Moraine Valley offers online and hybrid learning options that allow students to participate in a course, either fully or partially at a distance. Online or hybrid classes are ideal for students who need flexibility in setting their own time for learning and studying. Moraine Valley students and faculty recognize the importance of effective communication and time management strategies for student success in this learning format.
A variety of courses, degrees, and certificates can be completed fully online or mostly online with some in-person class time, labs or tests that require trips to campus.
We offer academic advising services to help get you started. To talk with an advisor, call (708) 974-5721, email advising@morainevalley.edu or stop by in person at Building S, Room 201.
Online and Hybrid Courses
Moraine Valley offers online courses in nearly every subject matter. Course offerings vary semester to semester, so the best way to view current online offerings is to search for classes.
Search and register for online and hybrid courses the same way you would register for any other course within the college’s registration portal. Course sections numbered 300-339 are online courses; 350-399 are hybrid courses.
Detailed Online and Hybrid Course Information
If you are considering registering in an online or hybrid course, it is important that you find out about the structure and expectations of your instructor. Search by course code and section number for online and hybrid course information that has been provided by the instructor. If you have already registered in an online or hybrid course, this information is sent to your Moraine Valley email address upon registration.
Moraine Valley offers a number of certificates and degree programs that can be obtained with a majority, if not all, of coursework completed online. Trips to campus for class-related activities are at faculty discretion.
Transfer Degrees - Online Options
The Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.) and General Studies (A.G.S) degrees can be completed online. Please note some areas may have limited options. Visit the online and hybrid course information page for specific details regarding course expectations and required trips to campus.
Fully Online Program Options
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Supply Chain Management | Certificate | 1519 | Corporate, Community and Continuing Education |
| C# Programmer | Certificate | 1466 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Cannabis Retail Specialist | Certificate | 1503 | Business |
| Cisco Network Associate | Certificate | 1447* | Computer Integrated Technologies |
| Computer Support Associate | Certificate | 1348 | Computer Integrated Technologies |
| Computer Technician | Certificate | 1418* | Computer Integrated Technologies |
| Criminal Justice | A.A.S. | 1260 | Public Service |
| Data Entry | Certificate | 1317 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Emergency Management | Certificate | 1386 | Public Service |
| ESL and Bilingual Educator | Certificate | 1471 | |
| Java Programmer | Certificate | 1458 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Computer Information Systems | A.A.S. | 1206 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Programming Skills | Certificate | 1382 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Retail Management | Certificate | 1415 | Business |
| Small Database Administrator | Certificate | 1380 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Software Developer | Certificate | 1305 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
| Supply Chain Management | Certificate | 1319 | Corporate, Community and Continuing Education |
| Website Developer | Certificate | 1433 | Computer Information & Office Technology |
Online Programs (with Trips to Campus}
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaf Studies | Certificate | 1469 | Communications, Foreign Languages and Literature |
| Early Childhood Educator | A.A.S. | 1264 | Education |
| Infant/Toddler Level 2 | Certificate | 1472 | Education |
| Infant/Toddler Level 3 | Certificate | 1473 | Education |
| Sign Language Interpretation | Certificate | 1369 | Communications, Foreign Languages and Literature |
Courses may be offered in a variety of formats. Additional programs and certificates may be able to be completed fully online. Some prerequisites may not be available in an online format.
*Please refer to the Program Licensure Disclosure statement located in the Instructional Programs section of the catalog. Students should check the specific state professional licensing agency to determine licensing requirements.
Online Courses
These courses have section numbers 300-339. An online course uses a learning management system via the Internet to deliver content, facilitate communication (e.g. faculty-student and student-student), collect student work, and assess student performance. An online course may require trips to campus or a proctored test site.
Hybrid Courses
These courses have section numbers 350-399. In a hybrid course, face-to-face class sessions are reduced by providing a significant portion of the instruction in a learning management system via the Internet. Hybrid courses have learning activities that must be completed via the Internet as well as class sessions that require on-campus attendance.
If you have more questions, you can check out our FAQ to see some of the most common questions students ask.
