What is online learning?
Online learning refers to courses delivered through the internet.
Online courses offer the same content as on-campus courses. The difference between online and classroom courses is the delivery format. Students visit their 'classroom' via a web-based course management system called Canvas.
A variety of course formats are offered to suit your learning style and schedule.
In online classes, students learn on their own time; remote classes meet in real time online; and hybrid classes combine online/remote and face-to-face instruction.Learn more.
Online courses are taught by the same instructors who teach on-campus courses.
Instructors apply the same standards for success in their online classes as they do in their on-campus classrooms.
Online learning offers flexibility and convenience for learners.
Students may access the class from a computer with an internet connection 24 hours a day, seven days a week from home, work, or other places such as the Prince George's Community College campus computer lab or the public library.
There are weekly deadlines and assignments, and few or no on-campus sessions.
Lectures, class assignments, tests, and discussions take place online. Note: Some courses require on-campus proctored tests.
Most of our online courses are a full semester in length and follow the regular semester academic schedule.
Details regarding course duration for each course can be found on the Online Class Schedulespage.
Typically, coursework is completed during the week assigned at a time convenient for the student.
Except for tests, turning in assignments, and meeting other course deadlines can be completed during the week at a time that is up to the individual student. Many students find it helpful to commit to specific time blocks to complete their online courses.
Our instructors use Canvasfor all online courses.
Canvasis the course management system students use to access course materials, submit assignments, take tests and quizzes, participate in class discussions, and other activities as required by the instructor. Instructors may use additional software and websites, depending on the course.
Why take an online course?
Taking an online class allows you the flexibility to study from home, using your own computer and the internet, at any hour or day you choose. You can submit work quickly and easily via the internet as soon as you have completed it. You can email your professor with questions or problems as they arise and receive feedback online. You can communicate with other students by email or through discussion boards to share ideas and information.
Is online learning right for me?
Taking an online class has many advantages, including increased flexibility in completing homework assignments, the ability to communicate with your classmates and your instructor from the convenience of your own home or workplace, and enhanced access to written materials ranging from discipline-specific internet resources to saved chats and instructor's class announcements.
However, an online class is not for everyone. For instance, if you need the discipline of a meeting on campus several times a week and you enjoy the in-person interaction between other students and your instructor, you are more likely to succeed in an on-campus class. The following are characteristics of students who would do well in an online course.
Successful online students must have both Technical Skills and Study Skills.
Take a good look at yourself as a learner.
What grades do you typically earn?
Students who do well in on-campus classes usually do well in online courses. So, you can expect to earn the same grade in an online class as you would earn in an on-campus class.
Do you understand and remember what you read?
Most online classes are text-based and rely on the written word to communicate instructions and course content. If you are a poor reader, you will have more difficulty understanding directions and the course material.
Do you meet deadlines?
The world is divided into two types of procrastinators: those who meet deadlines and those who don't. You can be a procrastinator and still do well in an online class,but you must turn in your work on time if you expect to be successful.
Course Formats
PGCC offers a variety of online course options:
The College usesCanvas as the course management system for all online courses. Just as you have become familiar with the arrangement of a classroom on campus, you will become familiar with the features of an online classroom within Canvas.Read More
Online
Using a computer at home, work, or a public place, you will log in to class to receive course information, view course content, submit assignments, and have discussions with your instructor and fellow students. Read More
Accelerated Online
Accelerated Online courses are online courses offered in a condensed time frame. They offer additional flexibility for your schedule because they are shorter in duration than full-semester courses. Accelerated Online courses contain the same amount of coursework as full-semester online courses. Consider choosing an Accelerated Online course if you cannot commit to a full semester course schedule. Read More
Hybrid/Online
Not all online courses offered at PGCC are entirely online. We also offer Hybrid/Online courses that have scheduled on-campus meeting dates and times with online course activities. The number of on-campus meetings varies - some courses only meet once a month, while others may meet every week. Read More
Remote Learning
During the summer and fall 2020 semesters, when PGCC campus locations closed due to COVID-19, classes are transitioned to remote instruction. Classes that were scheduled to meet face-to-face at College locations will meet online via Zoom in Canvas. Students will access learning materials, assignments, and participate in discussions via Canvas. Read More
Enhanced On-Campus
Regardless of course format, PGCC makes it easy for students to stay on track by communicating with their professors, submitting completed assignments, accessing grades, and more using Canvas, the College's online course management system. Read More
Online Course Options
Choose the Programs that Best Meet Your Needs
Prince George's Community College (PGCC) is accredited by the Maryland State Department of Education and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Online Degree and Certificate Programs
The following degree and certificate programs have been approved by our accrediting association and are available online at PGCC:
Associate Degrees
- Accounting Professional, A.A.S.
- Business Management, A.A.S.
- Criminal Justice, A.A.S.
- General Studies, A.A. with an area of concentration in:
- Economics
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal/Legal Studies, A.A.S.
Certificates
To apply for admission and to register for courses, go to Admissions and Registration. Current students should register on Owl Link.
Personal and Professional Development Courses
A wide variety of noncredit personal and professional development courses are also offered online. To view the course schedules, click here. Find the course that meets your needs, then apply and register.
