Online classes are offered during the same quarterly sessions, cost the same tuition and fees, and carry the same credits and accreditation as on campus classes. This means they carry the same academic rigor, expectations, and transcript impact as any other credit bearing college class. However, some special considerations should be made:
- Your success in online classes are 100 percent dependent on you, the student, to be self-motivated, organized, and able to maintain a schedule where you can keep track of and meet due dates and deadlines.
- Without dedicated classroom space, it is up to you as an online student to ensure you have adequate space to complete your work independently with minimal distractions.
- Online instruction includes text, videos, discussions, web-conferencing, peer collaboration and more. It’s your responsibility to read and view all materials provided by your instructors and to follow their directions. Each online instructor teaches and communicates differently. You should be prepared to spend more hours on classwork than you would for on-campus classes.
- Without the physical presence of an instructor available to you, it is your responsibility to contact your instructors with questions and requests for clarification.
Specific technology skills may vary by program and course. Training for online learning tools such as Canvas will be provided, but you are expected to have basic computer skills. Before taking an online class, it is recommended that you are able to:
- Download and install software applications
- Create, save and manage files including extracting Zip files
- View PDF documents
- Use e-mail applications including sending and receiving attachments
- Use a web browser proficiently
- Multitask with web browsers and software applications
- Use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Use a webcam and microphone
- Take screenshots
- Identify your web browser and operating system version
Find all required software and hardware needed on our Virtual Assistance page.
Students from all states are welcome to apply! Spokane Community College (SCC) and Spokane Falls Community College (SFCC) are members of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). This allows us to offer distance education to students in member states without seeking individual approval.
If you will be taking online classes from outside the state of Washington, please visit our Out of State Students page before applying.