Online courses are not for everyone as people learn at different paces and in a variety of ways. Online and hybrid courses often demand more time than on-campus classes do, so you must be committed and understand what is needed to succeed.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Online classes are easier than face-to-face classes. | Online courses are challenging and require students to use time management, be organized, and college-level reading and writing abilities to complete work. |
| Students must login and complete coursework during specific times of the day. | Online courses offer students the flexibility and convenience of completing assignments 24/7 within the due dates and expectations of faculty. Students should read their syllabus carefully for requirements and contact faculty with any questions. |
| Online courses are not worth the same number of credits or course competencies as face-to-face classes. | Online courses offer the same number of credits and identical course competencies. |
| Students can finish online courses independently in the semester, at their own pace. | Online courses are not self-paced. They follow the same academic calendar as other courses. Students must adhere to the course calendar and be aware of due dates. |
| No participation is expected from students enrolled in an online course. | Students are required to participate in online courses by communicating with classmates and the instructor through discussion forums and other assignments. |
Students are encouraged to complete a Study Skills self-assessment. Your honest responses to this assessment will help you understand the realities and expectations of taking an online course.
Moraine Valley provides several support options while taking your online classes. For example, we have technical support available Monday through Saturday via email and by phone. Our library also provides a live chat and text message support in addition to email and phone support.
Additional Resources
Your Online Preparation Checklist
Get ready for your online courses by reviewing the tips and general information provided below.
1. Review important course information!
You will receive a course information email for each online or hybrid class you register for. This information is sent to your Moraine Valley student email address. Save this message and read it carefully. It contains instructor information, course login instructions, testing procedures, and a login link to your course site. You can also look-up course details using the online and hybrid course information page.
2. Gather materials
The Moraine Valley bookstore sells most of the required course text materials. Use your registration information to look up the materials needed for your specific course section. Getting things done early is a good strategy for success.
3. Prepare your computer before the term begins
You need access to a computer (desktop or laptop) and the internet to get into your courses. See the basic computer specifications for Canvas and information about which browsers Canvas supports.
You need access to a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs in order to create your papers or other type of assignments. You have free access to Office 365 through your Moraine Valley student email. In email, in the top left corner click on “Office 365” and download the full version.
Optionally, Canvas has a “Canvas Student” app available for Android and iOS that helps students stay connected to their courses on the go. See the Canvas Guides – Canvas Student page for more information.
4. Learn how to use Canvas, our learning management system
Users that are new to Canvas should login to Canvas and join our “Student: Canvas Training and Resources” course to learn how to use Canvas. You can access this class by clicking the Help icon in Canvas, then clicking the "Canvas Student Training and Resources " link. To learn even more about Canvas, please see the Canvas guides and videos.
5. View our Online Student Success Orientation
All current Moraine Valley students can access our free Online Student Success Orientation to learn about the expectations and strategies of a successful online student. Students can self-enroll in this resource via the Canvas help menu.
Prospective students can create an account on the Innovative Educators – Preparing for Online Learning website to access the following resources:
- Orientation for Online Learners: This 25-minute online workshop will prepare students for the online learning environment. It covers topics on how to be successful in an online class, technical requirements, developing an effective student space, test-taking strategies, and communicating with your instructor and classmates.
- Student Success Workshops: The interactive workshops cover topics to help students achieve their academic, personal, and career goals. Topics cover online learning skills, student strategies and test-taking skills, personal management and success skills, and research and writing.
6. Access Canvas and your Course
Once your semester begins, log in to Canvas and go to your course. Be sure to read the instructor’s welcome message, which contains information on getting started. Read through all course policies in the syllabus and view the course schedule. Note: every online course is unique as each instructor designs your learning experience.
Moraine Valley Support Resources
Moraine Valley Community College, and the State of Illinois, participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). The agreement allows member states, territories, and institutions to offer online courses for students who may reside in other participating states. The agreement also allows any distance education student a method to resolve a concern against the college if they are from a member state.
Any Moraine Valley student who desires to resolve a concern is first encouraged to follow the college’s own complaint and reporting process, viewable on MVConnect. Concerns that cannot be resolved through the college’s own process may be pursued with the Illinois Community College Board, as applicable under SARA.
Students who are unable to resolve their concern internally with the college and do not reside in a SARA member state must pursue their concern within their state or territory of residency. At present California is not a member of SARA.
California
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, California 95834
If you should wish to contact your home state portal agency under SARA, please see the reference document for student complaint information by state and agency.
Moraine Valley Community College has determined that its relevant programs comply with Illinois licensure requirements. You can find more information on our Licensure Information page.
