Online Learning
Is online study right for me?
What’s it Like to Earn Your Graduate Degree Online?
Online courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational goals. As an online graduate student, you will have access to your classroom at any time and can view your assignments, syllabus and course resources from any computer with internet capability.
Our online, asynchronous courses offer the same rigorous, high-quality content and expert instruction as the courses held on campus at the University of San Diego. Instructors facilitate courses through engaging multimedia presentations and provide prompt feedback on questions within a 24 to 48-hour timeframe. When you learn online, you gain the flexibility to structure your education around your schedule. As an online student, you’ll interact with instructors and classmates from around the world through weekly discussion forums, chats and email correspondence.
What Does “Asynchronous” Mean?
The program is designed with a working adult schedule in mind. Students are set up to be able to balance their academic coursework while being able to work full-time, take care of family, etc.
Course content may involve:
- No live course sessions
- Optional office hour Zoom meetings
- Discussion board threads led by your instructor
- Pre-recorded lectures you can review at your leisure
- Practical assignments and projects
Technical Requirements for Online Courses in Canvas
High-speed internet connection strongly encouraged (DSL or better)
- Browser: For best performance, Instructure recommends using the current or previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Edge or Safari.
- Instructure products are supported on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and any other device with a modern web browser. Canvas lists the most current browser compatibility information on its site, here.
- Microsoft Office
- See system requirements for Cyber Security programs here.
Still Not Sure?
Check out our comprehensive blog post to help you determine if getting an online master's degree is the right choice for you
Behind Every Course: A Team Dedicated To Your Success
At USD Online, your learning experience is built by nationally recognized instructional designers. Our Learning Design Center (LDC) develops every course using a backward design model to ensure clear outcomes, real-world application, and engaging, interactive content. With a focus on student support and flexibility, our courses are crafted to help you thrive—wherever life takes you.
Nationally recognized learning design: Our courses have been recognized for their excellence in design, student engagement and learner support. This means you can trust you’re getting a top-quality learning experience that’s built to help you succeed.
Real-world skills you can use right away: With proven learning outcomes, our courses are crafted to give you the knowledge and skills needed for real-world success. The course content is continuously evaluated and improved, so you’re always getting the best.
Built for your lifestyle: We understand adult learners need flexibility, relevance and practicality. Our programs are designed to fit into your life, letting you balance work, family and education while giving you control over your learning journey.
Backward Design Methodology: We use a “backward design” model to make sure every part of a course supports clear learning goals. This approach helps you master each topic through purposeful, outcome-focused instruction, so you can feel confident in your progress.
Immersive and practical: Our courses include engaging multimedia, peer collaboration and real-world assessments that go beyond theory. You’ll get hands-on practice and a feel for real challenges, making learning interactive and meaningful.
Always up-to-date: Curricula are regularly refreshed to stay in line with the latest industry trends and educational standards, so you’re gaining knowledge that’s relevant now and in the future.
Digital-first materials for added convenience: We’re moving toward fully digital course materials, giving you tools such as text-to-speech, advanced search and collaborative annotation features. This saves you time, reduces costs and provides a seamless, tech-forward learning experience.
Student Support
Here at USD, you’re never treated like a number. From undivided attention with faculty to one-on-one admission and program counseling, our goal is to personalize your entire experience, surround you with support and ensure your success.
Once you enroll, you will be assigned a personal Program Coordinator who will serve as your concierge, counselor and go-to person for all questions and concerns related to your program. You will also be provided access to our online Student Support Center, a helpful website of information specific to your degree program, and Degree Works, a portal that will help you track your progress toward graduation.
Study with USD ONLINE From India
We are now proud to expand our global footprint to offer a selection of our master's degrees for students who wish to study online from India.