Course Instruction Modes
Instruction mode at BGSU refers to how a class is taught.
Ready to build your schedule and look for classes? It is important to narrow your search using the “Instruction Mode” drop-down menu if you want to enroll in courses based on how they will be taught.
Review our instruction mode definitions before you register. Note: An instruction mode may be adjusted after you have registered.
Registration resources
You will see many options when you sort by class mode. But the majority of courses taught at BGSU are:
- In person
- Blended
- Remote
- Online
Use these resources to help you with your class registration.
Course instruction mode definitions
Requires in-person attendance
In-Person (P)
Courses meet at scheduled times in assigned locations. Students registered for a course taught in this mode will be expected to attend each class session in person.
Blended (BL)
Courses combine in-person and virtual elements as determined by the instructor. Students who register for a blended course will have at least one in-person class per week. Some virtual elements may meet according to a specified schedule, while others may be completed on the student’s own time as long as deadlines are met.
Virtual class modes
Remote (RE)
Courses meet virtually according to the published class schedule. Students who register for a course taught in this mode will have real-time interaction with their instructor and peers during class sessions.
Online (WB)
Courses do not meet on specific days and times. Students registered for a course taught in this mode will be able to complete coursework on their own time as long as deadlines are met. Students will also be asked to engage in substantive interactions throughout the semester.
Other instruction modes
ABR – No Tuition Assessed (AY)- Study Abroad class where tuition is assessed and paid to the study abroad institution. Class room experience and method of instruction set by the study abroad institution. Enrollment must be completed through the Study Abroad office.
Arranged (AR)- Similar to Independent Study, this instruction mode may or may not meet in-person and the schedule is determined by faculty and students enrolled.
Coop (or Co-op) (CO) - This is a partnership among students, institutions of higher education and employers that formally integrates students’ academic study with work experience in cooperating employer organizations and alternates or combines periods of academic study and work experience in appropriate fields as an integral part of student education.
Credit through a Foreign Institution (AB) (Not available for current term search) - Study Abroad class where tuition is assessed and paid to BGSU. Class room experience and method of instruction set by the study abroad institution. Enrollment must be completed through the Study Abroad office.
Credit by Exam (EX) - Not available for current term search. Credit awarded to students as a result of successfully completing a proficiency test. Students cannot enroll for this method of instruction. More information about credit by exam
Credit by Validation (CV) - Not available for current term search. Credit awarded to students from a non-regionally-accredited institution which has been validated by a faculty member as to the knowledge and experience gained from those courses. Students cannot enroll for this method of instruction. More information about credit by validation.
Independent Study IS) - faculty member works with a student or small group of students. Instruction may involve both classroom time and individualized instruction plans.
Off-Campus Instruction (OC) - Classes held in locations off campus from BGSU or Firelands, such as an elementary school for student teaching.
Portfolio Assessment (PA) - Not available for current term search. Credit for experiential learning may be granted for educational experience outside the classroom that corresponds to material taught at the University. Students cannot enroll for this method of instruction. More information on portfolio assessment
Web Centric Up to 50% Classroom (WC) - Classes that are a combination of online and in-person meetings. At least half of the time spent in the class will be expected to be in-person
Accommodation requests
Students who need to make an accommodation request to fully participate in one or more of their classes due to a disability should connect with the Office of Accessibility Services. The office can be reached from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at access@bgsu.edu or 419-372-8495.
Updated: 09/19/2025 10:32AM