Independent Courses
Why Choose Independent Courses?
Our Independent Courses serve diverse academic needs with flexible, high-quality online education.
Credit Recovery
Get back on track with the courses you need to graduate. Our flexible 140-day timeline allows you to focus on mastering the material without the pressure of traditional semester schedules.
Academic Advancement
Get ahead in your education by taking courses during summer, completing prerequisites early, or exploring subjects not available at your current school.
Supplemental Learning
Enhance your education with additional courses, prepare for college-level work, or pursue subjects that interest you beyond your regular school offerings.
Homeschool Support
Access high-quality, accredited courses taught by Texas-certified teachers to supplement your homeschool curriculum with university-standard education.
What Makes UTHS Different?
25 years of online education excellence with university-quality standards.
University of Texas Quality
As part of the UT system, our courses meet the same rigorous standards as our flagship university.
140-Day Sweet Spot
Unlike competitors who rush you through in 90 days or drag courses out for a full year, our 140-day window provides the perfect balance of flexibility and structure.
Canvas Learning Management System
Learn on the same platform used by 6,500+ colleges and universities worldwide.
Developed by Texas-Certified Teachers
All courses are developed and taught by teachers certified by the Texas Education Agency, ensuring instruction from qualified professionals.
NCAA-Approved Courses
Student athletes can confidently take our core courses knowing they meet NCAA eligibility requirements for college athletics.
District Integration
We partner with school districts to make sure your coursework and credit transfer smoothly to your home school.
TEKS-Aligned Curriculum
Every course is aligned to the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state-defined standards that guide what students learn at each grade level. Our coursework meets the same expectations as a traditional Texas classroom.
Advanced Placement Courses
Choose from 26 College Board–approved Advanced Placement® courses across subjects, giving motivated students the rigor and potential for college credit on their own schedule.
Course Highlights
100+ courses designed by education experts and taught by Texas-certified teachers.
Core Subjects
- English I-IV
- Algebra I & II, Geometry, Pre-Calculus
- Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- World History, U.S. History, Government
Self-Paced Flexibility
- No required login times or live classes
- 140 days from purchase to complete
- One-time 30-day extension available
- Study anywhere with reliable internet
Electives
- Art, Creative Writing, Humanities
- Computer Science & AP Computer Science
- Business & Professional Communications
- Psychology, Personal Financial Literacy
How Independent Courses Work
A simple five-step process to get you started.
Choose Your Courses
Browse our catalog of 100+ courses and select the ones that meet your academic goals. Check with your school counselor to confirm the course fits your graduation plan – many courses are best taken in sequence. View the course catalog →
Enroll & Pay
Complete enrollment and pay your course fee through My School Bucks, the UT payment platform. Your 140-day completion window begins from the date of purchase. A one-time 30-day extension can be purchased if needed. View tuition & fees →
Access Canvas
After purchase, you will receive an email with instructions to create your Canvas account. Note: you will set up a Canvas account, not a Skyward account.
Learn at Your Pace
There are no required login times -- complete assignments and assessments whenever it works for you. All courses are self-paced within your 140-day window.
Earn Your Credit
Successfully complete the course and receive an official grade report for credit transfer to your home school. Official grade reports are typically available within 5 business days of course completion. Each course has a dedicated instructor who provides feedback and is available by email throughout.
Tuition & Fees
Transparent, competitive fees with everything included.
Per Course Fee
Per semester course
Everything Included:
- Access to Texas-certified teachers
- Canvas LMS platform
- Proctored testing included
- Official grade report upon completion
- 140 days to complete from purchase
- One-time 30-day extension available for purchase
Course retakes are available for a fee.
Getting Started
Ready to begin? Here are your next steps.
Watch the Info Webinar
Get a quick overview of Independent Courses in about 10 minutes -- course options, enrollment, pacing, and credit transfer.
Browse the Course Catalog
Review available courses, prerequisites, and fees. Plan your coursework around your academic goals.
Have Questions?
Talk with our team about course selection, sequencing, or how credit will transfer to your school.
Complete Enrollment
Ready to enroll? Purchase your course through My School Bucks to get started. Your 140-day window begins on the date of purchase.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're recovering credits, getting ahead, or exploring new subjects, we're here to support your success.
Questions? Contact us:
Email: edservices@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: 512-232-5000
Toll Free: 866-361-UTHS
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to complete a course?
You have 140 days from the date of purchase to complete each course. An optional one-time 30-day extension is available for purchase if you need more time.
What does "self-paced" mean?
Self-paced means there are no scheduled class times. You access your course materials and complete your work on your own schedule, at any time that works for you, within your 140-day window. This format is also commonly called asynchronous learning.
Who grades my work?
Your coursework is graded by your assigned Texas-certified instructor.
Will these credits transfer to my school?
Yes, our courses are fully accredited and accepted by schools nationwide. Check with your counselor to confirm transfer policies at your school.
Can I take multiple courses at once?
Yes, you can enroll in multiple courses simultaneously. Keep in mind that for sequential courses (like Algebra 1A before 1B), you can either purchase them sequentially or complete both within a 140-day window.
Are courses available year-round?
Yes, you can purchase and begin a course at any time throughout the year. There are no semester start dates.
What technology do I need?
A computer or tablet with reliable internet access. All courses are delivered through Canvas LMS.
Do you offer student support?
Yes. We offer technical support, accommodations for students with special needs, and 24/7 assistance through our student support chatbot. Your assigned instructor responds to Canvas inbox messages within 24-48 hours. Contact us at edservices@uthighschool.org or (512) 232-5000.