MCC Remains a Leader in Online Education for Over 20 Years

Online education is accessible, convenient and a fit for everyone. Middlesex Community College has been a leader of online education for over 20 years and offers a host of online options every semester. During this challenging time, MCC joins schools around the Commonwealth in transitioning courses to remote options in order for students to finish the semester.

Middlesex was one of the first colleges in the state to offer remote learning. The Comprehensive Distance Education Program launched in 1998 and over the last 20 years, MCC has taken a careful, consistent and innovative approach to transforming their online platform. The program began with 77 students and now serves thousands each semester. The college invests considerable resources into supporting online faculty and making online academic support available to students 24/7.

“Middlesex has been a leader in quality online learning for well over a decade, having received numerous awards for exceptional online programs,” said Phil Sisson, MCC’s Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Our online course completion numbers for our students are very strong – sometimes stronger than our face-to-face courses. Students can really thrive in an online environment and are often stronger participants overall in online courses.”

Online instruction includes flexible schedules and easy access to resources with the same skills, knowledge, credits and quality of instruction as face-to-face course options. Review materials, take practice exams, complete assignments, and interact with students and faculty – enhanced by the ever-evolving capabilities technology allows.

“It was very easy to follow with the instructions the teacher gave us through Blackboard,” said Gabrielle Menard, a Graphic Design student graduating at the end of the semester. “The website is very ergonomic friendly for students who are not used to online learning and there’s useful services provided as well, like the Blackboard Student Manual and other college resources – i.e. library, helpful links, etc.”

Online learning provides students with opportunities to engage with the curriculum in different and exciting ways. This can include performing virtual biology dissections and chemistry experiments, watching the latest Ted Talks and other videos, and taking virtual tours of the Sistine Ceiling.

Online classes appeal to a variety of students who make up the core of Middlesex – professionals learning a new skill; adult learners seeking a new profession; high school students wanting college credit; or traditional college students earning credit while working full- or part-time.

“Until online courses came into my life, college was just a thought for the future,” said Dawn Stickney, an MCC Graduate. “They allowed me to prepare my schoolwork in a timely manner around my kids’ sporting events and my work schedule.”

For students who are new to online learning, MCC offers these tips on how to maximize your online learning experience for success:

· Be open-minded to trying a new way of learning

· Be flexible and patient when technology isn’t as efficient as you want

· Establish a routine and avoid procrastination

· Stay connected and ask for help if needed

· Maintain your computer and files so you don’t lose valuable information

· Participate on your own time with reflection and consideration

· Communicate clearly with your own words in a concise way

Middlesex offers 15 degree and certificate programs that can be completed entirely online, including Accounting, Criminal Justice, Business, Hospitality Management, and Liberal Arts.

MCC’s faculty and online programs have received several awards over the past two decades. MCC’s Online Business Administration Program was named no. 41 in the country on the 2019 list of Best Online Associate in Business Degree Programs by Intelligent.com and the Online Hospitality Management Program was ranked no. 3 in the country by BestColleges.com in 2018.

Visit https://www.middlesex.mass.edu/Online/student_tips.aspx to learn more about MCC’s tips for mastering online education.

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!