Relevant to: students, faculty, staff.
Introduction
Below you will find information on the many modes of study we offer at SUNY Empire State University.
Teaching and learning at SUNY Empire takes place using course-delivery methods that best suit our students' needs.
Some courses are synchronous, meaning student participation is required on a scheduled day and time, while others are asynchronous, meaning students learn independently under the guidance of an instructor and do not meet on a scheduled day and time.
Some courses are location-based and require pre-scheduled in-person meetings. Others depend on tools and technologies, such as our Learning Management System, Microsoft Teams, etc.
Study options are identified in advance of the term start via the term guide, and once registered, via your Course Schedule.
The following are our Undergraduate Study Options:
Independent Study: An instructor-led, one-to-one course (student and faculty member) with flexible contact/meetings arranged by the student and faculty member.
Internship/practicum: An instructor-led learning experience designed to give a student practical knowledge of their field, e.g. clinical experience.
Laboratory/Lab: An instructor-led course, or components of a course, in which all students are practicing an application of a scientific, technical, or creative nature.
Online: An instructor-led course conducted virtually, using the university’s Learning Management System (LMS). Online courses are offered synchronously and asynchronously.
Residency: An instructor-led course that combines virtual learning or independent study and professional and academic enrichment opportunities with onsite, in-person meetings that occur on one day or over several days.
Study Group: An instructor-led course that includes regular in-person meetings with students.
Virtual Exchange: An instructor-led educational practice that brings students together in synchronous and asynchronous interactions via tools and technology. Available through but not limited to students in the International Education program.
Virtual Residency: An instructor-led course that combines virtual learning or independent study with scheduled virtual synchronous meetings that occur on one day or over several days via tools and technology.
Virtual Study Group: An instructor-led course consisting of a combination of asynchronous activities and scheduled virtual synchronous meetings via tools and technology.