About Us

Welcome to BYU Independent Study

Where education meets innovation and possibility.

Hello,

As the Dean of BYU Continuing Education, I warmly welcome you to BYU Independent Study. BYU Independent Study is more than just a place to find accredited university and high school courses. We provide top-tier educational resources in an engaging and supportive environment that nurtures your academic and personal growth.

Whether you’re a high school student looking to get a head start on college credits, a university student aiming to fit a class into your hectic schedule, or a lifelong learner seeking to expand your knowledge, we’ve got what you’re looking for. Our courses are crafted by experts and designed to be flexible, accessible, and relevant to your needs.

As you continue your journey with BYU Independent Study, remember that we are here to support you every step of the way!

Warm regards,

Richard Houseman
Dean of BYU Continuing Education

Accreditation

BYU is accredited as a Higher Educational Institution by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). BYU Independent Study’s university program is accredited by NWCCU

BYU Independent Study’s Secondary Educational Program (grades 7–12) is accredited by three accreditation agencies:

Cognia
MSA–CESS: Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
WASC: Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200, Burlingame, CA 94010

Our accreditation sources articulate and are reciprocal with other regional accreditation agencies, meaning earned credits through BYU Independent Study are generally transferable to other universities, colleges, and secondary educational institutions.

It is recommended that you check with your college or school before enrolling in a BYU Independent Study course.

Accredited by WASC Accrediting Commission for Schools

Tried. Tested. Terrific.

The success of our students is important to us, and our students agree.

2,000,000+

Enrollments

153

Countries

148

Highly Credentialed
Teachers (PhD/MS)

100+ Years

Experience

Become a Purchase Order Customer

Enable your school to provide BYU Independent Study courses to students to help them recover credit, graduate on time, or take courses not offered at the school.

Cover the cost of courses for your students
Buy courses now, pay later
Bulk discounts available
No long-term commitment

Before you can begin submitting purchase orders for courses, please fill out and agree to the BYU Independent Study Credit Application Notice and Consent and License Agreement.

Apply Now

Existing Customer? View forms

For questions, contact us at 801-422-6885 or ispo@byu.edu

Our students give us an A grade.

What is a Purchase Order Customer?

As a purchase order customer, you receive a line of credit with BYU Independent Study to purchase courses for students that attend your school. Before you can begin submitting purchase orders for courses, please fill out and agree to the BYU Independent Study Credit Application Notice and Consent and License Agreement.

Apply Now

Additional Benefits

Purchase courses for multiple students at a time
Course extensions available
BYU instructors teach the courses
Curriculum created by industry subject-matter experts

Free weekly tutoring
BYU Customer Service and Tech Support
New courses and updates regularly added
Bulk discounts available

Forms for Existing Customers

Update information about my organization

➤ ➤ Request an enrollment in a course

Request lesson or exam retake

Request an extension on courses

Dispute a bill

Withdrawal from a course

View our PO refund policy

FAQs

How do I contact a PO agent?

We’re here to support you and your organization. Please contact a purchase order agent if you have any questions or need assistance with your account.

Toll-free 1-866-741-9144

801-422-6885

ispo@byu.edu

How do I read a monthly invoice?

For questions regarding your invoice, please contact us at 801-422-6885 or ispo@byu.edu

How do I get started with my classes?

Check your email for a no-reply email from BYU containing a link. Click on the link and be ready to enter your birthdate. You will go through a series of security questions and set up your Net ID (username) and password.

Course materials are available for some courses, please check online or in our catalog for availability. All course materials are available online as well for your reference.

How do I get my confirmation number?

Once enrollment is complete, a confirmation email is sent to the student’s email address listed in the registration. No confirmation is sent to the person who submitted the Purchase Order Enrollment form. The student receives the email and should not be the individual submitting the form.

What is a purchase order and how do I use it?

A purchase order is a promise to pay and is treated as payment until your organization is invoiced, allowing your organization to pay for courses with one monthly payment.

An account must be set up with Brigham Young University in order for Independent Study to extend credit to your organization. Purchase orders can either be on a student by student and course by course basis or they can be set up for larger numbers of registrations and/or fees.

What happens after I submit a purchase order form?

We process each purchase order form within 1–2 business days of receiving it. Please do not call in to see if we received the fax until after the 1–2 business day period. You may then call 1-866-741-9144 and a financial support representative can provide you course access codes and other information. If you call this number 1–2 business days after you have submitted the purchase order and we do not have your course access codes ready, we did not receive your fax and you should send it again.

In education, credentials matter.

