If you have been exploring our site, you know the great news regarding our affordability, accreditation, advantages, and student successes. We're sure you understand that a Charter Oak education is an excellent investment!
Charter Oak is a distance learning college that specializes in helping the adult learner complete their degree. As such, there are certain key attributes that our
students must possess.
Review our Checklist
College Credits - A minimum of 9 college credits is required for admission - however, most students
have significantly more earned credits. A student right out of high school would not benefit from Charter
Oak's unique environment.
Technology - Access to a computer with an Internet connection and a phone enabling regular correspondence
with your Academic Counselor, faculty, and classmates are essential tools for success.
Computer Skills - You should be comfortable using a computer to send e-mails, navigate the Internet,
download information, and use word processing software. If you feel your computer
skills are weak, we recommend you complete our 1-credit Computer Literacy course (IT
100). Find it with our Course Search.
Writing Skills - You will need to write clearly. Online courses rely on the written word for participating in threaded discussions
and for preparing required papers. Other aspects of degree completion also require
strong writing skills including portfolio preparation (if you choose to pursue this
method of assessment), the Concentration Plan of Study (CPS) and Academic Autobiography.
Self-motivation - Although Charter Oak faculty and staff provide excellent support; they cannot do
the work for you. You must take ownership of your own education by asking questions
when you do not understand or need more information, and by maintaining regular communication
with your Academic Counselor. For online courses, you must be able to complete course
requirements without the physical presence of an instructor and classmates.
A Goal - Having a clear idea of what you want to ultimately do with your degree will help
you work with your Academic Counselor to effectively map out your educational plans.
Just wanting to complete a degree is not enough, but having a clear vision of your
educational goal - such as attaining a management position or going on to graduate
school - will make your pursuit much more attainable.
An Open Mind - Distance education, or the external degree model, is not traditional classroom
education, and the student who pursues this type of education must understand and
embrace that difference. Students who can think critically, enjoy collaboration, and
simply love to learn excel at distance learning.
Still not sure if you fit the mold of the Charter Oak Student? Visit our Student Successes page to learn more about our Graduates.
