Articles > Online CollegeÌý>ÌýWhy take single college courses online?
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Briana Houlihan, MBA, G-PM, Dean, College of General Studies
Higher education varies for each individual. From traditional college students to lifelong learners and those seeking to transfer credits, there are multiple pathways to pursue educational goals. Single courses can serve as a means to align academic pursuits with career ambitions and personal development.
What are reasons to take single college courses online?
Students can take single college courses online as college-level classes that can be taken independently without enrolling in a full program. Courses can range from general education like biology, English composition and creative writing to industry-specific topics like managerial accounting, business law and information systems governance to more specialized subjects such as pathophysiology, counseling crisis intervention and trauma and ethics for support services professionals. This type of learning allows students to customize their education according to their personal needs and professional interests.
Single courses can also benefit those already enrolled in a degree program and looking to transfer credits. Many universities provide information on their websites about flexible course scheduling options, making it easier than ever for students to complete the required credit hours for their degree without taking on a full-time load. It’s often possible to enroll to take single courses online.
When to take single college courses online
A single course makes sense in a wide range of circumstances. Some students use single courses to complete their prerequisites for a degree program or to complete an undergrad degree on their way to a master’s. Others may take single college courses online as transfer credits to a new school or to finish a class they may have missed, failed or dropped for personal or academic reasons. Online single courses can provide a flexible option for students who need to take a course over the summer or are in a rush to meet a deadline.
Single courses can be useful for completing general education courses, like biology or math. They can also be useful for the sciences, like nursing or healthcare, or for people looking for additional credit requirements for testing and licensure. Some occupations require employees to continually upskill to meet industry requirements and stay up to date with the latest education and practices. Teachers routinely have to go back to school to update their credentials, for example.
Is it possible to take college classes without enrolling?
Generally, taking single courses is less involved than enrolling in a full degree program. There are usually fewer admission requirements and no need to fill out a formal application.
Depending on the location and format of a single course, the initial step may involve contacting the admissions office. This can be done by scheduling an appointment with an admissions counselor or by applying online. Required documents may include transcripts, an application fee, and other materials specified by the institution. Once the application is accepted, official registration for the course typically involves submitting the necessary forms and fees. At the °®¶¹´«Ã½, for example, the process is streamlined and allows students to add online courses to a shopping cart and check out.
When considering enrollment in a single course, it is important to inquire about prerequisites, grading policies, course terms, transferability, and the availability of online options. Additionally, depending on geographic location, it is advisable to verify whether the chosen institution is accredited by an agency such as theÌýÌýfor credits to transfer elsewhere if desired.
How many classes is considered full time?
The biggest difference between taking single courses and enrolling in a more traditional college program is how many classes are considered full time enrollment. Generally, taking four courses or 12 credit hours is considered aÌýfull-time student load.
While this may seem intimidating for individuals beginning their journey into higher education, it is important to recognize that single courses can be taken at a personalized pace. This flexibility allows for a manageable workload that aligns with individual schedules and lifestyle preferences.
How to choose a single course
Here are some tips for choosing a single course that will be most useful::
- Clarify the purpose for taking a single course. Whether the goal is career advancement, academic enrichment, or personal development, understanding the motivation behind course selection can help guide the decision-making process.
- Research different courses: Look at course descriptions and syllabi to decide if the material fits the need.
- Evaluate whether the course is online or in person: There can be advantages and disadvantages with either option, so consider which might work best.
- Think about the cost of tuition and other fees: Before deciding on the right course, make sure it is affordable.
- Check the prerequisites to see if they’re achievable or already accomplished: To ensure successful completion, meet any required qualifications.
- Talk to people who have taken the course: They can provide insight into how the course is structured and how much time it requires.
- Look for payment options:ÌýDepending on individual financial circumstances, various payment plans or financial assistance programs may be available to support enrollment.
By assessing these factors, individuals can find a single course that will best meet their needs.