View All Accreditations

Support

BYU Independent Study is committed to providing exceptional support for students and academic administrators as they navigate our courses.

Customer Support

Contact our customer support team by phone or email for help with courses, exams, or proctors.

Phone Hours	Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (MT)
Toll-Free	1-800-914-8931
Local	801-422-2868
Email	Send us a message

Technical Support

For help with login issues, assignment submissions, or other technical problems, contact our technical support team by phone or email.

Phone Hours	Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (MT)
Toll-Free	1-877-897-8085
Local	801-422-8524
Email	Send us a message

Technical Support FAQs

Are you having issues logging in?

Ensure that you are logging on to the correct URL. You can access your course by visiting is.byu.edu, and clicking the Sign In button at the top. Sign in with your BYU Net ID and password, and select your course from the list of your current registrations. Click the Access Your Course button on the Enrollment Overview page; your course should open in Buzz.
Check if your course is expired or withdrawn.
Make sure that caps lock is not on, you are spelling everything correctly, and there is no space before or after your username or password.
If the problem persists, please contact our technical support team at 801-422-8524.

Do you need help submitting your assignment?

Canvas/Agilix Buzz—To submit your instructor-graded or portfolio assignment

Sign in to is.byu.edu with your net ID (username) and password.
Click on ‘Account Information’, then access your ‘Current Registrations.’
Select your desired course, then click on ‘Access Your Course.’
Select the appropriate lesson folder and click on the assignment submission page.
Click on ‘Show Dropbox’ in the bottom right of the screen or ‘Start Assignment’ and attach all the required assignments.
Once you have attached all necessary files, press ‘Submit.’

Instructors have up to two weeks to grade assignments. Some courses place limits on how many assignments you may submit each week. Please consult your syllabus to see what rules apply to your course.

Is part of your online course not loading?

Many common webpage issues are resolved by simply clearing your browser cache and cookies.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Del (or Cmd + Shift + Del on a Mac).
If using Google Chrome: Select the option All Time.
If using Mozilla Firefox: Select Everything.
Select Cache and Cookies. (Deleting cookies may help but will sign you out of most sites: deselect this if you don't want this.)
Close all browser windows, and then reopen.
If the problem persists, please contact our technical support team at 801-422-8524.

Is your computer or device compatible? Windows and Mac?

Course content may not always be accessible from tablets and smartphones. If parts of a course don’t work on your specific mobile device, you will need access to a desktop or laptop to complete the course.

Our courses work best with the following browsers, which can be downloaded for free. If your computer system is able to run the latest version of these browsers, we strongly encourage you to upgrade your browser before continuing with the course. The same applies to your Windows or MacOS, please ensure you have downloaded the most current version of your system. Due to differences between browsers and courses, some incompatibilities may occur. If you have trouble with any of our courses or features, please contact our technical support team at 801-422-8524 for help.

Recommended—Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox
Not Recommended—Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge

What are the necessary skills?

Students enrolled in online courses must be able to access the internet and use the keyboard and/or mouse for basic navigation in order to interact with quizzes and media. Basic familiarity with browsers, email, and word processing programs may also be required to successfully complete an online course. Some online courses may require a variety of additional skills. Some instructors require students to make and submit audio or video files. Some courses require students to take an image of a project and submit it to be graded. Many courses require the students to understand how to create and upload a document such as a DOC or an RTF file. Therefore, a basic understanding of computer programs such as spreadsheets, presentation programs, audio or video creation or editing software, image editing software, and so forth is also very helpful. Not all courses will require a knowledge of all these types of programs. If you are concerned about the technical demands for a particular course, please review the syllabus for that course to determine what is required.

Why is a video not playing in your course?

Many common issues are resolved by simply clearing your browser cache and cookies.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Del on a PC, or Cmd + Shift + Del on a Mac.
For Chrome: Select the option "All time".
For Firefox: Select Everything.
Select Cache and Cookies (Deleting cookies may help but will sign you out of most sites, deselect this if you don't want this)
Close all browser windows, and then reopen the video.

If the issue is still not resolved, call our technical support team at 801-422-8524 and we will assist you.

Course Enrollment FAQs

Do I need to be enrolled in BYU to take these online courses?

No, you do not need to be enrolled in BYU to take our online courses. Our platform is designed to allow anyone to access high-quality courses independently, whether you're a high school student, university student, or lifelong learner. You can sign up and start learning at any time.

Can I start my course at any time?

