Ways to Study at Empire State University
SUNY Empire Course Mode Dictionary
Teaching and learning at SUNY Empire take place using course-delivery methods that best suit our students' needs. Some courses are location-based and require pre-scheduled in-person meetings. Others depend on tools and technologies. The university community uses a common vocabulary to describe its instructional modes, including expectations and requirements for faculty-student engagement associated with each. You can find current information about course sections in our term guide.
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. If an online course includes synchronous meetings, information regarding days and times of those meetings is shared in advance of the first day of classes via the term guide.
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. Information about synchronous meetings is shared in advance of the first day of classes and is included in the term guide.
Study Group: An instructor-led course that includes regular in-person meetings with students. Information about days and times of scheduled meetings is shared in advance of the first day of classes and is included in the term guide.
Virtual Exchange: An instructor-led educational practice that brings students together in synchronous and asynchronous interactions. 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. Information about days and times of scheduled synchronous virtual meetings is shared in advance of the first day of classes and is included in the term guide.
Virtual Study Group: An instructor-led course consisting of a combination of asynchronous activities and scheduled virtual synchronous meetings. Information about days and times of scheduled synchronous meetings is shared in advance of the first day of classes and is included in the term guide.
Other Learning Opportunities
Workshops: Noncredit workshops are offered regularly, particularly in the areas of writing and degree program portfolio development. Check the Workshops Calendar (MySUNYEmpire log-in) to learn about available workshops.
Graduate Study Options
You'll complete your work in the School for Graduate Studies mainly through online courses, which provide you the opportunity to study at your convenience and allow you to interact with instructors, fellow students, and your advisor. You can access course resources and the fully online library, participate in discussion forums, conduct self-assessments, and take advantage of other course enhancements, such as simulations and modeling.
Most of our graduate programs, including our advanced certificates, are fully online. Our M.A.T. programs require face-to-face classroom experience in New York state, while our M.A. in liberal studies program requires attendance at a small number of in-person residencies. Residencies complement online courses by providing opportunities for you to network in person with faculty and students who share similar academic and professional interests.