Distance Education

NWSCC is proud to offer a variety of educational opportunities through online education.

Our distance education courses offer students a virtual, flexible alternative to traditional on-campus classes.  They teach the very same objectives and outcomes as courses offered on campus; the difference is in the delivery. Instead of attending a class where an instructor provides a lecture and leads a classroom discussion, distance courses are delivered over the Internet and/or through video capture. Most courses require approximately 9-12 hours per week during the semester to complete the assigned work. These courses require as much commitment as any traditional on-campus class. They require dedicated, ongoing, and regular participation.

While the requirements and commitment are the same for online and distance courses versus on-campus courses, online and distance education offers definite advantages. Students may complete their coursework at any point during the day, instead of a set class time. Online classes fit within students’ work schedules or family commitments. Concerns such as lining up transportation to and from class or arranging for childcare while in class aren’t an issue with online classes; the classes may be attended from any place where you have a working computer with high-speed Internet access.  In addition to online courses, NWSCC also offers some hybrid courses and programs.  Hybrid courses give students the best of both worlds with a combination of online assignments and on-campus meetings for labs, skills assessments, etc.

NWSCC is continuously working on improving Distance Education programs and support.

Students can view the Distance Education Student Handbook. 

Online & Hybrid Programs

Academic Plan for AS/AA Degree (Fall Admit)
Academic Plan for AS/AA Degree (Spring Admit)

Criminal Justice Associate in Applied Science Degree Program (Online)

NWSCC now offers all course requirements for the A.A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice in an entirely online format.  The flexibility of the online format offers an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice as well as giving existing police officers a chance to earn a degree that may help them move into a higher-level position.  Some course credit may be given for work completed in the Police Academy.  For more information on this program, visit our Criminal Justice program website.

Microcomputer Applications Short-Term Certificate (Online)

This certificate program covers Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint as well as Microsoft Windows.  This program prepares students to pass the Microsoft Office Specialist certification exams.  For more information on this program, visit our Microcomputer Applications Certificate website.

Nursing Assistant (CNA) Course (Hybrid)

The NAS100 (CNA) course is offered in a hybrid format each semester for both credit and non-credit students and does not require a high school diploma or GED for admission.  After successful completion of this 80-hour course, the student will meet requirements to take both the written and skills examinations required by the Alabama Department of Public Health to be a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) in the state of Alabama  The lecture portion of this class is completed online, and the clinical, skills assessment, and testing portions are completed face-to-face.  For more information, visit our Certified Nursing Assistant website.

Salon and Spa Career Certificate / Associate in Applied Science Degree (Hybrid)

NWSCC offers both a Career Certificate and an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Salon and Spa Management, both offered in a hybrid format.  All academic and Salon and Spa theory courses are offered online, and lab courses are completed on-campus or in a hybrid format.  These programs prepare students to take the Alabama Board of Cosmetology and Barbering Exam for licensure as cosmetologists.  Form more information on these programs, visit our Salon and Spa Management Website.

Distance Education Center

The Distance Education Center was created to offer an open lab and support for online students.  All students, both online and on-campus, are welcome to use this space to study, use the lab computers, or use the charging station to recharge a phone, tablet, or laptop.  It is located in building 110 on the Shoals campus. Hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Students may also visit the Technology Resources Page for assistance with many of the technology tools used in online courses.

Virtual Reality Lab

The NWSCC Virtual Reality Lab provides students with hands-on access to immersive VR technology that enhances learning, creativity, and workforce readiness. Through interactive simulations and virtual environments, students can explore real-world scenarios, practice technical skills, and engage with course material in innovative ways. The lab supports a wide range of programs, helping bridge classroom instruction with cutting-edge technology used in today’s industries.

The VR Lab is available by scheduled appointments from instructors. Coordination with the Distance Education department is required for participation.

Live schedule coming soon, as well as a listing of VR simulation availability.

Getting Started

A variety of online and distance course options are available each semester at NWSCC. To view this semester’s class offerings, view the current course schedule.

To get started:

• View Steps for New Distance Students
• Complete the Distance Learning Guide in Canvas
• To access the guide:
  • Log into the myNWSCC Experience Dashboard and Click on the Canvas link
  • Username: A#@alabama.edu
  • Password: Password you selected when claiming your alabama.edu account.
    If you are not able to log in, you may reset your alabama.edu password using the instructions here.
• With the exception of possible test proctoring fees, tuition & fees for Distance Education courses are the same as for on-campus courses.  Please see current tuition and fee listing for updated cost information.
• Registration is the same as for on-campus courses.  All students may register online, but new students should talk with an advisor in our campus advising center before registering (advising@nwscc.edu or 256-331-5221).
• View current class schedule
• Review the Distance Education Student Handbook for policies and services related to Distance Education.
• Visit the Technology Resources site for information on Computer and Personal Skills needed to be successful as well as information on tools used in our courses.