5-week, 8-week and 16-week Online Courses

Doane University’s Open Learning Academy is designed to help students meet their educational and career goals by providing access to fast-paced, high-quality, and accessible online science courses and labs without the barriers. Whether you're seeking a singular course to complete science prerequisites to apply for admissions to a medical program or meet graduation requirements at your current institution, Doane University's Open Learning Academy was designed to help you achieve your goals.

  • Institutionally Accredited University by the Higher Learning Commission
  • 100% Online Courses + Hands-On & Virtual Labs
  • Transferable Credits
  • No Textbook Fees
  • 24/7 Tutoring Services
  • 5-week, 8-week and 16-week terms, multiple start dates.


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Course Flexibility and Virtual Labs

Our STEM courses with labs have a mix of hands-on and/or virtual labs to ensure you obtain equitable experiences a student would have on our college campus. Our courses allow you the flexibility you need in your busy schedule. 

Health Sciences course offerings with 8-week and 16-week terms and multiple start dates.

Mathematics course offerings with 8-week and 16-week terms and multiple start dates.

Social Science course offerings with 8-week and 16-week terms and multiple start dates.

English course offerings with 8-week and 16-week terms and multiple start dates.

Your Next Steps to Enroll

Step 1: Check with Your Registrar or Admissions Counselor

Doane University credits are accepted at most institutions across the country. Before you enroll, check with your institution to ensure the courses will be accepted.

 

Step 2: Select and Register for Your Course

No application or a transcript is needed to enroll. Simply select your courses and provide your payment information and you’re ready to begin. 

 

Step 3: Get the Details

Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive information regarding your student account set-up, course schedule and additional student service information. 

 

Step 4: Finish in 8 or 16 weeks

We offer multiple start dates with courses offered in both 8- and 16-week terms.

The terms are August, October, January, March, May. We also offer accelerated 5-week terms in December, May and July.

 

Step 5: Transfer Your Credits

You can request your transcripts up to 30 days prior to completing your course. Once your final grade is posted your course credit will be released to the requested institution. 

As an Open Learning Academy student, you’ll have access to a team of real professionals who make it their priority to help you succeed. The same individuals who administer the program and develop the courses are available to guide and support you in your learning.

Open Learning Academy - FAQs

Are these courses accredited?

Yes, Open Learning Academy courses are accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

Is federal financial aid available?

No, Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grants, Federal Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Parent Plus Loans, and Grad Plus Loans) is not available for students enrolled in the Open Learning Academy as students are not pursuing a degree at Doane.

May I use a 529 Plan for a course?

Yes, please refer to the plan provider's distribution rules and regulations. A student will be required to pay up and register for courses and then if 529 Plan payment is received by the school then the student will be reimbursed any credit amount on their Doane student account.

May students use Military Assistance/GI Bill to pay for courses?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated rules and regulations on when students can use their tuition assistance benefits. The VA allows the use of tuition assistance benefits if a student plans to transfer the course credit to another school in which they are enrolled or may become enrolled as a degree-seeking student. To use tuition assistance, the primary school or home institution must send Doane University a Guest Letter authorizing specific courses. To confirm your eligibility and VA Benefits, contact our Veteran Specialist at [email protected] or 402-467-9070.

Are payment plans available?

No, payment plans are not available.

Are there alternative payment options available?

Yes, since Open Learning Academy courses are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid or a traditional payment plan, there are alternative private student loan options for a non-degree seeking student through a bank/lender. We encourage students to do some extensive research to determine if an alternative private student loan is the right fit for you. Please note that an alternative private student loan must be in the student's name, but can include a co-signer if required by the lender. Make sure that the private student loan that you are applying for is for a Non-Degree Seeking Alternative Private Student Loan. 

If you choose a private alternative student loan and have been approved through a lender's online application, the Doane Financial Aid office will need to certify the loan and register you for the course. Download and complete the OLA Request form. This form requires a physical signature and must be sent to the Doane Financial Aid Office at [email protected] or faxed to 402-466-4228.

When using an Alternative Private Student Loan, may I borrow more than the cost of tuition and fees?

No, Doane will only certify an Alternative Private Student Loan for the cost of tuition and fees for the courses listed on the Open Learning Academy Private Loan Request Form.

