Correspondence study is defined by SACS as a formal educational process under which the institution provides instructional materials, by mail or electronic transmission, including examinations on the materials, to students who are separated from the instructor. Courses are typically self-paced.

The primary differences between a correspondence course and a distance education course offered through an academic department are that correspondence courses are not semester-based, and the interaction between a correspondence student and instructor is asynchronous.

Correspondence courses offer an additional way for students to satisfy degree requirements. Also, students may enroll in a correspondence course at any time of year. Students have nine months to complete their coursework, and for an additional fee, they may extend their enrollment period for an additional three months. No enrollment may exceed 12 months.