Study Options

Distance Learning

Atlantic Cape, a leader in educational technology and distance learning in the state of New Jersey, offers associate degrees that can be completed through online courses. The typical community college student often juggles full-time work and family priorities in addition to attending class, so the ease of “anytime, anyplace” learning helps them achieve their education goals conveniently. The degree programs available at a distance include:

Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in:

  • Business Administration
  • Child Development and Child Care*
  • Computer Programming

Associate in Science (A.S.) degrees in:

  • Business Administration
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Computer Systems Support
  • Criminal Justice
  • General Studies

Associate in Arts (A.A.) degrees in:

  • Preschool-Grade 3 Education*
  • Psychology
  • Liberal Arts degree and options in:
    • English
    • K-12 Education

*Note: Program includes practicum hours that must be completed in a school environment (Preschool-Grade 3 Education, A.A.) or a child care center (Child Development and Child Care, A.A.S.).

It is highly recommended that students taking distance education courses possess excellent organizational and time management skills. Students interested in taking a distance education course are encouraged to visit www.atlanticcape.edu/online.

Students taking courses online use their home computer connected to the Internet to “attend” class. (Students without home computers may use the computers in the library or in the Learning Assistance Centers at all three College sites.) Students generally complete all course requirements online, and communicate with their instructor and fellow classmates using email, class discussion boards and chat.

Atlantic Cape uses several course management systems to conduct online courses. Most of the courses use Blackboard, which can be accessed through a common Web browser. This system has email, discussions, chat, online testing and many other features that enhance the overall online learning experience. Some courses use different course management systems. Students are given very specific information on how to log into courses no matter which course management system is used.

Independent Study

An independent study allows a student to pursue study in an existing course not offered in a given semester. The student contacts a faculty member in the course discipline, requests the independent study, and initiates the Application for Independent Study. Upon approval from the appropriate academic chair or dean, the Enrollment Services Office notifies the student that they can register for the course.

Non-Credit Courses

Atlantic Cape’s Workforce Development department provides courses and services to meet the educational training and personal and professional development needs of the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. Classes are offered days, evenings and weekends at all three College sites and at various locations throughout Atlantic and Cape May counties. Additional information is available in the Workforce Development Program Guide. For information, call (609) 343-5655 or visit www.atlantic.edu/workforce.

Certificate

Certificate programs consist of 30 to 36 course credits, including six credits of General Education.

Professional Series

Designed for students to develop entry-level skills for specific jobs, each series is a cluster of courses which can be completed in one year. Upon successful completion of all courses, students receive a certificate of achievement. All credits earned may be used toward an appropriate associate degree.