IDEA
Get world-class distance education from across the country without leaving home.
Log on and Learn with IDEA
The Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA) offers dynamic online agriculture programs that blend flexibility, affordability and academic excellence for distance learners. Through 20 member colleges and universities, IDEA provides educational freedom, creating rewarding pathways for lifelong learning, career advancement and community growth in an ever-changing society.
Whether you’re passionate about life sciences or pioneering the future of agriculture, IDEA’s diverse array of degree and certificate programs opens doors to your career advancement.
Through IDEA, you will:
- Experience the convenience and flexibility of distance learning.
- Invest in your future by learning from expert faculty from renowned public universities.
- Gain a wealth of knowledge and network with other students and faculty in your field of interest.
- Receive support every step of the way.
How Does IDEA Work?
First, apply to and be admitted to NC State as your home institution. Next, enroll and pay the IDEA common price tuition.
You can also take online courses at other partner universities. You’ll have the chance to interact with partnering faculty and staff from multiple universities to receive world class, innovative education.
- Each university uses their own learning management system to deliver online course content, therefore students will use that same platform to complete their coursework.
- Your credits will appear on your transcript as NCSU credits.
Access world-class courses anywhere, anytime.
IDEA by the Numbers
20
Member schools from across the U.S. offer online educational opportunities
419
NC State students registered for the IDEA program from
2011-2023
952
Visiting students enrolled in the IDEA program since 2011-2023
Choose Your Program
Select from a diverse catalog of courses from 20 member universities and take courses from all over the country. Transfer your course credits to a degree program at a participating school. IDEA programs include:
- Agricultural and Environmental Law Undergraduate Certificate
- Agricultural Education Master’s Degree
- Grassland Management Graduate Certificate
- Horticulture Graduate Certificates
- Swine Science Undergraduate Certificate
Online to hands-on
IDEA provides virtual programs that prepare you for work in your chosen field.
Program Cost
Students pay one common price per credit hour for graduate courses or undergraduate courses at all member universities regardless of the program or whether the student is in-state or out-of-state. The current common price is outlined in the table below.
Undergraduate Course Cost
$440/credit hour
Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025
| Credit hour | Cost for Undergraduate Course |
|---|---|
| 1 | $440 |
| 2 | $880 |
| 3 | $1,325 |
Graduate Course Cost
$610/credit hour
Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025
| Credit hour | Cost for Graduate Course |
|---|---|
| 1 | $610 |
| 2 | $1,220 |
| 3 | $1,830 |
Register for Courses
IDEA streamlines fees across member universities with a common price cost for in- and out-of-state students. Consult the IDEA course planner for your next steps.
NC State Students
NC State students who want to enroll in an IDEA course must follow these steps:
- Check the course matrix on the IDEA website to ensure the course is available.
- Seek approval from the NC State IDEA program coordinator Bria Sledge.
- Complete a student acknowledgment form. Email this form to the NC State IDEA program coordinator at bssledge@ncsu.edu and cals_programs@ncsu.edu.
- Complete an NC State IDEA course registration form for each course. The IDEA program coordinator must sign the form.
Non-Degree Students – Residents of North Carolina
Non-degree students who are residents of North Carolina should apply to NC State before enrolling in IDEA courses. Accepted students can then register for IDEA courses.
Non-Degree Students – Not Residents of North Carolina
Non-degree students not residents of North Carolina are not eligible to enroll in IDEA courses at NC State. Most IDEA courses are graduate courses, and we suggest students interested in a subject area contact that department and apply for admission. Students then can enroll in IDEA courses as an NDS, Postbaccalaureate Studies (PBS) student. Visit The Graduate School website for more information about the graduate application process.
You can apply for a degree at NC State or find another IDEA college or university that offers your desired degree program.
For additional questions, contact Bria Sledge, IDEA program coordinator: bssledge@ncsu.edu and cals-agidea@ncsu.edu.
Pathways for growth
IDEA programs help advance your career.
Access Your Account
NC State Students
New and returning students, including NDS students, should have a Student ID Number and a Unity ID code. Use these to log into MyPack Portal, which contains information on the courses students take at NC State, including IDEA courses.
Students from Other Universities
Students attending other universities and taking courses taught by NC State faculty will be given the following:
- A student ID number
- A Unity ID code
- An NC State email address
Visit MyPack Portal. Log in to MyPack Portal using your student ID number and the new password you created when you set up your Unity account.
Most courses taught by NC State faculty are in WolfWare. If you enter WolfWare through the MyPack Portal, here are the steps to the course learning management system:
Click on “For Students” > “Course Resources” > “Wolfware” (Moodle) option. Your enrolled course should appear.
Contact Us
IDEA is operated through the CALS Academic Programs Office by Bria Sledge, campus coordinator. If you have questions, please contact Bria Sledge.
