If you are interested in creating a new online course or converting an existing face-to-face course to online format, the Office of Academic Programs will be able to assist you. Online course development, which is governed by faculty, can take up to several months depending on the course's complexity. Here are the stages we'll work through to transform your course from a concept into an accessible option for online learning.
Developing online courses begins with careful planning and quality course design.
When you have an idea for a course, we can help you work through the conceptual and delivery details. We can help you effectively plan and prepare for the multi-step approval process to transform your course from a concept into an accessible option for online learning. As you plan your course structure and select the most appropriate delivery format, you may also work closely with an instructional designer to establish pedagogy goals, learning outcomes, build your syllabus and more.
Typically, it takes anywhere from 3-6 months to plan a course and develop content for online delivery. To teach a course online - either in a fully online, blended, or hybrid format – the course needs to be approved for distance education delivery per Policy ACAF 2.03. A list of courses approved for distance education delivery is available here.
Members of the Faculty Senate guide and approve any online courses through an established
review. Throughout the step-by-step process, you may need to modify your academic
proposal based on insight from committee reviewers.
Our team works closely with the Office of Academic Programs and can help guide you
through the Distance Education Delivery Approval process.
Our team works closely with the Office of Academic Programs and can help guide you through the Distance Education Delivery Approval process. Visit the Office of Academic Program’s website for additional information.
If you are interested in creating a new online course or converting an existing face-to-face course to online format, please refer to the Academic Proposals Program System (APPS), a secure, web-based submission and approval system that facilitates the review process for adding or changing any University of South Carolina academic course. The step-by-step process may take several months to complete and the course proposal may need to be revised based on feedback from committee reviewers.
You should also refer to the Committee on Curricula & Courses requirements for distance education delivery before submitting a new course or course change request. It is also recommended that you work with an instructional designer to ensure the course meets quality assurance standards and best practices and that all course materials are accessible for students with disabilities.