Web Classes vs. On Demand Classes

Degree-seeking students follow the same admission process, and must meet the same academic requirements regardless of their campus location or intended enrollment (web, on demand, on-campus). Non-degree seeking students wishing to enroll only through On Demand, may fill out a shorter application for admission. Once accepted, they can request to be registered in an on demand course. However, this does not constitute official admission to the University.

Web Campus Location

Courses designated as "web" are semester-based online courses. They follow the same semester-based calendar as face-to-face courses, have specific due dates for assignments, and regular interaction with classmates and the instructor via discussion boards.

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On Demand Campus Location

On Demand provides access to non-semester based online courses. These classes are self-paced, allowing students to enroll any day of the year, and work at their own pace – independent of other classmates or deadlines.

• Students can complete a class in as little as 7 weeks or take as long as 9 months to finish. 
• Certain financial aid restrictions apply.

To learn more about on demand courses, the time frame for dropping an on demand class, financial aid, and more, click here. 

Students are billed based on student classification, number of hours enrolled, and type of course. A full-time student who adds an on demand or web course is impacted differently than a part-time student who does the same. Download our tuition cheat sheet to see how different scenarios play out. 

So, who are WKU's online learners? And, why are they studying online?

There are several reasons why a student may choose to study primarily or exclusively online, including:

• A change in life circumstances that may require a more traditional student to leave the Bowling Green area 
• Full-time employment often dictates that even those who live near one of our four campus locations become "web" students or enroll in a limited number of face-to-face courses
• Other factors that play a part include family obligations, military service, physical location, or a combination of all of the above

Regardless of each unique situation, there is one common thread – students who wish to earn their degree online (or mostly online) are adult learners – they are post-traditional by age or other factor, and need the flexibility afforded by online classes to reach their goal of earning a degree. 

In the schedule of classes, online courses are designated in two ways: "Web" and "On Demand." Both are delivered completely online unless otherwise noted in the blue notes section of the schedule. However, there are several differences between the two.

On Demand

• More than 80 classes at the graduate and undergraduate levels
• Guaranteed online pathway for completion of Colonnade for most majors
• Students receiving financial aid must complete the course within the same semester of enrollment. Terms are defined as follows for financial aid students:
• Spring registration begins December 1 and must be completed by April 30
• Summer registration begins May 1 and must be completed by July 30
• Fall registration begins August 1 and must be completed by November 30
• Current tuition rates for web and on demand courses can be found on the Office of Student Billing & Account Services

WKU Online (web)

• More than 1,700 classes at the graduate and undergraduate levels are available each year
• Over 80 certificate and degree programs available 100% online
• Online pathway to complete Colonnade is available, but is dependent upon available space in the class. Many students enroll in a combination of semester-based web, and non-semester based on demand courses. Reminder: On Demand courses have no enrollment caps and students can enroll year-round).
• Financial aid eligibility is determined by the FAFSA, just as it is for face-to-face courses and On Demand courses
• Current tuition rates for web and on demand courses can be found on the Office of Student Billing & Account Services website.