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Choose an Online Class

Online learning at Elgin Community College allows you to work towards your educational goals while maintaining your busy lifestyle and commitments. Experience a convenient learning environment with the support and resources you need to succeed!

What Are the Benefits of an Online Program?

With ECC's online degree and certificate programs, you can learn anytime. Classes are fully online and asynchronous, meaning no set class times or face-to-face sessions are required. Online programs are perfect for students balancing work, family commitments, or other outside responsibilities.

Online classes allow you to study at your own pace. You can work ahead or take more time on challenging topics.

Available Online Programs

Elgin Community College provides online degrees with different types of courses. Some courses allow you to study on your schedule (asynchronous), offering flexibility for part-time or full-time students. Other courses have set meeting times where you must be present online simultaneously with your classmates (synchronous). This might involve video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meets, and Virtual Classroom. You can contact Admissions and Recruitment for more information about our fully online degree options.

Read about the distinction between class types.

Note: The Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) recommends courses designed for transfer.

How Do I Enroll in an Online Program?

Enrolling in an online degree program is the same process as enrolling in all other ECC programs. New students or those who have not attended ECC in the past two years should submit a free online application and indicate their interest in completing their program of study entirely online. Once you’ve indicated interest, our admissions team will contact you about your next steps.

Current students wishing to switch to an online degree or certificate should contact their academic advisor.

What Support and Resources Are Available for Online Learning?

"Many student support services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and wellness services, are accessible remotely, eliminating the necessity to visit the campus. Explore our support services.

Chromebooks are available for checkout at the Library. If you need it for classes at ECC, let us know at circdesk@elgin.edu.

If you need Wi-Fi for your studies, learn more about affordable or free wi-fi options for students.

Additional Support

Is an Online Degree or Certificate Right for Me?

Beginning an online program allows you to transition back to a traditional degree path or opt for some in-person classes should your learning preferences evolve. You're not bound to exclusively online learning if your preferences shift.

At ECC, we offer options, including online, hybrid, and in-person classes, empowering you to select the learning mode that best suits you. If you’re unsure if an online program is right for you, you can take a few online classes or a free Study Skills Survey from the Online Assessment System for Internet Students.

Planning to Transfer

ECC is the ideal place to start a bachelor's degree. Many universities offer online bachelor's degrees in various programs. To ensure a smooth transition from ECC to your chosen institution, we strongly encourage you to schedule a meeting with one of our academic advisors to create a personalized academic plan that aligns with the requirements of your intended bachelor's degree program.

Transfer Services