Online Programs FAQ for Prospective Students

How do I register for an online course?

For information on registering for an online course, check the Admissions page.

Are there prerequisites for online courses?

Some courses have prerequisite requirements. You will need to check the course description. For any course related questions, contact the advising center or the registrar’s office. New students need to contact the assessment center, since basic skills tests are REQUIRED for purposes of appropriate course placement in credit courses.

What skills do I need to succeed in an online course?

There are two categories of skills that you should possess: technical skills and study skills.

For technical skills, you should be comfortable with:

• Creating, saving, and editing documents in a word processor
• Sending and receiving emails, including attachments
• Navigating the web and using search tools
• Uploading and downloading files
• Managing files and folders on a Windows or Mac computer

For study skills, you should be able to:

• Manage your time effectively and stay organized
• Work independently and stay motivated
• Communicate clearly with instructors and classmates
• Read instructions carefully and follow through on tasks
• Stay focused and avoid distractions
• Be patient and persistent when solving problems

Patience and a sense of humor are also helpful when learning online.

How much do online courses cost?

Regular tuition and fees apply. In addition, you will need to pay for an Internet Service Provider to access the Internet. For up-to-date tuition costs, contact the Register’s office at 978-556-3700, TTY 978-556-3708.

Does financial aid pay for online courses?

Yes, financial aid will cover credit online courses. You will need to contact the financial aid office at 978-556-3650 to see if you qualify for aid.

How much time do I need to invest in an online course?

Students taking online courses should expect to spend 12-15 hours per week studying for each course. Online courses do not take fewer hours but you have the option to pick the hours that are best for you to do your work. You should plan to do course work 5 days of the week.

What is expected of me?

Students are expected to complete the course assignments, projects, exams and postings by the dates assigned by the instructor. Each course has a unique set of guidelines and expectations. Check the course’s syllabus for specific information.

What types of online credit courses are offered?

NECC offers online courses in the following formats:

• Online: Completely 100% online with no classroom meetings
• Hybrid: Online course with some limited classroom meetings
• Web-companion: courses meet on campus and have online coursework 
• Competency-based Education (CBE): online mastery-based learning with flexible start and end dates. 

What are online courses like?

Online courses cover the same content and have the same learning goals as traditional face-to-face courses. The difference is in the experience.

In an online course, everything is delivered through the Learning Management System (LMS), where you’ll find materials, assignments, discussions, and messages. You will regularly interact with your instructor and classmates, but instead of meeting in person, those connections happen online. Assignments are submitted in the LMS, and quizzes and tests are taken there as well. During Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, NECC will be transitioning from the current LMS, Blackboard, to Brightspace.

Determination, motivation, and commitment are key elements to succeed in any course, but this is especially true for online learning.

Online courses cover the same content and expectations as face-to-face classes, but the experience is different. Success online often requires stronger time management, self-discipline, and clear communication, since you won’t be meeting in person. Being proactive, staying organized, and using the support resources available to you will help you thrive. Reach out at any point in the semester to get online help

Where do I buy the textbooks and materials for the course

You can purchase textbooks and supplies at the NECC Bookstore. There are also numerous online bookstores such as Barnes and Noble.