Moraine Valley offers online learning options that allow students to participate in a course 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.
A variety of courses, degrees, and certificates can be completed mostly online, but can require some in-person class time, labs or tests that require campus visits.
We offer advising services to help get you started. You can chat online with an advisor, call us at (708) 974-5721, send us a text at (708) 501-MVCC (6822), via email at advising@morainevalley.edu or in person in Building S, Room 201.
Online 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 300-349 are online courses; 350-399 are hybrid courses.
Detailed Online and Hybrid Course Information
If you are considering or have already registered 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 detailed course information that has been provided by the instructor.
Moraine Valley has a number of career program and certificates that you can obtain with a majority, if not all, your coursework completed online. These degree tracks are designed to enhance your skills and/or get your right into the field. The programs are not designed for transfer, although many of your courses may be transferable if you choose to pursue further education.
Some prerequisites may not be available online. Trips to campus 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.
Associate of Applied Science - Online Degree Options
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | A.A.S. | 1260 | Public Service |
Career Certificates - Online Certificate Options
| Program Name | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco Network Associate | Certificate | 1447 | Computer Integrated Technologies |
| Computer Support Associate | Certificate | 1348 | Computer Integrated Technologies |
| Computer Technician | Certificate | 1418 | Computer Integrated Technologies |
| Database Administration Skills | Certificate | 1381 | Information Management Systems |
Online Courses
Online courses are delivered entirely via the internet, which means students can complete the courses without attending any traditional face-to-face classes. An online course is one in which Moraine Valley professors use a learning management system to deliver all content, facilitate interpersonal communication (faculty-student and student-student communication), collect all student work, and assess student performance. However, an online course may require a face-to-face orientation, a placement test session on campus or an exam to be taken at a proctored test site.
Hybrid Courses
In these courses, face-to-face classes are reduced by providing a significant portion of the instruction via the internet. Hybrid courses have class sessions and activities that must be completed via the internet as well as class sessions that require attendance in a face-to-face setting.
Online courses are not for everyone as people learn at different paces an in a variety of ways. Online and hybrid courses often demand more time than on-campus classes do. In order to be a successful student you must understand what personal traits are needed.
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Online classes are easier than face-to-face classes. | The courses are challenging since it requires students to use time management, organizational, and college-level reading and writing abilities to complete work. |
| Students must login and complete coursework during specific times of the day. | Online courses are asynchronous – offering students the flexibility and convenience of completing assignments 24/7. |
| Online courses do not carry the same amount of credits or course competencies as face-to-face classes. | Online courses offer the same credits and competencies and are even taught by the same instructors who teach face-to-face. |
| Students can finish online courses independently in the semester, at their own pace. | Online courses are not self-paced. Students must follow the same academic calendar as other courses and adhere to the same assigned 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. |
You can also complete the Study Skills and Learning Styles self-assessments. Your honest responses to these assessments will help you understand the realities and expectations of taking an online course.
Moraine Valley provides several support options while taking your online classes. We have technology 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 some tips and general information provided below.
1. Review important course information!
You will receive a course information email for each online class. This 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 Search for Course Information link.
2. Gather materials
Most online courses require text materials that are sold at the Moraine Valley bookstore. You need your registration information to find the materials for the correct section. Text information is also available on your course syllabus, but early information can be found on the Moraine Valley Bookstore website. 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 “Join course now!” link at the top of the Dashboard page in Canvas. To learn even more about Canvas, please see the Canvas Guides and videos.
5. Access Canvas and your Course
Once your semester begins, login 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 for 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 Bureau of Private Postsecondary Education
PO Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
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.
