FCC Academic Catalog 2016-2017

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• 301.846.2400 17
2016/2017 fcc catalog
Distributed 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 is usually required. Communication with
the instructor is mostly by e-mail and/or telephone.
Varying from course to course, tests and exams are
online but some are proctored in the Testing Center
on the home campus.
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 is usually 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/Study Abroad
The Office of International Education provides
opportunities for faculty, staff and students to
enhance their understanding of cultural competence
and to build global awareness. The Office of
International Education strives to offer a wide range
of learning experiences both on and off campus that
ultimately support internationalization.
One part of FCC’s International Education experience
is providing off-campus learning environments
through international trips and study abroad
opportunities offered by the credit and Continuing
Education areas of the college. 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.
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
are responsible for 50% of the tuition for any credits
awarded and entered on the student’s transcript. No
more than 30 credits total may be earned through
portfolio assessment. For additional information, call
301.846.2521.
Departmental Examination
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. All credits awarded through
departmental examinations are assessed 50% of the
college’s current tuition for credit courses. 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 total
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.