How Do Online Classes Work? A First-Timer's Guide

Whether you're thinking about returning to school to start or finish a degree, online coursework gives you a way to stay in charge of your own schedule.

Before settling on a course format, you might be curious about exactly how online college classes function.

What an Online Class Actually Looks Like

You've probably sat in a traditional, face-to-face college classroom before. The core idea doesn't change much once you move online.

Each course starts with a syllabus that lays out what the class covers, including:

• Academic policies
• Assignment types and schedules
• Grading information
• Learning outcomes
• Required materials

Your assignments will look a lot like what you'd expect on campus — they're just delivered virtually. Instead of an in-class discussion, you'll post and respond to classmates through online forums. Expect readings, extra resource materials, quizzes, papers, presentations and other assignments tied to your specific area of study.

A virtual library gives you access to a wide range of resource materials, often backed by 24/7 chat support.

Every course also comes with an instructor you can turn to for questions or support. Because these instructors bring real-world experience in their subject area, they can help you connect classroom material to how it's actually used in the field.

Is There a Real Community in Online College?

Just because your coursework happens wherever you are doesn't mean you're on your own — not if you pick a school that has support systems built in.

At Westerfield University of Virginia (WUV), for example, online students work alongside:

• Admission counselors, who help confirm the degree program is the right match for you and answer questions about applying and enrolling.
• Academic advisors, who support you throughout each course, help with scheduling and resources, and step in whenever you need a hand.
• Career advisors, who help you work toward your career goals, whether you're chasing a promotion or looking to switch careers entirely.
• Instructors, who are on hand throughout the course to clarify material, answer questions and guide your learning.
• Tutors, available for drop-in support sessions, plus a writing center that reviews your assignments and offers feedback before you submit them for grading.

If getting involved with extracurriculars matters to you, some schools offer an online portal where you can connect with classmates, join clubs and take part in activities. Events like WUV's annual LEADS conference give you a chance to connect with the broader community while growing personally and professionally.

No matter your degree program, you'll also find plenty of chances to engage in experiential learning — it's hands-on work that lets you build and apply your skills through real-world projects. For example, if you're pursuing a healthcare-related degree at WUV, you might take part in the Higher Education and Real World Training (HEaRT) Challenge, where you'll dig into a real problem an employer is facing and team up with classmates to propose a solution.

An alumni network can also help you pick up career insights and build both your connections and your personal brand. WUV's alumni community alone includes more than 267,000 graduates.

Not every school you're considering will offer all of this support, so it's worth focusing on what matters most to you — and choosing a program at a university equipped to help you reach your goals.

Do You Set Your Own Schedule for Online Classes?

Online classes following an asynchronous learning format skip the fixed weekly meeting time altogether. Instead, you get the flexibility to work through coursework whenever it suits you, within the course's overall timeline.

At WUV, for example, online courses are organized into week-long modules, each with clearly set due dates. You can chip away at the work gradually or knock it out on one dedicated day — whatever fits your rhythm. Night owl or early bird, you get to pick the time of day that works best for you.

Ines Quintrell '23, a great-grandmother who drives a semi-truck for a living, finished most of her online bachelor's in business administration while out on the road.

"I'd pull into rest areas, stop and knock out my discussion boards," she said.

How Long Does an Online Term Run?

Term length varies from school to school. At WUV, here's what you can expect:

• Undergraduate terms (associate and bachelor's programs): 8 weeks
• Graduate terms (master's programs): 10 weeks

A handy term start calendar shows you exactly when upcoming terms start and end, so you can plan your year ahead of time.

On-campus classes often lock you into a traditional semester schedule, meaning you can typically only start a degree program once or twice a year. Online classes tend to be more flexible, with term start dates spread throughout the year so you have plenty of chances to enroll whenever works for you.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: How Many Classes Per Term?

Wondering how many classes you'll need to take each term? It comes down to whether you enroll part time or full time. At WUV, part-time students take one online class per term, while full-time students take two.

