What to Expect as an Online Student at The Citadel
Studying online at The Citadel offers a flexible and enriching educational experience designed to meet the needs of today’s learners. Here’s what you can expect from your online program:
100% Online Learning
As an online student, you will engage fully in a media-rich, collaborative learning environment through our learning management system, Canvas. This platform enables faculty to interact with students and deliver course content via online lectures, videos, discussion boards, electronic portfolios and web conferencing. Assignments, including homework, projects and papers, will be submitted through Canvas. Some courses may also include secure, proctored online exams.
Communication
Effective communication is vital in online learning. You’ll primarily use email to connect with instructors and classmates, as you won’t have the same face-to-face interactions found in traditional classrooms. Most courses will require you to participate in online discussions and collaborate with peers, so it’s important to feel comfortable engaging with others from a distance.
Motivation and Discipline
Success as an online student relies on your motivation and self-discipline. With disciplined work habits, you are likely to succeed as an online student. While the flexibility of online learning is advantageous, it also means you must actively manage your education by logging into your courses regularly and meeting deadlines.
Time Management
Online courses can be intensive and time-consuming, especially for those balancing school with work and family obligations. Plan to dedicate at least 9-10 hours per week for each course to achieve competitive grades. Make sure to read all course materials, complete assignments and allocate specific times for study.
High-Quality Instruction
The Citadel’s faculty are highly respected professionals with extensive experience in their fields. Many of our online instructors are researchers and industry experts, delivering education that emphasizes practical application while building a solid foundation of knowledge and theory.
Professional Networking
Our faculty members are well-connected in their respective industries, providing you with access to diverse insights, expertise and networking opportunities. The online learning environment fosters connections with professionals across various fields.
Technology
Technology is integral to your online learning experience. Ensure you have a high-speed internet connection and a reliable computer. For detailed technology specifications, please visit our Technology Requirements page.
Course Schedules
Our courses operate on a 15-week or 8-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 my.citadel.edu. Select the main menu in the top left and use discover to search for “Registrar“. Select “Student Registration Tools” and, 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. At The Citadel, we have both the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching, Learning and Distance Education (CEITL) and Information Technology Systems (ITS). Our 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.