Course Delivery Format
At Alvernia University online courses are divided into different categories based on the percentage of the course delivered in an online format. All formats deliver a minimum total of 14 hours instructional time per credit hour.
- Online Course: This is a course that delivers more than 75% of its content electronically.
- Blended-Plus Course: This is a course that delivers approximately 51% – 75% of its content electronically.
- Blended Course: This is a course that delivers approximately 30% – 50% of its content electronically.
- Face to Face Web Enhanced: This is a course that may deliver up to 30% of its content electronically.
Program Delivery Format
- On-Ground: Through interactive and engaging classroom discussions with faculty and fellow students, students reach their goals through collaborative, engaged on-ground course work. Choose on-ground classroom interaction is key to your success based on learning style and course content.
- Online: Alvernia's fully online programs offer students the ultimate in convenience. Reach your educational and career goals by completing all of your course work online. Earning your degree while working is often a challenge for busy adults balancing life’s ever-changing demands and schedules. Alvernia’s fully online programs let you earn your undergraduate or graduate degree on your terms.
- Hybrid: A combination of on-ground and online course work allows students to manage the demands of a busy schedule while also benefiting from regular classroom interaction.
- Low residency: A low-residency program is a type of education that combines distance learning with brief on-campus residencies. The residencies can last anywhere from a weekend to several weeks. The rest of the program is completed online. Material delivered during the residency should comprise no more than 30% of the overall program credits.
- High Flex: High Flex is a teaching model that combines hybrid and flexible learning. Students can change their attendance mode weekly or by topic. In a High Flex classroom, the instructor addresses both in-person and remote learners at the same time. Remote learners can join live or watch a recording. High Flex courses are different from hybrid courses. In a hybrid course, the instructor determines the class format and applies it to all students. In a High Flex course, students choose how they want to be taught by either attending class in person, participating online, or doing both.
Courses and programs with online components of any type may be offered in a synchronous or asynchronous format.
- Synchronous format: Synchronous classes run in real time, with students and instructors attending together from different locations.
- Asynchronous format: Asynchronous classes run on a more relaxed schedule, with students accessing class materials during different hours and from different locations.
