Last Updated on January 26, 2026 by Alexandra Markin, Dip.Mgmt.St.
Wondering what to expect in self-paced online college courses as a distance learning student?
As an online undergraduate student who’s opted for self-paced courses at both Thompson Rivers University and Athabasca University to complete my Bachelor of Commerce degree, I know how overwhelming it can feel to choose this course structure without fully knowing what to expect.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you exactly what to expect, how self-directed courses work and answer the most frequently asked questions I get in regards to this course format.
What Are Self-Paced Online College Courses?
Also called self-directed or individualized study, self-paced online college courses are asynchronous, meaning you don’t need to be online at set times or at the same time as other students in your class.
Self-paced courses give you the freedom to move through the material completely at your own speed. There are no set deadlines for any assignments or exams, nor are there any set class or discussion times.
You have the flexibility to complete all assessments at any time within your course contract start date and end date, allowing you to complete courses faster than a normal college semester or take more time if you need it.
Most self-paced online college courses give you 6 months to complete them, with an option to purchase a time extension of a few months if you need it.
How do Self-Paced Online College Courses Work?
Self-paced courses give you 100% control over your learning schedule. Unlike other asynchronous online courses that have set deadlines for assignments, exams and other assessments, the only deadlines you work with are your course start and end dates.
Since you can complete a course as fast as you like, I’ve known some students who have completed entire courses in a month, while others take their entire contract plus an extension and there is nothing wrong with either. The advantage of self-paced courses is that you make it work for YOUR life.
Registration
Some open universities, like Thompson Rivers University, offer continuous registration, meaning you can register and start any day of the year.
Other universities, like Athabasca University and Western Governors University, start their self-paced courses on the 1st of each month.
Course Structure and Workflow
Learning Management System (LMS)
All online college courses are delivered through a Learning Management System (LMS). Some of the most common LMS are Moodle, Brightspace and Canvas.
LMS are tailored specifically for each college. For example, if you’ve used Canvas at one college are are now taking courses at another college, the Canvas LMS interface may look and function slightly differently.
Course Access
You have access to the entire course on your start date (and sometimes even before), so you can learn anytime, anywhere.
You are free to start with any module you wish, although in most courses modules build on each other, so it’s standard practice to start at module 1 and work in chronological order.
SEE ALSO: 10 Things to Do Before Starting an Online College Course
Module-Based Learning
Self-paced course are divided into modules (also called lessons) which form the syllabus for the course.
Each module usually corresponds to one chapter of the course textbook.
Mixed Media Use
There are several types of media that may be included that combine to teach you the material:
- Textbook readings
- Pre-recorded video lectures
- Academic papers
- Interactive exercises
- Practice exercises
- YouTube videos
- Podcasts
- Discussion forums
While both universities I attended had no pre-recorded video lectures and mostly text-based learning material, every university and every course will be a bit different.
Self-Taught Learning
In self-paced courses, you teach yourself the material. There is no instruction by a professor—you move through the material completely on your own, taking as much or as little time as you need to understand the content.
As a very general guideline, you should allow 10 hours per week for EACH course, which includes learning the new material, studying it, and completing assignments and assessments.
Communication and Engagement
Interaction With Instructors
Unlike a traditional face-to-face college class, self-paced online college courses have no live instruction.
You communicate with your instructor via email or a student portal for any questions you have about assignments or course content. Phone contact is also an option, but the primary method of contact is written.
Most colleges and universities have a standard policy of 2 business days to respond to student questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as you feel stuck or need clarification.
I’ve found the majority of instructors are great, but you won’t make it through your degree without at least one bad online professor.
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Interaction With Other Students
With this type of course format, it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to tell who’s in your class.
Since many universities have rolling registration and the option to start on the 1st of any month, students are constantly starting and finishing, and can be at any point in the course material at any time.
There is no public class list, and the only way to know who’s taken the course and who might possibly be at the same point as you is through dated discussion posts (see next point).
READ ALSO: How to Make Friends in Online College: A Detailed Guide
Assessments and Exams
Discussions
Many courses have required discussion posts that form part of your final grade. You can log in at any time whenever you’re ready to post your response, and many times you’ll be required to read and respond to the posting of at least two other students.
100% Flexible Deadlines
There are no set deadlines for any assignments or assessments. The only hard deadline you have is to write any final examinations on or before your course end date.
Proctored Exams
Any midterm or final exams are taken online in the comfort of your own home. They will be proctored, meaning you are supervised remotely by a third party service such as ProctorU.
You are responsible for arranging the date and time of any exams, and paying for the cost of the proctoring service, whcih is not included in tuition.
SEE ALSO: Hidden Costs of Online College to Watch Out For
Quizzes
Quizzes for your course can be either ungraded, where you can take them as many times as you like for practice, or graded and timed as part of your final mark.
Graded quizzes are done online through your course LMS, and are not proctored.
FAQs for Self-Paced Online College Courses
This section covers the most frequently asked questions I receive from prospective online students in regards to taking self-paced online college courses.
How Long Does a Self-Paced Course Take?
Each self-paced online college usually gives you 6 months to complete all the material. The course must be completed before the course contract end date, so you can work as quickly or as slowly as you wish.
Are Self-Paced Classes Worth It?
While this format has its advantages and disadvantages, if you need to the flexibility to have college fit around your lifestyle and you have strong discipline, self-paced classes are worth it.
This is the format I chose to complete my BCom degree so I could travel while studying without being tied to deadlines.
Are There Specific Skills Needed for Self-Paced Learning?
To be a successful student when taking self-paced online courses, you must have strong self-motivation and self-discipline, good written communication, time management and the ability to ask for help as soon as you need it.
How Do You Succeed in Self-Paced Learning?
You need to make a study routine, keep track of your progress, create a dedicated study space and get help when you need it to succeed in self-paced learning.
SEE ALSO: How to Succeed in Online Classes: My Top Tips as an Online Student
My Final Thoughts on Self-Paced Online College Courses
Choosing self-paced online college courses has allowed me to complete my degree in a way that fits my lifestyle.
The flexibility to move at my own speed has been incredibly valuable, but it’s also taught me the importance of self-discipline, planning ahead and staying accountable without set weekly deadlines.
Self-paced courses aren’t for everyone, but for students who are motivated, organized and need control over their schedule, they’re the only option that allows you to complete a degree on your terms to help you accomplish your goals.
If you’re considering this format, understanding what it really requires can help you decide whether learning on your own timeline is the right fit for you.
Have you taken a self-paced online college course before? I’d love to hear what worked for you— and what didn’t. Let me know in the comments!
