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.
±’r 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 |
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Asynchronous |
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Hybrid |
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Flex |
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˦ 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?
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?
How will my instructor contact me?
How do I access Canvas for remote classes? Do you have any 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? .
- 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?
- 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?
What do I do if I need tutoring in any of my courses?
Can students with disabilities take online courses?
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.
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Reach your academic goals
Learn about resources for students
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*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.