Noting that creating an extension education program is more complicated than merely transporting an existing program to an off-campus site, this paper discusses the preliminary issues relevant to deciding whether or not a communication department should develop an extended degree program. The paper first discusses the nature of nontraditional students and of extended degree programs. It then discusses various ways these programs may be structured and the components of these programs. Finally, general considerations for initial department discussions are outlined, including the type of outreach effort desired, administrative issues, student issues, curricular issues, faculty issues, and quality control. (SRT)