At UW Independent Learning, we’re focused on you. Our distance learning courses are available whenever and wherever you need them. So no matter where you are in life — high school, college, your first job, retirement — you can receive a high-quality UW education.
What began as a correspondence study program in the 1890s has evolved to meet the needs of today’s learners by offering online college-level courses developed and taught by UW faculty. UW Independent Learning brings the Wisconsin Idea to life by expanding education and lifelong learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of a classroom.
Whether you want to get an early start on college coursework, earn the final credits you need to graduate college, or gain professional or personal enrichment, UW Independent Learning offers courses that are:
Distance learning
All of our courses can be completed from anywhere, and all are offered fully online. You can complete coursework without ever traveling to a campus.
Accessible
Our program does not require an application and does not limit enrollments. If you meet the prerequisites for a course, you’re guaranteed a spot.
Convenient
Courses are always open, allowing students to enroll any day of the year. Your first day of class is the day you register, so there’s no waiting for a new semester to start.
Self-Paced
You’re in charge of your own progress and pace. You set your own deadlines and have six months to complete your course, with options to extend up to a full year if you need more time.
Independent Learning
Transferable
With a transcript issued by University of Wisconsin, our courses transfer to all UW campuses and many other colleges and universities around the country.