Online Student

WVU Potomac State College offers numerous online options. Many of our General Education Foundation (GEF) courses are available online such as courses in biology, chemistry, math, English and psychology. Students at the Keyser campus also have access to register for online courses on the Morgantown campus, though additional tuition and fees may apply.    

WVU Potomac State also offers three completely online degree options:  

Criminal Justice Bachelor of Applied Science

Depending on your motivation level, you may be able to complete a Bachelor of Applied Science degree (third and fourth year) in Criminal Justice in as little as 18 months. Many of the Criminal Justice-specific courses are designed in an eight-week, accelerated format, while the other online courses span the entire semester. This program could be completed entirely online so you can continue to work and attend to your other commitments.  

Associate of Arts in General Studies

The online Associate of Arts in General Studies allows you to achieve the milestone of a degree from West Virginia University, whether that degree alone allows you to advance professionally or is a milestone on the way to a bachelor’s and possibly master’s degree. You can tailor the elective courses within the degree to match your personal and professional interests.

Associate of Arts in Business Administration

WVU Potomac State College’s online Associate of Arts in Business Administration degree will give you a broad knowledge of business, combined with skills in technology, to prepare you for a variety of careers in a global business environment that is changing rapidly.

Complete schedule of courses

Accessing online courses at PSC: 

WVU Potomac State College’s online courses are offered through WVU eCampus, which is a Blackboard-based system. These online courses offer flexibility as they can be accessed from your computer, tablet, and smartphone devices. They are also available day and night, giving you more accessibility. To log in to eCampus, you will need your  WVU ID (Username) and  password. For those of you who are new to taking online classes, or have any questions, we recommend watching the video below and/or following the links provided to get started.

Helpful Links & Resources:

• INTRODUCTION TUTORIAL: This is an introduction tutorial for new or returning students. This tutorial includes how to check browser compatibility, how to navigate Blackboard, and how to check grades and submit tests online. 
• ADDITIONAL STUDENT TUTORIALS: This is a list of additional student tutorials for online learning through Blackboard. This list includes things like: emailing through Blackboard, creating discussion posts, updating Blackboard calendars, etc.  
• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: This is a list of questions asked rather frequently from both students and instructors.  
• BLACKBOARD MOBILE APP: If you need to set up the mobile application on any of your smart devices, accessing this link will provide you the information on how to do so.  
• ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: If you haven’t found what you are looking for, and need additional help and support, follow this link to see if your issue is listed:  
• WVU IT HELPDESK: For all technical issues, IT HELPDESK is available by contacting 1-800-327-9260, 304-293-4444, or emailing  itshelp@mail.wvu.edu. 

How to be a Successful Online Learner:

Online learning varies greatly from the traditional classroom setting. Students who are interested in taking online classes need to be aware that most online courses are attuned to independent learning. Students take on more responsibility in regards to reading the course text, submitting assignments by deadlines, and responding to discussions posted by instructors. If you are considering becoming an online learner, here are some ideas on what it takes to be successful:

• Time Management  
  As an online student, knowing how to manage your time effectively is important. One benefit of online learning is that you have the flexibility to schedule your coursework around your daily responsibilities. With that in mind, it’s important to remember that most online courses require at least 10 hours a week on coursework.
• Organization  
  Keeping your course materials, and any supplemental material provided, organized in a consistent workplace is key to online learning. Use folders or online filing methods (such as Evernote or OneNote) to keep you organized and on track.
• Communication  
  Emailing your instructor with any questions or concerns is always a good idea. Some instructors have discussion boards open for students to get in touch with them. If need be, calling a professor at their office is a choice as well. Instructors will have their office numbers and office times listed in their syllabi.
• Independent Learner   
  A lot of independent learning is required in online courses. A student needs to be responsible, disciplined, and self-motivated if to succeed in online learning. Students are required to find time to read course texts, submit assignments and exams, view any videos or lectures, and maintain constant communication within the course-setting.
• Basic Computer Literacy   
  To learn online, computer literacy is crucial. Your computer will be your classroom; therefore you will need to be able to navigate the WVU e-campus main page and Blackboard. Some coursework may require you to search the internet, library databases, send emails, or view videos and lectures as well. Most instructors will have assignments due that require the knowledge of programs like Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, and PDFs. 
  
  Using good etiquette while learning online is also important. Frustrations and arguments can arise in online courses, just as they can in traditional classrooms. It’s important to stay patient, use good manners, and consider emotions when replying to discussion board topics.

Important Information about PSC Online Classes:

• Online classes at PSC may require additional costs due to technical requirements (ex: software necessary for classes, e-books, etc.). 
• Online classes may be opened by instructors three days in advance of the semester start date. This will allow students to view eCampus material ahead of time. 

NOTE: This feature is optional, and instructors do not have to enable this option unless they want to.