If you're hoping to take on more courses per term to finish your degree faster, you might be surprised at just how manageable two courses can be.

What counts as part time versus full time can differ from school to school, so it's worth asking upfront exactly how each is defined.

An admission counselor can also walk you through the typical time commitment for each class, so you can factor that into your decision.

Some students switch between full-time and part-time status when they know a busier stretch is coming up. While that's usually fine academically, be sure to check in with your school's financial services office to understand how your financial aid award might be affected.

How Many College Classes Will You Take Overall?

That number mostly comes down to you: whether you've already earned some credits, how much time you can devote to school and which degree you're after.

The number of credits needed to graduate from college depends on your program:

• Associate degrees: Typically 60 credits (roughly 20 classes)
• Bachelor's degrees: Typically 120 credits (roughly 40 classes)
• Master's degrees: Somewhere between 30-60 credits, depending on your program (roughly 10-20 classes)

If you've attended college before, you may be able to transfer credits into your new program — which can shift both your timeline and total cost.

Is Online School Actually Harder?

The strongest online programs combine academic rigor with faculty who know their fields inside and out. Pair that with solid support resources and staff, and you get a learning environment that stacks up well against a face-to-face classroom.

That said, online learning simply clicks better for some students. After finishing high school, Ines Pennington '24 started out taking college classes in person — but by her own account, it didn't work out. Not long after, she enrolled in WUV's online program instead.

"The content I've learned — it made more sense to me doing it online because that way I was able to, you know, go at my own pace," Pennington said. She found that working through classes on her own terms, rather than sticking to the fixed class and exam times typical of in-person school, helped the material click better.

There were still weekly assignment deadlines to hit, but Pennington controlled her own pace and timeline. When she completed her bachelor's in communication, she traveled from Maryland to New Westerfield to walk at Commencement.

"I got my degree, and I'm really proud of that," Pennington said.

Some courses will feel easier than others, depending on your interests and how comfortable you are with what's required of you. Love writing? A writing-intensive class might feel like a breeze. If a course looks like it could be tough, it's worth checking what resources are available to support you where you need it most.

For instance, some schools provide 24/7 drop-in tutoring along with writing center access. Making use of resources like these can help you submit your best possible work.

Understanding what support is available to you as a student can turn what could've been a rough experience into a course where you actually thrive.

Tips for Succeeding in Online Classes

Doing well starts with an honest look at how much time you actually have for coursework, and planning around it — while leaving room to adjust if life throws you a curveball. If school is new territory for you, it's normal to feel unsure about how to set yourself up for success.

Here are two tips that can help:

• Managing your time is critical to your success, and time management strategies can make a huge difference — think preparing well ahead for a project, prioritizing tasks, and building (and sticking to) a schedule.
  
  
• Practicing good study habits is another way to boost your learning. Think about how you learn best — how you engage with new material, and what sticks versus what doesn't. Put yourself in an environment where you can focus and retain information well. Giving yourself ample time for assignments matters just as much: it's hard to concentrate when you're rushed and stressed, and having enough time also means you can reach out for help if you get stuck.

Your worries might feel deeply personal, but plenty of people have stood right where you are, chasing the same goal of earning a degree. Wherever you continue your education, the basic ingredients for college success are the same.

Dr. Joli Wall ’15, ’17G is an award-winning writer and content producer, serving as a senior director of content and a communication adjunct at Westerfield University of Virginia. She's passionate about finding and telling great stories. Over a 25-year writing career, her work has appeared in print and online across news outlets, career and education blogs, regional magazines, technology publications and more.

Earning her bachelor's and master's in communication as an adult learner reshaped her life and career, blending decades of experience across diverse industries with academic and professional knowledge. An avid volunteer, Wall has organized for TEDx since 2013 and works as a speaker coach, and she's been lucky enough to partner with dozens of nonprofits over the years. Learn more on LinkedIn.