May I use tuition reimbursement from my employer?

Yes, please refer to your employer's tuition reimbursement policy in regards to non-degree seeking courses. A student will be required to pay upfront and register for courses and then if the student receives any tuition reimbursement and it is received by the university then the student will be reimbursed any credit amount on their Doane student account.

What is the refund policy?

Students who choose to drop their course are eligible for a refund of their tuition through the first week of the term.

100% refund through the first week

40% refund through the second week

0% after second week

Will I receive a Form 1098-T for these courses?

No, the IRS does not require universities to provide Form 1098-T documents for non-degree seeking courses. Learn more about college credit requirements at IRS.gov.  However, you can login into Self-Service with your Doane credentials and download a detailed receipt.

How do I order my textbook?

All textbooks are integrated electronically into your Canvas course at no additional cost. If you require a physical textbook, please contact the Doane Bookstore for assistance at [email protected]

Is tutoring available for these courses?

Yes, TutorMe is a free online tutoring service that connects students with qualified tutors in a wide range of subjects and academic levels. It offers on-demand, 24/7 tutoring through live chat, video, and screen-sharing, making it convenient for students to get help when they need it. 

How do I order my course lab kit(s)?

Lab kit fees are separate from your tuition. To obtain your lab kit, log in to your Canvas course and follow the directions in module one. Lab kits are purchased directly through a specific link provided by Science Interactive. Courses requiring lab kits are planned with shipping times in mind; your kit should arrive at your home within 5-7 business days. Even if you enroll late, you will receive your lab kit before the hands-on lab modules begin.

May I request accommodations in my online course?

For questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or to request reasonable accommodations, please contact the Director of Disability Services at [email protected] or by calling 402-466-4774.

Are there proctored exams?

Proctoring is only used in certain courses and may not be required for your course. Please review your course syllabi for proctoring requirements. To learn more about proctored exams, click here.

How many courses can I enroll in each term?

Students are encouraged to enroll in only one course during a 5-week term, but may enroll up to two courses. 

During the regular 8 and 16-week term, we encourage no more than 3-4 courses. Students who enroll in more than four courses must seek approval from the Assistant Director.

When can I request my transcript?

Official transcripts will be available 7-10 days after course completion.  To order a transcript, visit our Transcript Request page or contact the registrar at 1.800.333.6263.

Official transcripts will be issued by Doane University and are reflective of the course number and course name you are enrolled. It does not denote modality of course delivery.  Importantly, all OLA courses are graded using a standard letter-grade scale—never pass/fail.

Will medical, physician assistant, and dental schools accept online prerequisites?

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), most U.S. medical schools accepted online prerequisites taken during the pandemic and are continuing to show flexibility (AAMC, 2021). Similarly, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) noted that many dental schools accept online science courses, especially if they were taken at regionally accredited institutions (ADEA, 2020)

Each professional school sets its own admission policies. Some schools accept online science prerequisites without hesitation, while others still prefer in-person labs. We encourage students to contact their target schools early in the process and confirm their policies on online prerequisites and lab requirements.

How do Open Learning Academy labs work?

Our science courses—like General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Microbiology—include both virtual and hands-on labs.  Students complete hands-on labs at home, replicating the rigor and skills of in-person labs. Courses that require hands-on labs will order a customized kit for each respective course. Lab kits are not included in the tuition and range between $90 to $150.

Open Learning Academy offers a variety of courses that will deepen and enhance a students knowledge and understanding of new ideas and perspectives in STEM and other high demand fields.

Open Learning Academy empowers students to pursue their educational and career aspirations, enhance their skills, and gain valuable college credits on a flexible and inclusive basis.

Open Learning Academy supports students to complete the gaps in their educational and professional journeys, setting them up for success in a variety of fields or for graduate school.

Open Learning Academy offers a variety of courses that will deepen and enhance a students knowledge and understanding of new ideas and perspectives in STEM and other high demand fields.

Open Learning Academy empowers students to pursue their educational and career aspirations, enhance their skills, and gain valuable college credits on a flexible and inclusive basis.

Open Learning Academy supports students to complete the gaps in their educational and professional journeys, setting them up for success in a variety of fields or for graduate school.

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