Yes! Our online courses are designed to be flexible. You can start learning whenever you’re ready. There's no need to wait for a semester or fixed enrollment period. Once you purchase a course, you’ll have immediate access to the materials, and you can study at your own pace.

How are these online courses different from traditional classes?

While our online courses are taught by the same expert instructors and based on the same academic rigor found at BYU or other institutions, they are more flexible. You can take them at your own pace, from anywhere, and they are offered independently of university enrollment or high school enrollment, meaning you can choose to take just one course or multiple, depending on your interests and needs.

Will these courses count for academic credit for high school or university?

Yes! All courses are eligible for academic credit and in most cases can be transferred to or accepted by the educational institution of your choice.

How much time will I need to commit to these courses?

The time commitment depends on the course you choose. Each course will provide a recommended weekly workload, but because you’re learning at your own pace, you can progress as quickly or slowly as you like. You’ll also have access to the materials and any online support for 1 year after purchasing the course.

Will I receive a certificate or transcript upon completing the course?

A transcript is received upon successfully completing a course, which allows you to transfer credit to your high school or university.

What kind of support will I receive while taking the course?

You’ll have access to a variety of support options, including tutoring from the student success center, instructor office hours (for select courses), and a dedicated customer support team available to assist you with technical issues or questions about course content.

Are the courses self-paced or do I need to join live classes?

All our courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your own convenience. Many courses feature video lectures from instructors that you can watch as often as you like, whenever it suits you.

What if I’m not satisfied with the course I purchase?

We want you to feel confident about your purchase. If you’re not satisfied with the course within the first 14 days of purchase, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Additionally, we offer limited refunds up to 60 days after purchase. View our tuition and withdrawal policy for more details.

How do I know if the course content is up-to-date?

Our courses are regularly reviewed and updated by BYU faculty and in house subject matter experts to ensure they reflect the latest trends, research, and best practices. Course descriptions will outline the most current version and any updates that have been made.

How do I enroll or purchase a course?

Enrolling in a course is simple! Just browse our course catalog, select the course you’re interested in, and follow the checkout process to make your purchase. Once the payment is processed, you’ll gain immediate access to the course materials.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept a variety of major credit cards including Mastercard, Visa and AMEX. All transactions are processed through our secure online platform.

Can I speak to someone before purchasing a course?

Absolutely! Our customer support team is available to answer any questions you may have before you make a purchase. You can reach out via our contact us form, emailing us at indstudy@byu.edu, calling 1-800-914-8931, or live chat during business hours.

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out—we will be happy to help.

(800) 914-8931

Empower your success with free tutoring

Personalized tutoring to help student's achieve their academic goals
For High School and University Students
FREE weekly 30 min sessions available
Tutoring from BYU students

Enroll in a course now and sign up for free tutoring!

High School Courses

University Courses

31,745+

Student Meetings

15,872+

Free Tutoring Hours Provided

Learning doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Our Student Success Center offers the personalized support you need to conquer the toughest subjects – from university-level courses to high school material. Get help, stay ahead, and excel!

Already in a course?

Book Your Free Session

Meet Your Tutors: Real BYU Students

Learn from the Best
Who better to guide you than someone who’s been where you are? Our tutors are current BYU students who know the curriculum inside and out. With their first-hand knowledge and passion for helping others, you’ll get insights that go beyond the textbook.

Peer Support – Benefit from relatable, real-world guidance.
Study Smarter – Learn strategies from successful students.
BYU Excellence – Gain insights from top academic minds.

Learn More About our Tutors

Flexible, Online 30-Minute Tutoring Sessions
ways to connect:

Schedule an appointment

Reserve a time slot to meet with your tutor at a time that is convenient for you.

In-app chat

Message your tutor directly to ask a quick question in a chat box.

Email

Email your tutor through the app.

On demand

Connect with online tutors who are available right away.

Learn More About Our Tutors

The Ultimate Study Resource Center

Testimonials

Sydney R.

High School Student

When health issues kept me out of school, BYU Independent Study let me keep up with my classes at my own pace so I didn’t fall behind.

Kenny M.

High School Counselor

As a counselor, I’ve seen BYU Independent Study make all the difference—especially students missing key credits. Thanks to the program’s flexibility, we kept them on track to graduate with their class.

Blake V.

University Student

BYU Independent Study gave me the flexibility to finish courses on my own schedule—whether I was on campus, working, or traveling—without slowing down my graduation plans.

View All Accreditations

Work with us!

We are always looking to add employees to our team at BYU Continuing Education. Join a group of individuals passionate about their roles and learn alongside talented professionals. Review the opportunities and apply today!

