Online Learning
Online learning is a great way to fit college into a busy schedule and to accelerate the journey to a college degree. Online learning offers maximum convenience and flexibility, as well as the quality faculty, interactive learning environment, and academic support that CCV is known for. In online classes students post messages to a discussion board each week, and faculty establish guidelines and deadlines for discussion board contributions. Class assignments also include tests, quizzes, projects, essays, and research papers that are delivered online.
In addition to online courses, CCV offers a growing number of hybrid courses that blend classroom and online learning. Hybrid courses typically meet in-person three to seven times during a semester, with substantial work done online. CCV’s free Online Learning Workshop – required for new online students – provides excellent preparation for both hybrid and online courses. For many students, the combination of face-to-face learning in the classroom and rich, interactive learning online is a perfect fit for busy schedules or an accelerated program of degree studies.
Since most communication between students and faculty in online and hybrid classes is written, students need to have strong reading and writing skills. Students need to be self-disciplined, independent and self-reliant learners who are prepared to establish and maintain a weekly schedule for class participation. Students should also have experience accessing and navigating websites, sending email messages, uploading and downloading texts and composing documents and email. In terms of equipment, software, and Internet service, students should make sure to meet all the necessary requirements. For more information about online learning at CCV, visit www.ccv.edu/online.
Field Experiences
Most program/concentration areas require a student to complete an internship or field experience for one semester. Students participating in a field experience do so by enrolling in Community & Work Experience specific to their program, which provides an opportunity to connect classroom learning with the workplace. Students must complete approximately 80 - 90 hours in the workplace setting, along with 15 hours of class time with other students also completing internships. The classroom component includes critical analysis and reflection on the work being done in the field. Students must meet with an academic advisor to select the appropriate program designation and receive approval before enrolling in the course.
Study Abroad
Students can study abroad with CCV and earn credit while experiencing other countries and cultures. Since 2002, CCV has taken students to Belize, England, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Mexico on 10-day study trips in courses ranging from Art Appreciation to Ornithology. With a class size limit of 15, students can expect the same student-centered learning experience as in other CCV courses. Study abroad courses include pre- and post-trip classes, as well as the 10-day study trip led by CCV faculty and a staff member. Course fees can be covered by financial aid. Study abroad classes are offered each fall and spring semester.
Certificate Programs
A certificate program is a group of related courses designed to provide students with entry-level workplace skills in a particular field. While most certificates do not lead to an occupational license, they are often recognized by employers as a credential that demonstrates job-readiness, self-organization, and a commitment to lifelong learning. It is also possible to use the credits in a certificate program as a stepping stone to an associate degree. Students who want to work toward a certificate should meet with an advisor.
CCV offers certificate programs in:
- Allied Health Preparation
- Childcare
- Clinical Lab Assistant
- Computer Business Applications
- Computer Systems Management
- Essential Workplace Skills
- Health Information Specialist
- Medical Assistant
- Substance Abuse Services
- Sustainable Building Technology
- Web Site Design
For more information, see the Certificates .
Credit Courses
CCV courses, in the classroom and online, cover a wide range of discipline areas and are listed in the Courses section. Each semester, the College publishes a Schedule giving times and locations of courses being offered. Course descriptions are also available online.
Credit by Examination
Extensive college-level knowledge in a field gained through individual and non-college study can result in credit through the national College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations, which are available through CCV’s Office of External Programs in Montpelier (802-828-4064). This credit can be transferred to CCV and to 1,300 other colleges and universities. Additional information is available at www.collegeboard.com/CLEP.
Assessment of Prior Learning
College-level learning acquired through work, community experience, self study or other non-college experiences may be assessed for the award of college credit. In the Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) course, offered at all CCV academic centers at least once a year, students are guided through the process of describing and documenting their experiential learning in a portfolio. This portfolio is then reviewed for credit by a committee composed of appropriate faculty and professionals. The recommended credit may be transferred to CCV and many other institutions in and outside of Vermont. Contact the Office of External Programs (802-828-4064) for more information, or visit www.ccv.edu/apl. Information sessions about this program are scheduled regularly and are announced in the CCV Schedule and on the website.
Course Challenge
CCV degree students can request a course challenge if they believe their prior experiential learning duplicates that of a specific course required for their degree program. Students must contact an academic advisor for more information and to apply for a course challenge
Credit for Evaluated Non-College Learning
Some types of military training may have been evaluated for college credit. Students should contact the CCV Registrar’s Office (802-828-2800) with questions about military transcripts. Some organized in-service trainings may have been evaluated by the Education and Training Evaluation Service (ETES) of the Vermont State Colleges. Students should contact the Office of External Programs (802-828-4064) regarding information about ETES credit.
Transfer Credit
Degree students must have official transcripts of all previous college courses sent to the Registrar at CCV’s central office in Montpelier for evaluation of transfer credit. CCV accepts eligible credits earned at accredited institutions or gained through the Assessment of Prior Learning program, CLEP or DANTES examinations, ETES, CEEB Advanced Placement examinations, and certain vocational programs. Advisors can answer your questions about how transferred credits may meet your degree program requirements.
Please note that in order to complete a degree program at CCV, you must successfully complete at least 15 credits here. |
