Liberal Studies Online Pathway Comparison

Choosing Your Online Degree Completion Pathway

Sonoma State University offers two ways for eligible transfer students to complete a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies online: SSU Stateside and Extended Education.

Both pathways offer the same Liberal Studies curriculum taught by Sonoma State faculty and lead to the same bachelor's degree. The main differences are tuition, course scheduling, and student support.

Before applying, it's worth taking a look at both options, especially if you're deciding whether to attend full-time or part-time.

Compare the Two Pathways

Both pathways allow students to complete their coursework online without regularly traveling to Sonoma State's campus.

SSU Stateside

A Structured Course Plan

The Stateside pathway is offered through Sonoma State's regular state-supported academic program.

Students follow a coordinated sequence of Liberal Studies courses, with the option to participate in a cohort of classmates working toward the same degree.

Eligible full-time students may be able to complete their planned coursework over four consecutive semesters.

Stateside may be a good option if you prefer having a consistent academic schedule and are prepared to take a full course load.

What to Know About Stateside

• Courses are offered fully online.
• Students follow a recommended course sequence.
• A cohort-based learning option is available.
• Eligible full-time students may complete the planned coursework in four semesters.
• Tuition follows the standard CSU structure, including applicable mandatory fees.
• Part-time enrollment may be available, although it will generally extend the completion timeline.

Stateside Academic Advising

Dr. Stephanie Dyer
Academic Advisor, Liberal Studies Online – Stateside

Email: dyers@sonoma.edu

Dr. Dyer can help students review their degree requirements, plan upcoming courses, and prepare for graduation.

If you have questions about the Stateside course sequence or academic requirements, please contact Dr. Dyer by email.

Extended Education

More Flexibility in Your Course Load

The Extended Education pathway is designed for students who need flexibility in how many courses they take each semester.

Rather than following a full-time cohort schedule, students can plan their course load based on their other responsibilities and remaining degree requirements.

Extended Education charges tuition by the unit, so the amount you pay depends on how many units you enroll in.

This pathway may be worth considering if you're working full-time, returning to college after several years, or planning to attend part-time.

What to Know About Extended Education

• Courses are offered fully online.
• Students have flexibility in the number of courses they take.
• Tuition is charged by the unit.
• Completion time depends on course load and remaining requirements.
• Students can learn about possible credit for prior learning and course substitutions, subject to university approval.
• An Adult Learner Concierge is available to help with the application process and university resources.

Extended Education Student Support

Melissa, Adult Learner Concierge

Email: concierge@sonoma.edu
Phone: (707) 664-4169

Melissa works with students who are considering or enrolled in the Extended Education pathway.

She can answer questions about getting started, applying, and navigating university resources. She can also help students connect with the appropriate academic advising and support services.

If you're returning to college and aren't sure where to begin, Melissa is a good person to contact.

Understanding Tuition and Fees

Because the two pathways use different tuition structures, the total cost of your degree will depend on your enrollment.

SSU Stateside students pay standard CSU tuition and applicable mandatory university fees.

Extended Education students pay tuition based on the number of units they take.

For students attending part-time, per-unit tuition may be worth considering. Students planning to attend full-time should also compare the Stateside tuition structure.

The most affordable option will depend on your planned course load, current tuition rates, applicable fees, and financial circumstances.

We recommend reviewing the current tuition information before deciding which pathway to pursue.

Review Liberal Studies Online Tuition and Fees

Which Pathway Should You Choose?

The best option depends on how many courses you can take each semester and the type of schedule you prefer.

SSU Stateside may be a better fit if you:

• Prefer a structured course sequence.
• Plan to attend full-time.
• Want to participate in a cohort-based learning option.
• Are interested in the four-semester completion plan.

Extended Education may be a better fit if you:

• Need flexibility in your course load.
• Prefer paying tuition by the unit.
• Are balancing college with work or family responsibilities.
• Would like assistance from an Adult Learner Concierge.

Your previous college coursework and remaining degree requirements will also affect your decision.

If you're unsure which pathway makes sense for you, we recommend contacting the appropriate advising or student support representative before applying.

Questions About the Two Pathways?

If you have questions about course requirements, tuition, transfer credits, or the application process, please contact the appropriate program representative.

SSU Stateside

Dr. Stephanie Dyer
dyers@sonoma.edu

Extended Education

Melissa, Adult Learner Concierge
concierge@sonoma.edu
(707) 664-4169

You can also review Sonoma State's official comparison for additional program information.

View Sonoma State's Online Degree Completion Pathway Comparison

Ready to Apply?

Once you've reviewed both pathways and decided which one you'd like to pursue, you can begin your application through Cal State Apply.

Select Sonoma State University and confirm the appropriate Liberal Studies Online program option before submitting your application.

Apply to Sonoma State University Through Cal State Apply

If you have questions about which pathway to select, please contact the program before applying.