Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges

Distance Learning

What is Distance Learning?

Since 1965, Pennsylvania's community colleges have served adults who pursue their educational goals in both traditional and innovative ways. Distance learning refers to learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom. Tens of thousands of Pennsylvania community college students rely on distance learning opportunities to build their academic credentials, gain knowledge and enjoy cultural exploration while maintaining their work schedules and family responsibilities. Distance learning enables students to access higher education opportunities including courses, programs and student services.

Distance learning enables you to conveniently access courses and programs according to your schedule no matter where you are!

Is Distance Learning for YOU?

Community college distance learning courses and programs are academically equivalent and are not easier or less time-consuming than traditional on-campus courses. The major difference lies in a delivery mode that allows you to complete coursework according to your schedule, independent of scheduled on-campus classes. Distance learners are self-motivated, highly-disciplined, eager to learn and are familiar with the technologies needed to complete each course, such as internet, chat sessions and e-mail.

Take this quick quiz to see if distance learning is right for you.

Once you have determined whether distance learning is right for you, review the distance learning information at the individual Pennsylvania community colleges. You can learn more about choosing a home college, courses and programs, as well as the hardware and software requirements from the individual college.

Pennsylvania Community College's Distance Learning Websites
(each link will open in a new window)

Community College of Allegheny County

Community College of Beaver County

Bucks County Community College

Butler County Community College

Delaware County Community College

Harrisburg Area Community College

Lehigh Carbon Community College

Luzerne County Community College

Montgomery County Community College

Northampton Community College

Penn Highlands Community College

Community College of Philadelphia

Reading Area Community College

Westmoreland County Community College

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Community Colleges

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Featured Member College

Community College of Allegheny County
With an annual enrollment of about 80,000 credit and noncredit students, the Community College of Allegheny College (CCAC) is the largest provider of educational services in western Pennsylvania. To meet the workforce needs of the region and the educational goals of its citizens, CCAC offers more than 170 academic programs and a host of professional development, public safety, community services and community education courses for lifelong learning.

Click here to learn more.

Focus! Student Stories Issue

Pennsylvania community colleges responded to record joblessness with tuition waivers for local unemployed workers. 3,100 Pennsylvanians have received workforce training or vocational education since the Spring 2009 semester under this program.