View Positions

Part-Time Supplemental Positions

Author online high school courses

Are you an excellent educator or course author who understands how to write to a world audience? Join us as an independent contractor to write courses for BYU High School and Middle School!

Learn How to Apply

Join our part-time teaching faculty

Are you a high school teacher looking for a way to share your knowledge, increase your income, and influence others? If so, then join our part-time teaching faculty. BYU Independent Study is looking for enthusiastic, licensed teachers interested in working after hours with a vast online student body (grades 7–12). The qualifications we seek include a Utah or Idaho professional/Associate level teaching license, endorsements in your subjects, and an agreement to abide by the BYU Honor Code.

Learn How to Apply

View All Open Positions on Our Job Center

Are you interested in being a counselor at FSY? Wondering if you can work at BYU Education Week? We also need current BYU students for part-time positions within our Student Success Center, customer support, and other areas. Find positions through our job center.

View Open Positions

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out—we will be happy to help.

(800) 914-8931

Student Accommodation Requests, Complaints, Concerns, and Petitions

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)

NC-SARA logo

BYU is an approved institutional participant of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance learning. Participation in SARA allows BYU to offer online courses to students in the U.S. jurisdictions that have adopted SARA, including 49 states and the District of Columbia. California, the only state that currently does not participate in SARA, does not regulate distance learning by out-of-state institutions if the out-of-state institution’s activities within the state do not constitute “physical presence.” Because BYU’s distance learning offerings do not create a physical presence in California, BYU is not subject to California’s state authorization requirements. As a result, BYU is authorized to offer distance learning courses to students in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Student Accommodation Requests, Complaints, Concerns, and Petitions

If you would like to request an accommodation, or if you have a complaint, concern, or petition, we want to help. Students taking BYU Independent Study courses or participating in BYU Online High School may file an accommodation request or a complaint, concern, or petition with BYU Continuing Education using the links below.

How to Request an Accommodation or File a Complaint, Concern, or Petition

Most questions, concerns, or complaints can be answered by our customer support department which you can contact by phone toll-free at 1-800-914-8931 or 801-422-2868, or by email at indstudy@byu.edu. You may also contact us regarding specific issues:

To request an accommodation, go to the Accommodations and Accessibility policy page and submit an Accommodation Request form. To revise or discuss existing accommodations, please email us at byuceaccommodations@byu.edu.
To file a complaint regarding course content, accessibility, value, applicability, transferability, process, or a report of cyberbullying among students in BYU Independent Study or BYU Online High School, or any other complaints, please fill out our complaints and feedback form. Complaints may be filed anonymously or with contact information if you wish to be contacted regarding your feedback.
To petition a teacher decision, for petitions regarding grades or testing, or to request an exception to policy, please follow our petitions process. You may also email us at is_petitions@byu.edu.
For any issues that you feel may be inadequately addressed through the above channels of support, please email us at ce-compliance@byu.edu.

What Happens When an Accommodation Request or a Complaint, Concern, or Petition is Filed

We will acknowledge receipt of your email or filing within two working days. All requests, complaints, and concerns are reviewed to determine the appropriate Continuing Education action and response. We may contact you for further information, or we may take steps to address your request or concern and then contact you.

Continuing Education has an appeal process you can use if you are not satisfied with our response to your accommodation request or to your complaint, concern, or petition. You will be provided appeal information along with the initial resolution. If in any event you find appeal information inadequate, please email us at ce-compliance@byu.edu.

Complaints from Students in SARA Jurisdictions

Students residing in a SARA jurisdiction may file a complaint with the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), Utah’s SARA portal agency, following the instructions outlined on USHE's website. Students also may file a complaint with their home jurisdiction’s SARA portal agency, using the current contact information available on the SARA States & Institutions webpage.

Complaints from Students in California

Students residing in California may file a complaint at the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education Complaints webpage.

Accreditation Complaints

Students who wish to file a complaint with BYU’s accreditation organization may contact the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Compliance Hotline

BYU has a campus-wide Compliance Hotline. Students are encouraged to use the Compliance Hotline to submit reports of noncompliance with institution policy or procedure, or with federal, state, or local laws or regulations.

Courses aligned with state
funding for student success

Expand your course offerings with BYU Independent Study while meeting state
funding requirements and earning reimbursement

View Certified Courses for Your State

Our Students give Us an A grade.

Purchase Courses in Bulk for Your Students

Utilize our online courses and teachers to enable your school to help more students recover credit, graduate on time, or take courses not offered at the school.