This handbook is designed to serve the needs of colleges and universities considering the development of distance degree programs. Its objectives are to report on current practices among colleges offering degree programs primarily through telecommunications; to describe current distance degree programs that can be used as models; and to identify nationally available television and audio courses that can be used in distance degree programs. The following is an overview of each chapter: (1) "Introduction" looks at current trends in distance learning in higher education; (2) "Major issues that need to be examined early" analyzes the potential market, missions, barriers to success, admissions policies, accreditation, and consortium membership; (3) "Building a broad base of support" identifies levels of approvals needed within the institution and the state; (4) "Issues in program development" discusses building a successful degree program; (5) "Support services needed by distance students" describes models used by colleges and addresses library services; (6) "Faculty issues" examines faculty selection, rewards, and training; (7) "Looking at costs" presents a framework for costs and benefits of distance degree programs; (8) "Sample distance degree programs" describes development of several programs; and (9) "Directory of distance learning courseware" describes more than 150 nationally available television and audio courses. A list of 96 resources, a glossary of technology terms, and Public Broadcasting Service Adult Learning Liaisons by state are appended. (ALF)