Common Questions
Select a link below to go to a specific question:
- Am I ever required to visit the WSU campus?
- What technology do I require as a distance student?
- Is financial aid available to distance students? Do I have to attend full-time to receive financial aid?
- How long does it take to get a degree at a distance?
- How do I take exams in distance courses?
- What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer toward a WSU degree?
- How many credits do I need to be admitted?
- How do my credits transfer?
- Can I attend a community college and WSU/DDP at the same time?
- Once I’m admitted, can I get my entire degree online?
- Do I automatically receive my textbooks when I register?
- Does WSU give credit for life or work experience?
- Can I get medical insurance?
- If I earn a WSU degree through Distance Degree Programs, will my diploma say "online degree"?
Have a different question?
Don’t hesitate to e-mail us at distance@wsu.edu or phone us toll-free at 800-222-4WSU with your questions. We’re here from Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Common Questions
Am I ever required to visit the WSU campus?
While you are always welcome to visit campus, you are not required to come to campus
to fulfill any of your coursework. We encourage you to come for your graduation
ceremony and special events hosted by DDP and the
DDP student government.
What technology do I require as a distance student?
Detailed information regarding technology requirements can be found at our
Technology Center.
Is financial aid available to distance students? Do I
have to attend full-time to receive financial aid?
To receive financial aid you must be admitted as a degree-seeking student and enrolled
at least half-time at WSU. Three-quarter time enrollment also qualifies for financial
aid. Half-time enrollment is 6 credits for undergraduate courses and 5 credits for
graduate and professional students; three-quarter time enrollment is 9-11 credits.
Students who attend less than half-time are eligible for the PELL Grant only.
More information.
How long does it take to get a degree at a distance?
There is no set time for degree completion. The time will vary according to the number
of credits transferred in, how many credits you take each semester, and what degree you
are pursuing. We encourage all students to consider carefully their total commitment to
family, work, and school when deciding how many credits in which to enroll in a semester,
especially if they are receiving financial aid. Successful completion of courses each
semester should be a priority.
How do I take exams in distance courses?
Course exams are either take-home exams, which are submitted electronically like course
work, or proctored exams, which must be taken under the supervision of an approved
proctor such as a librarian, community college administrator, or certain other persons
agreed upon by you and WSU.
More information.
What is the maximum number of credits I can transfer toward a WSU degree?
A maximum of 90 semester hours (135 quarter credits) from an accredited four-year
institution or from a combination of all institutions can be transferred to use
toward a WSU four-year baccalaureate degree, however, no more than 73 semester credits
may be lower-division hours of credit.
How many credits do I need to be admitted?
You must have a minimum of 27 transferable semester credits (40 quarter credits).
If you don’t have the minimum credits, consider taking either traditional or online
courses at a local community college.
How do my credits transfer?
Your transfer credits will receive a thorough and official analysis when you submit
your application to WSU. However, if you’re ready for an unofficial look at how your
credits transfer, visit
Transfer Course Equivalencies.
Can I attend a community college and WSU/DDP at the same time?
Yes. However, if you are still enrolled at another institution, only completed
courses will be evaluated when you apply for admissions; current classes will not
be included until they are completed and a transcript sent to WSU. You may receive
financial aid to assist you in enrolling at both institutions.
More information.
Once I’m admitted, can I get my entire degree online?
Yes, all courses offered through DDP allow you to complete your degree online.
Do I automatically receive my textbooks when I register?
No. While you may receive some media material automatically, you order your textbooks
from the WSU bookstore, the Bookie. Payment is made to the Bookie; textbook costs are
not included with WSU tuition and fees. We encourage you to order your textbooks as soon
as possible after registering. Students who do not have their textbooks by the beginning
of the semester are at a disadvantage and often have a difficult time catching up.
Does WSU give credit for life or work experience?
At this time, WSU does not give credit for life or work experience.
Can I get medical insurance?
Students enrolled in 7 or more credits can apply for medical insurance through WSU.
More information
If I earn a WSU degree through Distance Degree Programs, will my diploma say "online degree"?
Diplomas for distance degrees look identical to diplomas for the same degrees earned
on any WSU campus.
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Can’t find the answer to your question? Don’t hesitate to contact us at distance@wsu.edu or 800-222-4978.