The IDEA consortium
The Innovative Digital Education Alliance, or IDEA, is a consortium of respected public universities from across the nation offering flexible, online and affordable degree and certificate programs for a broad virtual community. These universities, including Mizzou, work together to offer robust programs that allow students to take advantage of faculty expertise from multiple institutions while remaining a student through their home university. We’ve also created a video explaining the basics behind the IDEA consortium and how Mizzou fits into it.
What it means
When you enroll in an IDEA program through Mizzou, you might also take online courses hosted and taught by partnering universities. Don't worry — you're still a Tiger. You get the same flexibility and support Mizzou is known for while benefiting from the expertise of leading faculty from around the country, and will receive a diploma proudly bearing the University of Missouri name. When it comes to paying for your education, you’ll pay tuition at Mizzou. You won’t receive a bill from another institution unless you decide to opt into additional services from them. IDEA programs have one common price per credit hour across all member universities.
Why it matters
Being a part of IDEA allows Mizzou and all other partnering institutions to offer students like you a broader selection of online courses, degrees and certificates. That means you're able to pursue the program you want, from the institution you love, while still enjoying a flexible, online format.
IDEA programs at Mizzou
Mizzou offers several certificate and degree programs through the IDEA consortium. Find the program that's right for you.
How IDEA works at Mizzou
Here’s what you can expect in an IDEA program, from enrollment to completion.
Apply to Mizzou
Like with all Mizzou programs, first you'll need to apply. Once you've accepted your offer of admission and have activated your Mizzou account, you're officially a Tiger.
Course planning
Talk to your academic advisor to start planning your course schedule. You can also utilize IDEA's course planner to help get an idea of what you'll take when, but you'll still need to confer with your academic advisor to finalize plans.
Course permission request
Once you've selected your courses, the next step is to fill out the course consent form so you can formally begin the enrollment process. Mizzou's IDEA campus coordinator will also email you a student acknowledgment form to sign. You’ll just need to complete the form once. After you've been approved, you'll be granted permission to enroll in your courses through myZou.
IDEA course details
Our IDEA campus coordinator will be in touch with you every step of the way through your Mizzou email. They'll share details about where you can find course information, including textbooks or required materials. When you take a course from another university, you'll access those courses, related calendars and materials via the teaching university's learning management system. Mizzou uses Canvas, while some other institutions utilize Blackboard (Moodle) or Desire2Learn. Pay attention to course dates. Each one will follow the teaching university's schedule.
Orientation
As you're getting started, check out the IDEA New Student Orientation. This will help further familiarize you with how IDEA works and offer you tips for success. The orientation lasts about 30-45 minutes, and can be stopped and started at any point. The IDEA Student Success Center also has invaluable resources designed to inform and support you as you pursue your program.
Drops and refunds
Course dates vary across participating universities. Reach out to the Mizzou IDEA Campus Coordinator or the Mizzou Cashiers Office for exact drop and refund deadlines.
Disability support services
If you need accommodations and your class is taught by another institution, please contact the Mizzou Disability Center to complete a release form. They will work directly with the teaching university’s disability center to set up your accommodations.
Grades
As you complete your coursework, keep in mind submission and grading deadlines will vary by institution. Take note of each teaching university's deadlines so you know when to submit work and when you can expect grades to be posted.
Additional resources
Mizzou and IDEA are committed to supporting your success. Below are other resources that will help you as you work towards completing your program.
Questions
Please reach out to Mizzou's IDEA Campus Coordinator with any questions you have.