Online Learning
Flexible, high-quality learning that fits your life.
Whether you’re earning your degree, upskilling for your career, or exploring something new, Glen Oaks makes it possible—on your time. With fully online, hybrid, and flexible learning options, you’ll get the quality education and personal support you need to succeed, wherever you are.
Explore Your Online Options
Academic Programs
Earn College Credit Toward a Degree or Certificate
Academic online courses:
- Count toward an associate degree or academic certificate
- Follow the official academic calendar
- Use the Canvas learning platform
- May qualify for financial aid
- Can transfer to many four-year universities
Best for:
- Students pursuing a degree
- Dual enrollment students
- Adults returning to college
- Students planning to transfer
Outcome: Associate degree or academic certificate
Explore Academic Online Programs
Career & Professional Training
Career-Focused Training and Workforce Certificates
Professional Development Online courses:
- Do not earn college credit
- Do not lead to an academic degree
- May result in a workforce certificate of completion
- Are often short-term and flexible
- Focus on job-ready skills and industry certifications
- May be self-paced or instructor-led
These programs are designed to help you:
- Upgrade skills in your current job
- Prepare for a new career field
- Earn an industry-recognized credential
- Complete continuing education
Examples may include:
- Business and technology certifications
- Healthcare career training
- Skilled trades preparation
- Industry licensing preparation
Outcome: Workforce certificate or industry credential (not an academic degree
Explore Career Training Online
Personal Enrichment Courses
Learn for Interest, Growth, or Exploration
Personal enrichment courses:
- Do not earn college credit
- Do not result in a degree or academic certificate
- Are designed for personal growth
- Allow you to explore hobbies or new interests
Topics may include:
- Writing
- Photography
- Wellness
- Finance
- Creative skills
- Technology basics
These courses are ideal if you want to:
- Try something new
- Build confidence in a subject
- Learn without academic pressure
Outcome: Knowledge, skills, and personal growth
Explore Personal Enrichment OnlineFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between academic and professional development online?
A: Academic online courses earn college credit toward a degree. Professional development
courses do not earn college credit and do not lead to an academic degree, but they
may provide workforce certificates.
Q: Can I use financial aid for professional development courses?
A: Generally, no. Financial aid applies to eligible academic programs. However, other
workforce training dollars may be available. Talk to the Workforce Development & Community
Education team.
Q: Do personal enrichment courses appear on my college transcript?
A: No. Personal enrichment courses are non-credit.
Q: Are professional development certificates the same as academic certificates?
A: No. Workforce certificates recognize skill completion but are not academic credentials.
Q: Can I start in professional development and later pursue a degree?
A: Yes. Many students explore workforce training before enrolling in an academic program.