With excellent support for students and the flexibility of online classes, San Jacinto College is helping more students earn their degrees.

The public community college is offering 26 associate degrees and 34 workforce certificates students can earn entirely online. Students can earn a credential in areas such as business, computer information technology, health care, global logistics and general studies.

In this Q&A, Director of Outreach and Recruitment Vershonda Williams shares details about San Jacinto’s online degree programs and how students can customize their learning experience.

How does the flexibility of an online degree program benefit students?

Williams: Our Online Anytime classes offer students an opportunity to learn, complete assignments, study and earn a credential without sacrificing their need to work, tend to family, or life’s special moments. Students are truly in the driver’s seat when it comes to online classes, which means they have an opportunity to design a schedule that works best for them.

Can you describe a day in the life of a student in this program?

Williams: Through the use of Blackboard, our online platform, students have a central location to access their course material. This tool provides access to videos, lecture notes, discussion boards, and much more. It also encompasses a variety of modalities for students to choose from.

If students want to experience more of a classroom environment, they can take a course that offers a live lecture in real-time through our Online on A Schedule option. While students who need more flexibility can take classes on their own schedule via our Online Anytime classes.

Who is the ideal candidate for this program?

Williams: Our online programs are designed with all students in mind, because we understand that there are a number of reasons why students may find online classes appealing. Whether you are working a non-traditional shift, have family obligations, possess physical restrictions, or just want to learn from the comfort of home, our online program is for you.

How will the student experience be different at San Jacinto online? Will students have support from campus staff?

Williams: Our online students have access to all the services that San Jac has to offer. Students can utilize tutors, schedule appointments with student services representatives, access counseling services and even participate in a variety of fun student activities virtually.

How is San Jac online different from other online degree programs?

Williams: San Jac is different from other online degree programs in that we give you the option of online or in-person for all of the services we offer our students. You can register, attend and complete your class 100% online, or you can do parts of it in person. Would you like to meet in person with an academic advisor? Stop by or make an appointment and meet with someone in person at your earliest convenience. Do you know you struggle with math and feel like an in-person class would better fit your learning style? Take just one or multiple classes at any of our five campuses to give you the assistance you need to master the class.

What do you want the community to know about San Jac online?

Williams: We understand that the choice to start school is a major decision, and San Jac does not take that decision lightly. That’s why our goal is to help students every step of the way. From application to graduation, we have dedicated staff and faculty that are equipped to meet students where they are, even in an online setting. Our admissions, advising, and financial aid offices offer convenient virtual appointments to help make the journey as smooth as possible.

To learn more about San Jacinto College and register for one of its online degree programs, visit www.sanjac.edu.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.