums, and internships. Modality will be determined by program requirements, accreditation standards, pre-licensing guidelines, and/or other regulatory guidelines.