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• 301.846.2400 17
2018/2019 fcc catalog
Non-Standard/Accelerated Format
Classes
Some classes are offered in an accelerated format,
from two to eight weeks in length. These classes will
meet for up to four hours at a time. Many accelerated
format classes also require outside-of-class online
assignments or group meetings.
Course Blackboard Requirements
All course sections require access to Blackboard
at Students are
expected to be able to access Blackboard via the
internet using personal, public, or available college
computers. Online course work will be required for
some web-enhanced classes. Consult the instructor
regarding expectations for participation in the course
website. Course websites may host learning resources
including required reading and assessments.
Blackboard access is also required to complete course
evaluations. Google Chrome is the preferred browser.
Distance Learning Opportunities
Students who find it difficult to attend courses on
campus may consider distance-learning options
offered by the college. These include FCC on the Web
and Maryland Online.
FCC hybrid and online options–Frederick
Community College offers two types of courses
over the Internet: online courses and hybrid courses.
Hybrid courses require the student to attend class
sessions on campus, online courses do not.
Online coursesare taught entirely over the
Internet. The student typically accesses a course
website to participate in discussions and to find
assignments and other materials for the course. A
textbook may be required. Communication with
the instructor is mostly by e-mail and/or telephone.
Varying from course to course, tests and exams
are online. All online courses require at least one
proctored assessment at the FCC Testing Center or
another appropriate testing facility.
Hybrid courses are Internet courses with a
number of mandatory class sessions on campus.
The student typically accesses a course website
to find assignments and other materials for
the course. The student goes to regular class
sessions on campus to participate in discussions
or labs, for example. A textbook may be required.
Communication with the instructor includes
e-mail. Varying from course to course, tests
and exams are both online and on campus.
Both online and hybrid courses are taught on
Blackboard™ and require the student to have off-
campus Internet access with an Internet browser
such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Some
classes also require CD-ROM capability. Students
must have an e-mail address.
Maryland Online–Maryland Online is a statewide
consortium dedicated to championing distance
learning in Maryland. Through collaboration among
Maryland community colleges, colleges, and
universities, Maryland Online gives students access
to statewide articulated courses, certificates, and
degree programs offered via distance education.
Maryland Online enhances the quality and availability
of higher education for the citizens and employers of
Maryland and for students worldwide. Go to www.
for more information.
International Education
The College provides opportunities for faculty, staff,
and students to enhance their cultural competence
and building their global awareness by providing
on and off campus learning experiences, including
credit and non-credit international travel experiences.
FCC is a part of the state-wide Maryland Community
College International Education Consortium (MCCIEC)
which offers short-term credit and Continuing
Education trips. Check out the
website to learn more details about these short-
term options. For information on all international
education choices, consult the college website.
Prior Learning Assessment
College-Level Examination Program/
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests
CLEP and/or DSST are national credit-by-examination
programs providing individuals the opportunity to
receive credit for college-level achievement acquired
in a wide variety of ways. General and subject
examinations are available in many different areas.
FCC administers CLEP and DSST examinations to
current and prospective students by appointment.
Additional information can be obtained by contacting
the Testing Center, 301.846.2522; the Counseling
& Advising Office, 301.846.2471; or the transfer
evaluator, 301.846.2595, at FCC.
FCC also offers CLEP/DSST exams that are not
accepted by FCC but may be elsewhere. See chart
on page 18.
Test Score Credits Course
Equivalency
Art of the
Western World
48 3 AR 105
Introduction to
World Religions
48 3 PH 204
Business Ethics
and Society
417 3 PH 208
Fundamentals of
College Algebra
400 3 MA 103
Financial
Accounting
47 6 ACCT 100
& 101
Advanced Placement Examinations
These subject matter exams sponsored by
the Educational Testing Service are generally
administered through high schools at the
culmination of AP course offerings. The program
provides a practical way for high school students
to receive advanced standing credit in college for
college-level courses completed in high schools.
Applicants for admission who have taken AP
examinations should have an official copy of their
scores sent to the FCC Welcome Center in Jefferson
Hall.See chart on page 18.
Portfolio Development
The portfolio development process allows students
an opportunity to demonstrate college-level
knowledge acquired from work, independent
reading, training programs, volunteer activities,
and other life experiences. Compiled in notebook
format, the portfolio reflects student-generated
evidence of learning that satisfies a specific FCC
course. Following development, the portfolio is
submitted to the college for credit review by the
faculty. Students pay an assessment fee for the
portfolio to be reviewed. No more than 15 credits
may be earned through portfolio assessment.
For additional information, call 301.846.2587.
Institutional Departmental Exams
If no CLEP exam is available for the subject in which
a student is knowledgeable or skilled, students may
contact the Registrar at FCC to discuss the possibility
for credit for the course by examination. A credit by
examination may be taken only once. If the student
passes a credit by examination with a grade of“C”
or better, he/she will earn the stipulated number
of credits for the course. A student’s transcript will
show credit for the specific courses that were taken
on a credit-by-examination basis. No grade will be
recorded, but credits may be counted toward degree
requirements. Students pay an assessment fee for
the exam to be scored prior to taking the exam.
If a student is enrolled in a class for which he/she
subsequently requests a departmental examination,
no refund for the course is available. No more than
15 credits may be earned through departmental
examinations. Forms are available in the departments.
Independent Study
The independent study program permits students to
follow individual interests beyond the limits of a more
formalized course. It also encourages self-discipline
and scholarly development. Independent study
honors classes are listed in the schedule of classes
each semester.
Students interested in non-honors independent
study classes can apply by obtaining an independent
study application from the vice president for learning
or appropriate department chair and contacting
a faculty member who is willing to supervise the
independent study. Completed independent study
forms must be submitted to the Welcome Center.
Details are available from the vice president for
learning at 301.846.2490. Students must follow the
add/drop dates in the schedule of classes.