DE FAQs

1. Can you tell me about the DE program at HCC?

2. What degrees can I get online?

3. Are there any tests required to enter the DE program?

4. Have my transcripts arrived to HCC?

5. How do I register for a class?

6. Can I take DE classes if I don't live in Houston?

7. How do I drop/withdraw from a class?

8. What classes should I take?

9. How many DE courses should I take each semester?

10. How can I get more information about a specific class, instructor, or orientation?

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1. Can you tell me about the DE program at HCC?

Distance Education courses offer one to four semester hours of credit and are equivalent to on-campus courses in terms of transferability (no distinction is made on college transcripts). Although there are no special requirements for enrolling in these courses, an extra amount of self-discipline is required.

Students taking DE courses complete assignments, tests, and complete all other coursework just like they would in an on-campus class, except they do the work at their own computers* through the learning management system (LMS), Blackboard. Starting Fall 2011, Blackboard will be replaced with Eagle Online. Students are expected to communicate with their professor by electronic mail within the LMS. Most DE courses are on a structured schedule with critical deadlines to be met. Therefore, it is essential to read the syllabus thoroughly to anticipate assignments and to complete them on time. 

All courses require textbooks. *Although the course is delivered online, note that some classes may require students to meet on-campus for orientation, labs, and/or exams.

Please refer to the DE Student Handbook for policies and procedures unique to the DE student.

2. What degrees can I get online?

Students can complete the Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degrees online. Courses in these academic degrees are set up to for the student to transfer to a university to continue to earn a Bachelor's degree. All core curriculum courses taken at HCC are guaranteed to transfer to all Texas public higher educational institutions. DE also offers Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees and certificates with specializations in Real Estate and Accounting. 

3. Are there any tests required to enter the DE program?

A test is not required for students who have successfully completed the HCC admissions process and are TSI (Texas Success Initiative) compliant. However, students are encouraged to be proficient with computers and have easy access to reliable Internet connection. Students who want to take GUST 1270, LEAD 1200, MATH 0306, 0308, 0312, and ENGL 0310 online through DE must demonstrate passing scores on the SmarterMeasure, an online readiness assessment.

4. Have my transcripts arrived to HCC?

To confirm receipt of your transcript(s) contact the Office of Admissions & Records at 713-718-8500.

5. How do I register for a class?

Once you have completed the steps for admission and testing, to register, sign into your HCC Student Center (you will see an option for First Time Users to retrieve their ID and password on the login screen). Click on the Enroll link to register for classes by CRN or Search for classes.

6. Can I take DE classes if I don't live in Houston?

Yes, but be sure to check your course syllabus for the exam schedule. Many DE courses require the final exam to be taken on an HCC campus, so students living or working outside of Houston may need to make special arrangements to have their exam proctored. Please click on the link for Students Outside the HCC Service Area.

7. How do I drop/withdraw from a class?

Students can drop themselves online through their HCC Student Center > select Enroll > select Drop > follow the directions to complete the drop. 

Please review the HCC Academic Calendar or the Ready When You Are (RWUR) semester calendar for refunds and withdrawal deadlines.

If a student has not dropped by the withdrawal deadline, he/she will receive the grade earned. Zeros averaged in for required coursework not submitted will lower a semester average significantly, most likely resulting in a failing grade of an "F". It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the class. Additionally, professors reserve the right to withdraw students without their request due to excessive absences. 

8. What classes should I take?

The first step is to choose a career cluster and a degree. All students at HCC must be on a degree path. Click on Choose a Career Cluster and follow the steps. After your HCC records have been updated, you can then review your Student Advisement Report for degree planning and to help you with course selection. 

1. Log in to your HCC Student Center
2. Click "My Academics"
3. Click "View my advisement report"
4. Make sure Houston Community College is listed for Academic Institution and Advisement Report is selected for Report Type > click Go

9. How many DE courses should I take each semester?

In addition to HCC's Recommended Course Load keep in mind DE classes often require extra time, self-discipline, and motivation. Don't confuse online flexibility with time commitment. 

• Full-Time in Fall or Spring = 12 or more semester credit hours
• Part-Time in Fall or Spring = less than 12 hours
• Half-Time in Fall or Spring = 6 hours
• Full-Time in Summer = 9 or more hours in both Summer terms or the 10-week session
• Part-Time in Summer = less than 9 hours or only 1 session

Generally, a student in academic courses needs two hours of preparation outside of class for each hour of classroom instruction. Consequently, a student who is employed while attending college should consider the total demands on time from work, class, and activities when deciding on a course load. Students who overload themselves may have scholastic difficulties. 

Course Load Guidelines

10. How can I get more information about a specific class, instructor, or orientation?

Visit the HCC Learning Web for specific information about your instructor, course syllabi, course descriptions, course materials, and other learning resources.

Another way is through DE mandatory online orientations. Please note that orientation contains general information that may be subject to change by that instructor. To access orientation:

1. Visit de.hccs.edu
2. Click on the Orientation link found under COURSE RESOURCES
3. Click on the link under CURRENT/PAST SEMESTER
4. Choose your department from the drop down menu
5. Choose delivery method (Internet for DE courses) and Submit
6. Scroll to find the course you are interested in (i.e. ENGL 1301) and click the blue link to access the orientation.

Pay special attention to the Professor's Greeting and Syllabus modules, but you will also want to thoroughly review the DE Student Handbook and Technical Requirements modules. When you decide on a class and are registered for it, please remember to repeat the process and complete the orientation for the class in which you actually enrolled.