Distance Education

This is an archived copy of the 2013-14 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.cincinnatistate.edu.

www.cincinnatistate.edu/online

Cincinnati State currently offers over 200 courses either totally or partially online. Distance education courses at Cincinnati State offer students a choice in how they complete their coursework. Totally online courses (marked WEB on course schedules) have no on-campus meetings. Partially online courses (marked HYB on course schedules) have most of the educational activities occur online, but also include some required on-campus meetings. Either choice gives students the flexibility to fit classes into their busy lifestyle.

Success in Online Courses

Successful online students exhibit the following:

  • self-discipline,
  • self-motivators,
  • good time management skills,
  • independent learners,
  • effective readers and writers, and
  • effective problem solvers.

Success in distance education classes also requires students to be comfortable using basic features and functions of a computer such as:

  • sending and receiving email,
  • downloading software,
  • successfully attaching and sending documents,
  • resolving simple technology issues, and
  • using word processing software.

Some online courses require students to use other computer skills also.

Students who are considering taking distance education course should determine their readiness for distance education by completing the SmarterMeasure online assessment at http://cstateonline.smartermeasure.com . Follow the directions for username and password.

Distance Education Definitions

Online/web-based (virtual): Courses that contain all online activities, with no scheduled campus meetings. However, in some online classes students may be required to take tests on campus, or at a specially-arranged proctored location. These classes are identified in the registration process with the code WEB.

Hybrid: Courses that contain more than 70% online activities and also require regularly-scheduled on-campus meetings, which could include (for example) completing lab activities or delivering speeches. Testing may occur online, on campus, or at specially-arranged proctored sites. These classes are identified in the registration process with the code HYB.

Web-enhanced: Courses that are delivered primarily on-campus with required in-person attendance, but with assignments, activities, discussions, and/or testing available online. These courses are not considered distance education courses.

Taking Exams in Online Courses

In some distance education courses students may be allowed to take exams and quizzes online. However, some distance education courses may require students to come to campus for testing, or find a qualified proctor or testing center. External proctors must sign an agreement with the College in order to proctor an exam. Contact your instructor for further information.

Student Support Services for Distance Education

Library: The electronic resources available through the Johnnie Mae Berry Library and OhioLINK are licensed resources available to students on campus, and students completing their coursework online, at a distance.

Students wishing to use the library and its resources, including the electronic resources, must have a SurgeCard, Cincinnati State’s identification card. The SurgeCard also allows students to borrow books from college and university libraries that are part of the OhioLINK system. Students can obtain a SurgeCard from the Office of Student Activities, ATLC Room 204. Distance students who cannot come to campus may contact Student Activities at (513) 569-5747 for additional information.

Bookstore: Cincinnati State’s Follett Bookstore provides online access to order books, supplies, and materials. Students may order textbooks and merchandise from the bookstore’s website, www.cincinnatistate.edu/on-campus/bookstore . Distance students may have materials shipped to them, or if they are near the campus, may pick up materials at the bookstore.

Many Cincinnati State instructors use customized versions of textbooks which are not available at other online retailers. Cincinnati State’s bookstore is the only place to obtain these materials. Check with your instructor to determine if there are customized materials that should be purchased.

Technical Help Desk: The College Help Desk can assist distance students with technical problems related to their distance education courses. Live Help Desk assistance is available at (513) 569-1234 during the following times:

Sunday 6:00 PM – Monday 2:00 AM
Monday 7:00 AM – Friday 7:00 PM
Saturday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Email assistance itshelpdesk@cincinnatistate.edu (available 24/7). Students using the Helpdesk email can expect a response within 24 hours.

Academic Advising for Distance Education Students: At Cincinnati State, students are assigned an academic advisor based on their program choice. Advisors for distance students are the same as those advising students who complete non-distance classes. Students should touch base frequently with their advisor—in person, by email, or via phone—to ensure success in achieving academic goals. Students may contact their academic advisor by calling (513) 569-1552 or through their division office.

Registration: Registration for all Cincinnati State courses is available online. There is no difference in cost for distance courses. For available courses, log into https://mycstate.cincinnatistate.edu/ . Distance education courses are noted in registration information with the codes WEB (online course) or HYB (hybrid course). Distance students are encouraged to view the comments section for each hybrid course for information about required on-campus meetings.

Cost for distance education courses: Tuition for distance education courses is the same as on campus courses. Web-based courses are assessed an additional fee of five dollars ($5) per credit hour.

How to get started: Applying for admission to Cincinnati State to take online classes is easy and convenient. The admission process is completely online and open to everyone. The admissions process is the same for students taking online courses and those taking traditional courses.

To begin your application, visit the Admission Process page and complete the online application for admission.

Programs and Courses

The following associate’s degree programs and certificate programs are available via distance delivery. Speak with your academic advisor to answer any questions you may have regarding distance education programs.

Business Division

Associate Degrees

Accounting Technology
Business Management Technology
Hospitality Management
Marketing Managemen

Certificates

Paralegal Certificate
Accounting Certificate

Center for Innovative Technologies

Associate Degree

Computer Programming and Database Management
Business Programming and Systems Analysis

In collaboration with Health and Public Safety

Health Informatics Major
Healthcare Programming and Analysis Major

Certificate

Advanced Surveying Certificate

Health and Public Safety

Associate Degrees

Health Information Management
Public Safety Technology

Certificate

Coding Specialist Certificate
Homeland Security Certificate

Additional associate’s degrees will be added in the future; please check the distance education website at www.cincinnatistate.edu/online for updates and details.

Distance Education Courses

For a list of courses offered either in a totally online format (WEB) or in a partially online, hybrid format (HYB), visit www.cincinnatistate.edu/online .

Extension Sites

Cincinnati State provides college credit and non-credit courses through the Middletown campus and through community learning centers located at the Cincinnati State West campus in Harrison, Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, the Health Careers Collaborative at the Health Alliance Business Center, Great Oaks Career Campuses, Lower Price Hill School, and the Workforce Development Center in Evendale.

Whether students earn college credit or seek personal enrichment, courses offered at the extension sites bring Cincinnati State programs to local neighborhoods. Courses offered at the extension sites are identified during the registration process with a site abbreviation code under the “Building” (BLDG) column.

Weekend Classes

Cincinnati State schedules a range of classes on weekends. For selected associate’s degree and certificate programs, the College provides opportunities for students to complete their programs with all classes scheduled in a combination of weekend and evening classes, or a combination of weekend and distance education classes. Students seeking more information about possible weekend classes should contact the academic division that offers the program of interest.