Pursuing higher education is a rewarding experience—but it often comes with competing responsibilities. Young adults juggle coursework, jobs, family commitments, social lives, and service. With so many demands, flexibility can make the difference between delaying a degree and graduating on time.
For Kyle Coleman, a recent BYU graduate, BYU Independent Study provided that flexibility, helping him complete his degree while moving across the country.
Studying from Coast to Coast
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Kyle was living in Provo while working toward his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at BYU. Midway through his program, his wife applied to graduate schools and was accepted to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The couple moved from Utah to North Carolina so she could begin her graduate program.
Even with such a major life change, Kyle stayed on track to graduate thanks to BYU Independent Study. He enrolled in online courses to finish his final year remotely and successfully earned his degree.
“Without Independent Study, I would not have been able to move and graduate out of state,” Kyle shared. The program allowed his wife to pursue opportunities freely, knowing he could complete his coursework from anywhere.
High-Quality Learning—Anywhere
Kyle highlighted the quality and convenience of the Independent Study platform. While completing his Exercise Physiology course online, he found the content just as rigorous and well structured as his in-person classes in Provo.
Some of the features he appreciated included:
- Working at his own pace
- Access to online textbooks for rent or purchase
- Clear, well-organized modules that made learning manageable
Although he missed in-person interaction, Kyle valued the program’s ability to help him stay connected academically while living out of state.
A Message for the Future
Reflecting on his experience, Kyle said:
“I would ask that BYU continue to make Independent Study options available for more courses because it was a great experience for me, and I know it could help other people as well.”
BYU Continuing Education celebrates Kyle’s achievement and remains committed to offering high-quality, flexible online courses that support students—no matter their stage in life or where their journeys take them.
Discover how BYU Independent Study can fit your life. Visit is.byu.edu to explore courses.