Online Learning

Attend classes online!

At Montco, we have been educating the community online for over 20 years. More than 10,000 students take online courses at Montco every year; this ranks us in the top ten of online colleges in the state.

	We’re top 10 in online course delivery*
	An average class size of 14 means more personalized attention from dedicated faculty
	With numerous transfer opportunities to explore, you can seamlessly transfer from Montco to one of our four-year partner schools

Online class formats

Synchronous
All course activity is completed online You must log in to attend class remotely at a specific meeting time Faculty are present on-camera during the scheduled class times There are no requirements for on-campus activities Once available, refer to the syllabus for details*

Asynchronous
All course activity is completed online, without specific meeting times You may be required to participate in virtual faculty conferences or group work Refer to the syllabus for full details There are no requirements for on-campus activities Once available, refer to the syllabus for details^♦

Hybrid
Course activities take place both: During required on-campus sessions on designated days/times and Online (either asynchronously or synchronously) according to a posted schedule Faculty are physically located in the on-campus classroom during on-campus sessions Once available, refer to the syllabus for details^♦

Flex
Course activities take place during on-campus sessions during designated days/times with the option to attend on campus or synchronously online. Faculty are physically located in the on-campus classroom during on-campus sessions. Once available, refer to the syllabus for details^♦

^♦ Course syllabi will be available to students at different times. Please check for the syllabus closer to the start date for each course.

Frequently asked questions

+ / –

What is online learning?

Instead of traditional classroom sessions held on-campus, online learners work independently at home using computers and technology. Faculty members provide instruction and guidance through a variety of tools available in Canvas, our learning management system (LMS): online discussions, video lectures, quizzes, and assignments. Online courses have equivalent requirements and outcomes as traditional classroom-based courses.

Most classes will be on Canvas, though additional resources may be used based on the instructor's discretion.

Do I ever need to come to campus?

You do not need to make any physical visits to campus UNLESS:

Your instructor requires a “proctored” test or exam. You will be advised by your instructor.
Your class is a hybrid, which requires both in-class seat time as well as completing assignments online. You will be advised by your instructor.

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous online courses?

Synchronous online classes are those that involve required, set meeting times. Instruction and lectures occur in real time (live) at a set hour. You must be online at that specific hour to participate.

Asynchronous online courses are the opposite of synchronous online courses. Instructors provide materials, lectures, tests, and assignments that can be accessed at any time. Usually you are given a timeframe—usually a one-week window—during which you will need to log in to the learning management system (e.g., Canvas) to complete coursework.

What computer skills do I need to take an online course?

Basic computer skills are required for online classes. These skills include sending and receiving email, word processing, cutting and pasting within documents, toggling between applications and using email attachments. In specialized courses, other skills may be required.

When do online classes begin?

Online classes open at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the semester. Sometimes an instructor will make a course available before the start date of classes, but they are not required to do so. Once the course opens, be sure to log into Canvas and familiarize yourself with the course as well as the assignment schedule to ensure you do not fall behind.

View the academic calendar and important dates and deadlines.

Do online courses have a set start date?

Yes, online courses are delivered in various lengths (e.g., 15- or 7-week sessions) and begin on the start date according to each session. You will have deadlines and due dates that you will need to meet as the semester progresses in all types of classes, whether synchronous, asynchronous or hybrid.

How will my instructor contact me?

You should receive an email from your instructor before or on the first day of class. Other methods of contact and feedback include phone calls, discussion boards, email and notes within assignments.

How do I access Canvas for remote classes? Do you have any tutorials?

Refer to the Canvas Student Resources page for information on the Canvas app and tutorials.

What are the computer requirements for the online course?

Please review the computer requirements and supported browsers before class begins to ensure you are prepared for class.

In need of a computer or technology assistance? Complete the form.

PC (Windows 7/8/10) OR Mac (iOS 10.6+) – We do not recommended using iPads, Chromebooks & Surfaces, etc.
High-speed internet connection
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDFs
Most classes require a microphone and webcam
Office 365 – provided for free to all Montco students
Web Browsers:
- Firefox is recommended
- Chrome is compatible with most functionality
- Internet Explorer 11+ is supported
- Microsoft Edge is supported
- Safari 6+ is supported

How much time do I need to set aside each week to work on my online classes?

The amount of time you should expect to spend on each of your online classes can be found below based on the number of weeks of your class. The numbers below assume a 3-credit class. Please note that actual amount of time varies from student to student.

15-week – 10 hours / week
10-week – 13 hours / week
7-week – 18 hours / week
6-week – 21 hours / week

Will my online courses transfer to other institutions?

The College has agreements with scores of public and private schools in the state, providing multi-faceted transfer opportunities making it easier for you to navigate the transfer process quickly and easily.

What do I do if I need tutoring in any of my courses?

Whether you're looking for assistance in organizing notes, writing a paper or taking a test, our tutors are available to help you. We offer free tutoring services as well as 24/7 online support! Our tutors work with you to develop strategies based on your unique learning preference.

Can students with disabilities take online courses?

Montgomery County Community College is committed to the success of all students and ensures equal access to its educational programs, services, and activities to our students with disabilities, whether online or on-campus. After you apply for admission, please contact Disability Services and arrange a consultation to discuss how we can best accommodate you.

We're here to support you

Check out our student resources to support you in everything from financial assistance to technology needs to free 24/7 online tutoring.
Explore scholarships and financial assistance
Reach your academic goals
Learn about resources for students

Get Started

Find a Program

Ready to Register? Current students can register in Self-Service.

*According to IPEDS data, Montco is in the top 10 public 2-year and public/private 4-year degree granting institutions in Pennsylvania in terms of number of students taking online courses.

Montgomery County Community College