Online FAQs

Capitol College uses Centra Internet conferencing software for its online courses. Centra lets professors use the same course material online that they use in traditional classroom settings. After you register for your first online class, we'll tell you how to download and install the software.

Our online approach is unique because it includes regularly scheduled synchronous live-audio lectures (available evenings and Saturdays) as well as asynchronous learning sessions.

Synchronous learning: This is real-time, instructor-led, online learning. All participants log on at the same time and communicate with each other via two-way audio and chat.

Asynchronous learning: Students access and study course material at their convenience. They communicate with the instructor and classmates via email and discussion boards.

Each session is recorded and archived for later review. This is useful if you miss a class, or if you just want to review a specific topic. But remember that you're expected to attend live-audio lectures, and class participation will be considered in your final course grade.

No, most graduate degree courses are accelerated and available in 8-week terms. However, some courses are available only in 16- week semesters due to the volume of reading, nature of class projects, etc. Also, the MSEE program includes 11-week courses.

That depends. Some class sessions alternate between live-audio lectures and asynchronous learning sessions (the first week is live, the second is asynchronous, and so on). Students in 8-week terms complete two sessions per week - one live and one asynchronous. (Eight-week courses also pair Mondays with Wednesdays and Tuesdays with Thursdays: If your live lecture is scheduled for Thursday, your corresponding asynchronous class will be on Tuesday). For MSEE students, every class is live due to the analytical nature of the program.

No, textbooks for all graduate courses (online and traditional) are available ONLY from the Virtual Bookstore (MBS Direct).

Textbooks are available about one month prior to the start of a course. It's a good idea to order your books early so that you can begin reading before the first day of class.

Yes, but remember that you're required to attend live classes. For students in Europe or Asia, this might mean attending class in the middle of the night. Students on the west coast may need to leave work early.