The college has four terms - fall, winter, spring and summer - in which students can earn credit in a variety of formats. Formats offer flexibility in the time spent in a course, in the method used to convey the instructional material to students and to test their comprehension of the material. Information on special-format courses and instructional delivery methods follows.
Accelerated Course Formats
Fall and Spring Terms
During the fall and spring terms, the college offers a variety of credit courses in formats ranging from two to 15 weeks.
Winter Term
Between the fall and spring terms, the college offers a limited number of courses in an intensive format. Students enrolling in the Winter Term may register for no more than four equivalent credit hours.
Summer Term
The college offers summer courses in six-, eight- and 11-week formats.
WEEKENDYOU™
WEEKENDYOU™ is a true college experience offered on the weekends for career changers, job advancement and enrichment. Courses are offered on the weekend for students who need a flexible format and the convenience of a full array of support services without the wait. Students can complete degrees and certificates through a combination of weekend, online and hybrid classes. Noncredit classes include wide array of subject areas such as culinary, computer, health, motorcycle safety, parenting skills and art to name a few. For information, call 410-777-2555 or visit www.aacc.edu/weekend.
College-Level Examination Program
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a nationally recognized credit by exam program. The exams allow students to earn college credit for knowledge gained through experience or independent learning. For more information, see page 17 or call 410-777-2375 or visit our website www.aacc.edu/testing.
Credit by Departmental Exam
In the subjects in which College-Level Examinations (CLEP) are not available, department chairs may arrange to give examinations to qualified applicants. See Admissions-backUpCopy for more details.
Distance Education Formats
The Virtual Campus
AACC Virtual Campus provides learning programs and courses supported by integrated and responsive student services delivered any time and any place. For information about these programs or the Virtual Campus, call 410-777-2464 or visit the website, www.aacc.edu/virtualcampus.
Note: Learners who enroll in online or hybrid courses may be required to take proctored exams or on-campus assessments at a test center.
Online Courses
Online courses give learners the flexibility of studying where they want and when they want. Learners in online courses explore the same content and achieve the same learning outcomes.
Various state regulations require legal authorization for a college to offer distance education classes to students who live in that state. If you are not a resident of Maryland, please visit http://www.aacc.edu/stateauthorization for information on the states in which AACC operates.
Hybrid Courses
Hybrid courses combine face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning to enable learners to achieve course objectives. A significant amount of the learning activities occurs online, making it possible to reduce the amount of time spent in the classroom. Traditional face-to-face instruction is reduced but not eliminated.
Interactive Learning
In interactive classes, the instructor may be present on the Arnold campus, at the Arundel Mills Center and at the Glen Burnie Town Center or at a remote site and viewable via a large screen monitor. Lectures and presentations are held in a designated classroom and broadcast to remote classrooms through video conferencing. Learners can interact with peers from around the state while attending classes and earning credits from AACC.
Independent Study
Special programs of independent study within the areas of regular courses of instruction are encouraged. Students wishing to earn credit through independent study should contact the academic department, which will inform them about the procedures and fees involved.
Internships
Internships are on-the-job work experiences related to a student’s major that include an employer mentor and a faculty advisor. Internships for credit typically fall under the 275-278 course number range. For more information about how to look for an internship or to sign up for an internship course, visit: www.aacc.edu/internships or email internships@aacc.edu.
Various state regulations require legal authorization for a college to offer an internship to students who live in that state. If you are not a resident of Maryland, please visit http://www.aacc.edu/stateauthorization for information on the states in which AACC operates.
Prior Learning Assessment
Earn college credit for work and life experience through a variety of tools, including credit by exam and portfolio assessment. Information sessions are offered several times each term to explain the process. For information see Admissions-backUpCopy or visit www.aacc.edu/priorlearning.
Thematic Learning Communities
Thematic learning communities (“TLC”) are sets of courses that are connected by a theme and enroll a common group of students. Enrolling in clustered courses offers a unique opportunity to connect what you learn in one class to the material you learn in a totally different course. Participating in a TLC is a great way to connect with fellow students who share a common interest with you. The thematic learning community opportunities will be listed in the schedules of classes publication and on the website each term. Visit www.aacc.edu/learningcommunities.
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