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Online Program – Registration
How do I register if my eparchy or parish is paying for my tuition?
At this time, the only way to register for the class is to pay online. You would need to pay via our online payment site and then seek reimbursement through your eparchy/parish.
If the registration deadline is past, can I still register?
Send an email to scollins@bcs.edu to find out if the class is full and whether the instructor will take more students. If at all possible, we will try to get you into the class.
Are there group discounts?
Yes. If you have 5 or more people from your organization (parish, eparchy, business, etc) who would like to register for the same class, be sure to register as a part of a team. To do this, put your team name in the designated box on the registration form and choose the group discount price. Each registrants is responsible for their individual application fee but it will be deducted from the overall group cost.
Are there scholarships available?
At this time, there is no financial aid available for the online courses.
Class time/structure
How much time do I need to be able to give to the class each week?
To earn 2 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), you need a minimum of 20 hours of contact time. Over the course of an 8-week class, this is approximately 3 hours per week. However, as you become engaged in the materials you may find yourself spending more time.
What times do the classes meet during the week?
All of BCS’s online classes are asynchronous which means that none of the classes ‘meet’ at particular times. The instructors post lectures (in the form of essays) on a particular day each week along with readings and discussion questions. You work at your own pace throughout the week to complete the readings and respond to the discussion questions in written form in the forum.
Some instructors plan additional activities that may include conference calls or online chats. These are always enhancements to help people learn and never a part of the requirements of the class.
Don’t I need to have a video camera on my computer to do an online class?
No. Since the class doesn’t ‘meet,’ there is no need for a video camera. You will only be asked to post a picture of yourself as a part of a profile.
If I work odd hours, can I still take the class?
Yes. The work is assigned on a weekly basis and you work at your own pace over the week to complete it.
Do I have to download any software?
Yes. You will need to access the internet and download and read .pdf files. If you can do that, you do not need to download any software. BCS houses all the course information on a server (called Populi) that you will log into from your computer via an internet browser. The internet browsers we recommend are either Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox.
Class participation and interaction
What does class participation look like?
Most class participation is in the form of discussion forums. These forums begin with written discussion questions offered up by the instructor to which you will be asked to post responses to the questions as well as respond to the posts of other students in the class.
How much access will I have to the instructor?
Instructors are available by email and by phone to answer your questions. Many instructors keep office hours, much like university professors.
Do I interact with the other people in the class?
Yes. BCS instructors encourage interaction amongst their students and would prefer to have you read each other’s posts and respond to them, encouraging and challenging one another through the course as you would in a regular classroom.
What reading materials are required? For purchase?
Approximately 2-4 weeks before the class, you will be sent an email that gives you a listing of required books to purchase for the class. If you live in an area that requires more time for your book to arrive, please contact the instructor to explain your situation and ask for the reading list.
In addition to those books you will need to purchase, the instructor will likely give you additional readings in the form of .pdf files that you can download from the Moodle server.
Earning CEUs
How are CEUs distributed?
The minimum student participation required to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs) includes: regular, thoughtful participation in the weekly discussion forums and a completion of a final integrative project.
Those who register for the certificate program will receive a certificate that recognizes the advanced level of work accomplished in the class.
In addition, each certification student will receive a written evaluation at the end of each course from the instructor that speaks directly to their level of involvement and feedback on your project.
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If you need any clarification or have further questions, don’t hesitate to call or email us!
412-321-8383, ext. 23
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