Correspondence courses, mail-based classes that let you complete required materials long-distance, were first developed in the 1800s to give rural citizens access to university education. Today, students across the country enjoy the convenience of working toward a college degree from home. Whether you can't relocate to a university campus or don't have the time for a full course load, taking long-distance classes from an accredited institution can help you earn credit toward a college degree without setting foot in the classroom.

Creative Writing

A writing class that provides time to work and gather inspiration could be just what you need to jump start your creative skills. The University of North Dakota's accredited distance education school offers a fiction writing class that can open the door to brainstorming new ideas, working closely with faculty mentors and learning about the elements of great stories, such as character, plot, setting and techniques for revision. You'll have nine months to complete this three-credit-hour class, giving you maximum time to develop ideas, try out new drafts on your instructor and complete a final product.

Psychological Perspectives

Whether you plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology or just want some insight into human behavior, St. Joseph's accredited distance learning college lets you do both with their Introductory to Psychology course. You'll learn about past and present theories of human thought and behavior, observe psychological concepts in daily life, and explain, compare and contrast the perspectives of its scholars. The course also requires you to apply your broad knowledge base of theories, mental processes and human behavior to evaluate real-world situations. Students in Psychology are award three credit hours for this long-distance experience.

Mathematics by Mail

Ranging from beginning statistics to pre-calculus to trigonometry, Sam Houston State University's correspondence school, fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, offers a variety of three-credit mathematics courses. Your math class will be composed of 10 to 15 lessons, with a mandatory, web-camera monitored final exam as its culmination. Correspondence math classes also offer the chance to work closely with instructors via phone and email for resolution to questions or areas of confusion. Most of SHSU's math course offerings also require at least two years of high school algebra before enrolling.

New Testament Foundations

Studying the Bible is a complex endeavor, but learning about it from home can make it easier and less intimidating. The accredited Regent College's New Testament Foundations course provides a three credit hour comprehensive overview of its books, examining concepts like historical context, authorship, themes and how each text contributes to the overall development of the New Testament's theology. The course uses audio recordings of actual college lectures, mailed reading materials and chances to interact online with the instructor and other students.

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