The economic and educational environment in the United States is constantly changing, and so are our academic methods. Today, many Harcum College students choose online education because online courses provide the same rigorous academic content and instruction as face-to-face classes, yet they offer a flexible and convenient method of learning for working adults and others whose schedules may prevent them from attending campus on a regular basis.

Harcum's online academics will prepare you for the real-world challenges inherent to corporate, business and academic environments. Since online course content is identical to that offered on campus, our online education gives you both theoretical and practical knowledge to ensure your success.

Why Choose Harcum College Online?

The multitude of benefits for obtaining a degree from Harcum College Online includes:

• Leadership - Taking online courses at Harcum College enables learners to develop strong self-motivation and independent, critical-thinking skills in a collaborative environment. It transforms learners into leaders.

• Degree Prestige and Value - Earning an associate degree from Harcum prepares graduates for a wide variety of careers and transfer options.
• Harcum has partnered with many four-year colleges and universities in offering dual admissions programs.
• Several of our programs have 100 percent job placement rates for graduates.
• The College Board recently reported that holders of two-year associate degrees will earn 28 percent more over the course of their career than holders of high school diplomas.

• Flexible Schedules - The curriculum is designed to accommodate busy, non-traditional students just like you.
• Flexible schedules let you take classes at a set time or when it is convenient for you. We know that the key to starting an education, changing careers or returning to school is having choices.
• Our online courses provide instruction in two online class formats - synchronous and asynchronous. These formats are offered within the same course to optimize opportunities for instructor contact and student interaction.
  
  
• In synchronous sessions, students and instructors meet online at a predetermined time. This format is similar to a campus classroom experience and requires participation at established hours, usually during evenings or weekends.
• With this format, you will hear live audio from the professor, supported by a live "virtual blackboard." You can even "raise your hand" to ask questions or interact with your professor and classmates in real time via text messaging.
• You will also have the option to participate in real-time chats, which encourages further interaction between the students and professor.
  
  
• In the asynchronous format, which is the more common delivery method, students participate when it is convenient for them.
• This gives you maximum scheduling flexibility to attend classes any time, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. You will access recorded audio lectures, video presentations and supporting instructional materials via the Internet.
• There are due dates and deadlines, however, so you will need to pay attention to that aspect of your online courses.

• Knowledge Excellence - Our faculty members have a mastery of each discipline and bring rich experience and practical knowledge of today's business and corporate environments to the classroom.
• All instructors undergo thorough online instructor training that enables them to facilitate a stimulating and productive online learning experience and exhibit best practices of online instruction.
  
  
• Online Campus - Harcum College's online campus will be available January 10, 2009.
• Advice on academic, financial, technical or professional matters is available for all students at any time.

• Financial Aid - Upon qualification, aid is available to all online students.
• Apply and consult with Harcum College financial aid specialists to receive a customized financial aid plan.
• The financial aid office at Harcum College is available to help students with financial planning and the process of applying for financial aid. The office is located in Melville Hall.
• Students are encouraged to request more information by submitting an online information request form.  

Enjoy the Online Experience at Harcum College

Distance learning and online class sessions are enjoyed by an ever-increasing number of students. These students have the opportunity to share their knowledge, experiences, opinions and ideas with classmates in a friendly and open virtual setting. Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, the online learning experience is equally valuable and enriching, as it allows class members to intermingle with ease, exchange information and feel comfortable expressing their views.

Accreditation

Harcum College proudly bears the MSCHE seal - the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 / Telephone: (267) 284-5000 / E-mail: info@msche.org) - which confers Harcum College the right to award associate degrees.