What does it mean to study online at The Citadel?
When entering an online program at The Citadel that means students do not come to campus – it’s 100 percent online. We’ve designed a media-rich, collaborative learning environment, allowing our faculty members to interact with students through a learning management system, Canvas. Course content may include online lectures, videos, discussion boards, electronic portfolios, web conferencing, and more. Students submit regular assignments including homework, projects, and papers, through Canvas. Some courses include secure, proctored online exams.
Communication
Online learning requires a substantial amount of written communication. Because you learn at your own location and during the times that you prefer, email is your primary means of communicating with instructors and other students. In addition, most courses require you to engage regularly in online discussions and collaborative work with classmates. As an online student, it is important to feel comfortable interacting with others from a distance, since you will not have the same face-to-face contact as a student learning on campus.
Motivation and Discipline
With disciplined work habits, you are likely to succeed as an online student. A greater degree of flexibility requires that you take an active role in your education—it is up to you to log on to your course and meet your own deadlines.
Time Management
Online courses are intense and can consume a great deal of your time—especially as many of you are trying to balance school, work, and family. In order to receive competitive grades, plan on spending at least 9-10 hours a week on each class. Read all the course content, complete all the assignments, and block out time to do it.
High-Quality Instruction
The Citadel faculty are highly respected. In addition, many of those who teach online tend to have extensive, hands-on experience in their fields. They are researchers and industry professionals, with extensive academic expertise. They deliver an education that focuses on practical application, while developing a core foundation of knowledge and theory.
Professional Networking
The Citadel faculty who teach online have connections to industry. That means the online learning environment ensures access to diverse insights, expertise, and practices, and comprises an extensive network of professionals in a variety of industries.
Technology
It goes without saying that technology plays an integral role in online learning. You’ll need a high-speed Internet connection and basic computer. For specifics, please visit our Technology page.
Course Schedules
Most courses operate on a 15-week schedule, with start dates in January, May, and August. Though you can complete course assignments during the hours that work best for you on a day-to-day basis, you must finish each course within the allotted time period. Each course has built-in deadlines along the way to make sure that you progress at a manageable pace.
Visit the online course schedule to view current and upcoming courses, and for information about how to register.
Required Leadership Seminar
The Citadel’s emphasis on leadership is integrated into the Online Program experience through the required leadership seminar. This seminar is a condition of graduation for all degree seeking students, and available at no cost. This non-credit bearing workshop gives students opportunity to receive initial leadership training in principled leadership and The Citadel core values.
The leadership seminar is currently being offered in the online format only. To access the seminar, please log into Lesesne Gateway and click on the Student Tab. Under Registration Tools, click on the “Add or Drop Classes” link, and select your appropriate term. You will need to enroll yourself in LDRS 500. The course will appear on Canvas at the beginning of the semester and needs to be completed before semester grades are due. If you are having trouble registering or have questions, please reach out to the Department of Leadership Studies or the listed instructor.
Participate in Darkness to Light Training
The Citadel has made a commitment to offer Darkness to Light Stewards of Children training for all students at no cost. As part of The Citadel student body, we invite you to participate in this exciting leadership endeavor! Online training for graduate and degree completion students is being offered to accommodate busy school and work schedules. Emails will be sent to you to instruct you on how to take the training online at no cost.
If you already have been trained as a Steward of Children in the past 3 years, please email a copy of your Darkness to Light certificate to KLee@D2L.org and cgc@citadel.edu so that you may be recognized as a person who Dares to Lead!
Technical Help and Student Support
The Citadel ensures that online students receive experienced support throughout their studies. Information Technology Systems (ITS) staff and your course instructor are all available by phone or email to answer questions and guide you as needed. However, online students should be comfortable learning independently, taking the initiative to ask questions, and receiving instruction at a distance. Technical support is available through The Citadel’s ITS Help Desk 843-953-HELP.