Benefits of taking a single course
Taking a single course may offer several advantages, such as:
- Flexibility to pursue topics of interest:ÌýSingle courses allow exploration of different fields and the opportunity to deepen knowledge in areas of personal or professional relevance.
- Opportunity to enhance a career path:ÌýCourses with specific applications or skill sets can support professional development and advancement.
- Cost-effectiveness compared to full-time study:ÌýEnrolling in one or two courses at a time may be more affordable than committing to a full-time degree program.
- No long-term commitment:ÌýThere is no need to commit to multiple semesters, making it easier to manage pacing and workload.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking:ÌýThese skills can be strengthened through single courses, offering valuable development in analytical and creative thinking across various fields.
- Networking opportunities and enrichment:ÌýIn addition to supporting educational and professional goals, single courses can provide enriching experiences and opportunities to connect with others.
Who can benefit from single courses?
Single courses can be beneficial for a variety of individuals, such as:
- Professionals seeking to stay current on trends in their field.
- Individuals interested in exploring a new area of study or gaining a deeper understanding of an existing one.
- Non-degree-seeking students who wish to take college classes without enrolling in a full degree program.
- High school students aiming to get a head start on college general education courses or specialized subjects.
- Adults returning to school to pursue higher education on a flexible schedule.
- Adult learners looking to acquire new skills or refresh existing ones.
Since college credits typically do not expire, single courses can serve as a valuable way to earn credits that may later be applied toward a degree program.
Challenges in taking a single course
As with any undertaking, there are potential challenges to consider when taking single courses. These can include:
- Time commitment:ÌýThe time required for a single course can vary depending on the number of classes taken and the course design. It may demand more time than initially expected. It is important to realistically assess the amount of time that can be dedicated to studying each week.
- Accessibility: Course accessibility may vary depending on how the course is delivered. Limitations could exist regarding when and how the material can be accessed. For online courses, reliable internet access is essential to ensure uninterrupted participation and learning.
- Financial commitment: A single course may involve an upfront payment or ongoing installment payments, depending on its structure. It is important to understand the total cost and payment schedule before enrolling.
- Competing course schedules: Taking multiple courses simultaneously may lead to scheduling conflicts. It is important to review all course schedules in advance to ensure there are no overlapping times or days before making a commitment.
While some of these issues can be mitigated with planning, they’re still important to consider when deciding whether to take single courses.
Is there a limit on how many individual classes can be taken?
Generally, non-degree students are not limited in the number of classes they can take, although some institutions may impose an 18-to-19-hour course limit per semester. Policies vary by college or university, so pacing courses across multiple semesters may be necessary.
How many classes does it take to get a degree?
It typically takes aboutÌý,Ìýwhich equates to approximately 40 classes under a standard semester system. Single courses usually offer between two to five credits. Credit measurement may differ depending on the institution, with some schools using semester calendars and others using quarter terms.
To put that into perspective, most students complete four or five classes per semester and earn their undergraduate degree within four years, though requirements vary by program and level of study. Single courses provide the flexibility to expand knowledge and personal growth at an individualized pace.
Are you ready to take single college courses online?
If you’re interested in exploring whether to take singleÌýcollege courses onlineÌýthat areÌýonly five weeks long, to expand your knowledge and skill set, consider browsing through the many options at °®¶¹´«Ã½. Here are just some of the sought-after single courses offered:
- Principles of Accounting I
- Government and Non-Profit Accounting
- Contemporary Auditing I
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Finance for Business
- Intermediate Financial Accounting I
- QuickBooks
Contact °®¶¹´«Ã½ for more information.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®¶¹´«Ã½ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Briana Houlihan is the dean of the College of General Studies at °®¶¹´«Ã½. For more than 20 years, Houlihan has strongly advocated for first-generation and underserved working learners. She has made it her mission to enhance the skills focus within general education coursework to bring value to undergraduate students from day one of their program.
This article has been vetted by °®¶¹´«Ã½'s editorial advisory committee.Ìý
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