History

The School of Distance Education (SDE) Universiti  Sains Malaysia, previously known as the Centre for Off-Campus Studies was established in 1971 to provide opportunities for working adults to obtain tertiary education. Through this innovative education approaches, working adults are able to undertake undergraduate courses while remaining in full-time employment. It is the pioneer programme in Malaysia which offers degree through distance education. Currently, four undergraduate programmes are available via distance education, namely Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Management and students need to spend a minimum of 4 years to complete their programme.       Print material is the main medium use in the courses delivery which is supplemented by face-to-face meeting during two weeks residential course. Other technology-based delivery modes such as the live video conferencing, electronic portal and streaming media are also used to supplement the course delivery. Learning and teaching activities and practical classes are also conducted at the 12 regional centres located throughout the country.   

Besides the undergraduate programme, the School of Distance Education also offers postgraduate programmes by  research, namely Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Social Science, Master of Science (Environmental Science), Master of Science (Occupational Health and Safety) and Doctor of Philosophy. These programmes are offered either full-time and part-time and the candidate are required to undertake a research project under the supervison of the academic staff. The award of the degree is based on the examination of a thesis submitted at the end of the research component.

Currrently, SDE has a total of 65 full-time academic staff memberfs, mostly with doctoral qualifications. Apart from teaching undergraduates courses, all member of staff are actively engaged in research projects and capable of providing quality supervision to the postgraduate research students.

In line with USM’s vision of competing at global level, School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia is committed to maintaining  professional excellence. This is also in keeping with the vision 2020, and in the attempt to make the school a center of excellence in the region.