Online Episcopal Colleges and Schools: How to Choose

Various Episcopal colleges offer online course and program offerings. Interested parties may want to take into account considerations such as online formats, education options and technological requirements.

How to Select an Online Episcopal School

Distance Learning Formats

Both fully online and hybrid course and program options are available through Episcopal colleges. A hybrid course or program provides one an opportunity to complete a combination of on-campus and online classes; this may be a better option for those interested in working with professors and peers face-to-face or taking advantage of special on-campus conferences and workshops as well as regular school-based activities such as community prayer and healing services.
Fully online courses or programs may be more suitable for those who are working full-time or have personal or family obligations that prohibit them from making trips to campus. Individuals interested in either hybrid or fully online options might also want to keep in mind that some courses may be offered in asynchronous fashion - that is, enrollees are not required to adhere to certain set schedules online for real-time participation purposes - while others require some synchronous engagement in the form of Web conferences or chat sessions.

Education Options

Some Episcopal schools offer only individual courses online while others may offer full programs through distance learning means. For instance, some colleges offer rotating courses in subjects such as the modern church, Christian ethics and biblical languages, while others offer full diploma or master's degree programs in areas such as Christian history, Anglican studies, ministry and biblical studies. Before selecting an Episcopal school, aspiring students may want to explore the possibilities and consider whether they want to enroll in a single course or a full academic program of study.

Technological Requirements

When selecting a school, individuals need to be aware of the technological requirements involved in fully online and hybrid programs. Requirements might include a computer with up-to-date browser, CD or DVD player, speakers or Web camera. Students may also be required to have specific hardware or software.