

What is it Like Going to School Online? Learn What to Expect.
Online learning was already experiencing rapid growth before the global pandemic hit. But the number of students enrolling in online courses has completely ballooned in its wake. Public health protocols caused many campuses to close, and many colleges and universities were left scrambling to adapt their programs for online instruction, or what was once called distance learning.
But that wasn’t the case at Bellevue University. This accredited, nonprofit university has been offering high-quality, affordable online programs for nearly three decades. From streamlined course delivery to ample web-based support services, learn more about what it’s like going to school online by reviewing some commonly asked questions about online learning.
5 FAQs about online learning at Bellevue University
Bellevue University’s online classes were designed so that students could have a quality learning experience in a format that fits their schedules and lives. The school’s online undergraduate and graduate programs have been built with the priorities of working adults in mind, ensuring that every dollar and hour you invest in your education is well spent.
1. How do online classes work?
As an online student at Bellevue University, you’ll participate in an innovative virtual classroom environment. You’ll be able to engage with faculty, collaborate with your fellow classmates from across the country and participate in multiple different learning formats depending on your needs.
Bellevue uses 2 different formats for online learning, depending upon the course and availability in the class schedule:
- Anytime online — All students and instructors participate 100% asynchronously.
These classes are 100% online, on your own time within the set class term. Anytime online is the most widely used format for online learning. Each week, you find the time that is most convenient for you to get your work completed on time for that week. While there are set start and end dates for each class and regular coursework due dates within each class, there are no regularly scheduled class times, so you have the most flexibility to fit school into your life. - Connected Campus — The students and instructor participate at a specified class time, either virtually or in person – on campus. This class format is an additional hybrid option with students joining online and some students joining from an on-campus or remote classroom.In some cases, Connected Campus allows online classes with live class instruction in a virtual, online setting, just like a Zoom meeting you might host at work. Students and instructors join from various locations. Live attendance is required in both options.
All online learning experience include the following elements:
- Web-based forums that connect you with peers from across the nation
- Faculty with real-world experience to ensure you master the knowledge and skills your industry’s employers seek
- Small class sizes of no more than 24 students, enabling optimal collaboration and engagement
- Career-focused cohort learning schedules, in addition to traditional schedule online programs
- Interactive support resources, including online tutoring, 24/7 library tools and support, and technology assistance available extended hours.
Students can even streamline their paths toward graduation by taking advantage of Bellevue University’s generous transfer credit policy.
2. Are online courses less effective than traditional instruction?
It has always been a primary goal at Bellevue University to ensure that students who receive online degrees are provided with the same high-quality education and academic rigor that students have come to expect from in-person, on campus learning. You can enroll in an online program with the confidence that the industry-relevant training you receive is on par with what’s expected for your degree level.
And just because you’re looking into online programs doesn’t mean your options have to be limited. Bellevue University offers more than 80 different online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, ensuring that furthering your career is more achievable than ever, no matter where you are in life.
3. Do I have to sacrifice peer and faculty interaction with distance learning?
If you’re looking for a meaningful and relevant online learning experience, active engagement is a must. All online courses in any online format at Bellevue University prioritize interaction in a number of ways, including discussion forums, online collaboration, and peer review.
The secure and accessible Anytime Online classroom environment allows students to participate in the following:
- Attend class lectures on your own schedule
- Easily meet and interact with fellow students
- Regularly discuss lessons with instructors
- Complete and submit assignments electronically
- Use the school library’s tools electronically
- Receive additional academic support as needed
4. What are support services like for online students?
As an online learner at Bellevue University, you will have access to the same student support resources as those who learn on campus. Our BRUIN Support Services can offer technical assistance to all students, whether on campus or online. Access to our Service Desk for hardware or software support is also available during extended hours of operation.
The school’s library services are available to online students 24/7, and there are a number of other academic resources available to students, such as the Writing Center and the Tutoring and Study Skills Program. Online office hours with instructors can also be arranged.
In addition to this range of resources, all students at Bellevue University are assigned a Student Coach when they begin their studies. They will help you set some educational goals and then check in regularly, providing the guidance needed to ensure you stay on track to graduate on time.
5. Are faculty members trained in online instruction?
Not only are the professors at Bellevue University armed with ample professional, industry-relevant experience, but they’re also well-versed in online learning methods. With the school’s vast experience in delivering courses that are Anytime Online or the hybrid Connected Campus format, there are rigorous standards faculty have to meet to effectively teach in these programs.
All online instructors participate in a very thorough training program for online course delivery techniques. They learn to employ a variety of multimedia tools to present demonstrations and lessons, avoiding the dry, static presentations some have come to expect. At Bellevue University, our instructors ensure you won’t simply learn about the concepts — you’ll see how they’re applied.
And the online courses themselves have been developed with the student experience in mind. In fact, Bellevue University has an entire team of instructional designers who are dedicated to the design and development of its online courses to ensure they’re accessible and adequately meet students’ needs.
Learn what to look for in a quality online program
Bellevue University’s goal has always been to ensure that every student receives a rich, interactive learning experience. Going to school online can be just as impactful as being on campus, and our committed faculty are passionate about ensuring you’ll get everything out of it that you put into it, and then some.
That’s why Bellevue University has been recognized as one of America’s top online colleges and universities, according to Newsweek. It’s also one of 75 institutions to receive a five-star rating, the recognition list’s highest honor.
But you don’t have to take Newsweek’s word for it — it’s still important to do your own research. As you seek to find the right program, you may find it helpful to review our article “How to Find the Best Online Colleges for Working Adults.”


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