ACCESS Online

Click Here to Register for ACCESS Online!

Image is a logo that says Mississippi State University ACCESS Online

To hear from a student who does an excellent job sharing his perspective of the ACCESS Online courses that he took, please click https://youtu.be/IPLtGFD8ka4

Enrichment Courses:

  • ACCESS Online gives any student (no matter their academic level or disability) an opportunity to join the Bulldog family by enrolling in ACCESS online enrichment courses
  • These courses are given through Mississippi State’s online platform called Canvas and are developed to help students improve their functional life skills, increase independence, and develop self-advocacy skills
  • All of the online courses are self-paced with weekly deadlines, taught by certified online education ACCESS instructors, and developed for students ages 14 to adulthood.

Registration Open to All:

  • No admission process or criteria to register and enroll
  • Courses are offered in conjunction with MSU fall, spring, & summer semesters
  • $40 registration fee required at time of registration then tuition and additional fees charged based on the number of enrolled courses which will be billed after course enrollment
  • Registration for ACCESS Online is now open (see link above) for anyone who would like to take courses in the spring or summer semesters. Students who are registered will be able to enroll in courses for the spring semester starting November 8th.  

Additional Information:

If you would like additional information regarding ACCESS Online, please feel free to contact Stacy Jackson at slm244@msstate.edu or by calling 662-546-0755. 

Spring 2022 Courses

Course enrollment period: November 8-January 25, 2022
Spring Term: January 18-April 24, 2022

  • DSS 0113: Practical Money Skills
  • DSS 0713: Career Exploration
  • DSS 0133: Money Management
  • DSS 0733: Maintaining Employment

Summer 2022 Courses

Course enrollment period: April 15- June 6, 2022
Spring Term: June 2- August 1, 2022

  • DSS 0113: Practical Money Skills
  • DSS 0713: Career Exploration
  • DSS 0133: Money Management
  • DSS 0733: Maintaining Employment
  • DSS 0153: Financial Literacy

Students can decide which course(s) they would like to take. Practical Money Skills and/or Career Exploration are excellent beginner courses for ACCESS Online students, but students/families are welcome to decide which course is the best fit. 

ACCESS Online Frequently Asked Questions

Image is a graphic that says Making Career Skills and Independence More ACCESSible

      Questions

      Do students who take ACCESS’s Online Education courses have to be enrolled at Mississippi State University or in the ACCESS program?

      No. The courses are taught by an ACCESS instructor; however, the courses are separate from the on-campus program. Please do not enroll through the MSU's Center for Distance Education website. Students enrolling for the ACCESS online courses must complete the following steps: 1) Complete the ACCESS Online Education Registration Form 2) submit $40 registration fee and 3) register for the course(s). Returning students only need to complete step 3!

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      What days and times do classes meet?

      Classes will be asynchronous; students will complete courses at their own pace but are required to meet assignment deadlines. Each week, students will participate in chats and discussion boards via videos or messaging. The ACCESS instructor will hold weekly office hours to meet with students and families.

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      Is there an age requirement for the class?

      Courses are designed for students 14 years and older with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

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      What is the cost of an ACCESS online course?

      Estimated Costs Per Semester:

      Distance Fee = $100 Per Credit Hour
      Instructional Support Fee = $25 Per Credit Hour
      Tuition and Required Fees / Undergraduate (T&RF UG) - Distance = $366.75/credit hour

      • Each course is 3 credit hours
      • Tuition varies slightly by semester.
      • The one-time $40 registration fee is not a part of the course tuition and fees.

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      What types of technology and devices will I need to be successful in an online course?

      Courses will require access to a computer, headphones (if necessary), and reliable internet. Visit the MSU Online Education requirements page

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      What academic levels are required for ACCESS Online Education courses?

      • There are no required academic levels. Students below a 3rd-grade reading and math level may need more assistance from a support person.
      • Students will need to navigate Canvas and the internet, so if they have difficulty with this, additional support may need to be provided. As students learn the routine each week, they usually need less help navigating the course(s) and the internet. 
      • It is estimated that students will need to commit at least 3 hours per week to these self-paced courses.

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      Will ACCESS staff be available to assist my student with the coursework?

      ACCESS staff will hold weekly office hours and will be available by appointment. Students are encouraged to utilize family members for additional support.

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      Will these courses count as credit hours towards a degree?

      No. These courses are designed for personal enrichment and growth. They are pass/fail courses and are non-credit bearing. The courses are non-transferable towards our on-campus program if a student applies and is accepted.

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      How are courses designed?

      Our ACCESS Online Education courses are enrichment courses designed to give students opportunities to grow their life skills and independence. Each week is consistent and easy to follow. Course content is published in Canvas each week and the student can work at their own pace to complete the coursework.  Virtual Office Hours are available for students to meet with ACCESS staff to discuss questions, problems, or for socialization with classmates/instructor. For more information regarding course design or content please contact Stacy Jackson. slm244@msstate.edu 662-546-0755 

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      Is financial assistance available for ACCESS online courses?

      Mississippi State University partners with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services (MDRS) and other Voc Rehab facilities throughout the country. Please contact your VR counselor to inquire about financial assistance.  For Mississippi residents, you can email Joyce Paris at jparis@mdrs.ms.gov for more information.

       

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      Who do I contact for assistance?

      Please contact Stacy Jackson at slm244@msstate.edu or 662-546-0755.

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