How ASU Online courses work
World-class education anytime, anywhere
Arizona State University uses advanced technology and a robust interface for online courses, allowing you to work at your own pace within syllabus deadlines. To allow more flexibility, our online classes are accelerated and condensed into two sessions per semester.
This allows us to offer up to six dates a year when you can start taking classes.
7.5-week
courses in the fall and spring
6-week
courses in the summer
Online tools, technology and resources
To prepare for online coursework and exams, you’ll need:
- A standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer with a webcam, headset or earbuds and microphone.
- High-speed, reliable internet access.
- At least two web browsers, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge.
We do not recommend mobile devices, tablet computers or Google Chromebook.
You’ll complete your online classes in Canvas, a course management system where you’ll have access to:
- Course modules that organize your weekly content.
- A discussion forum to communicate with your peers.
- A calendar with all your class assignments and due dates.
- Feedback on assignments from your instructors.
You won’t just be reading textbooks or watching lectures. You’ll be immersed in innovative new learning technologies designed for your success. Depending on your program, you can access:
- Personalized coursework, at your own pace within syllabus deadlines.
- Interactive virtual simulations.
- At-home lab kits to gain hands-on experience.
At ASU Online, you’ll follow the same curriculum and learn from the same faculty as on-campus students. Our faculty are world-renowned research professionals and leaders of industry who are dedicated to providing you with a rich, engaging learning experience.
Faculty members offer many forms of support, including:
- Providing responsive feedback in Canvas.
- Answering questions in community forums and discussion boards.
- Holding virtual office hours.
Online learning experience
ASU Online classes allow for the utmost flexibility in participating and completing your assignments.
- Most online courses are asynchronous. They have no set log-in times, so you can work at your own pace, as long as you meet syllabus deadlines and due dates.
- You have access to 24/7 tech support, Canvas tutorials and more.
- You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.
You can get a glimpse into what it’s like being in an online course with our course tour video.
How it works
In session A, you’ll take 1-2 classes, depending on if you’re a part-time or full-time student. In session B, you'll start a new class or classes. These accelerated, shorter sessions allow for deeper immersion in course material, as you focus on fewer courses at a time.
Part-time course load
A typical part-time student would take about two courses per semester, or one course per online session. Part-time enrollment may be a great fit for working professionals, family caretakers or those who need more flexibility with their school schedule.
Full-time course load
A typical full-time student would take about four classes per semester, or two classes per online session. Full-time enrollment is ideal for students who can prioritize their studies and want to achieve their academic goals sooner.
Credit hours
Credit hours are used to indicate how many college credits you’ll receive upon completion of a course. At ASU, courses can range from 1-5 credit hours, but the standard class is typically 3 credit hours.
Excellence at scale
At ASU, we’ve created a new model in higher education where excellence and inclusion go hand in hand. With 10+ years of offering online programs, we are committed to improving course quality, accessibility and the online learning experience. No matter your background, ASU is dedicated to providing a high-quality education, catered directly to you.
Find classes in the course catalog
You can browse an array of online courses with ASU’s course catalog. Determine subjects that interest you or search for required courses in your program of choice.
FAQ about online courses
The rate at which you complete your degree is dependent on you. Our accelerated courses do not guarantee an earlier graduation date. With sessions, you won’t take more classes at a time than you would in a traditional semester. Instead, they allow you to focus on only 1-2 classes per session, rather than juggling 4-5 courses at a time.
If you want to earn a degree faster, you can take courses during the summer and enroll in the maximum credit hours each semester, or about 3 classes per session. Accelerated degrees are also available.
ASU Online courses are different from traditional courses but not harder. Online courses use the same curriculum as in-person courses. Our courses occur on an intuitive online platform with simple, easy-to-navigate menus, features, technology and tools.
Because most ASU Online classes are completely online, it's helpful to be good with computers. You’ll need a standard PC or Mac desktop or laptop computer with a download speed higher than 25 Mbps, as well as access to email, productivity software like Microsoft Office and other applications needed to perform a variety of educational functions. ASU offers Microsoft 365 to currently enrolled students free of charge. Many classes that require advanced or special applications offer tutorials, or tutorials are made available at ASU to ensure you are able to perform required tasks online.
If you get stuck, ASU has a 24/7 help desk that can answer questions and help resolve problems. Call 855-278-5080 or use the Help Desk Chat.
The majority of our degree programs are offered entirely online with no campus visits required. However, there are a couple of programs that require minimal campus attendance for in-person labs or capstone experiences to enhance your learning. Your enrollment coach or academic advisor will let you know if this is a requirement for your program.
If you’re in a fully online degree program, you may be able to come to campus for tutoring or advising; however, you won’t be able to attend any in-person classes for help. Connect with your professor if you’d like to meet for virtual office hours for extra help.
The typical on-campus college class structure is synchronous. There is a set time range when you show up or log into class, and you spend that time listening to a lecture or learning with your instructor.
Most ASU Online courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set log-in times. You’re given deadlines for your assignments by your instructor or in your syllabus, but you can work at your own pace within these due dates. Most instructors suggest a recommended pace to optimize your learning, but you have the flexibility to adjust your workload according to your needs. This is particularly beneficial for working professionals, parents or other students whose schedules don’t allow for consistent daily study time.
Although there are up to six start dates a year, the actual dates may vary by program and by year. We recommend checking the degree page for your specific program, which will always be accurately updated with the next upcoming start date.
For a more comprehensive look, view the ASU academic calendar. It is important to note that ASU online semesters are split into Session A and Semester B, while Session C is exclusively for on-campus students.
If you’re interested in becoming an ASU student, but don’t want to pursue a full degree program, you can enroll as a nondegree student.
As a nondegree student, you can study at the undergraduate or graduate level, and you’ll earn transferable college credit for courses you take. Explore nondegree options.
Most of the materials needed for online courses, including some textbooks, are available online. However, some courses do use textbooks that are not available online, meaning you would have to purchase the physical textbook. Textbook costs are not included in tuition.
All ASU Online exams are conducted online and don’t require you to attend an in-person testing center. Although all exams are online, some might still be proctored to monitor academic integrity using Respondus Lockdown Browser or other software.