What’s the Difference Between Online and On-Campus Courses at UMMC?

While many students are familiar with the traditional campus-based college experience, an increasing number appreciate the unique benefits of online learning. Here we’ll discuss the difference between online and on-campus courses, starting with their similarities and then exploring the differentiating benefits of the University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program.  

A Quality Experience Online or On Campus  

Several core components remain true regardless of where you take UMMC courses: 

• The courses and their content are identical. 

• The same renowned doctoral-level professors teach both formats. 

Differences That Work to Your Advantage  

Flexible Scheduling 

While on-campus courses follow set schedules, online courses are mostly asynchronous, which means no set schedule. This asynchronous format allows you to watch course lectures at your convenience, though corresponding weekly assignments, quizzes and exams do have set deadlines.  

Anywhere Access 

You can access your online classroom from anywhere. Participate from home, a local café, on the road or elsewhere. As long as you meet our Program’s computer and internet requirements, you can log into Canvas — our web-based learning management system — and complete assignments from just about anywhere in the world.  

We welcome international students to apply to UMMC, whether you plan to come to our Jackson, Mississippi campus or want to earn your Certificate right from your home country. 

Lecture and Testing Structure 

In online courses, you access video lectures by logging into your Canvas account rather than attending in-person sessions. While you’re always welcome to ask questions, the video format enables you to pause, rewind and replay the lectures as needed. You can view these lectures at your leisure, so long as you complete any related assignments within the established timeframe. Quizzes are also completed in Canvas. 

Communication and Collaboration 

Post questions and messages to faculty and classmates through online discussion boards at any time. You’ll also be invited to participate in live online chats throughout the semester. In addition, you’ll collaborate online with classmates to complete group projects.  

Though we offer our Molecular Medicine Graduate Certificate Program exclusively online, the Certificate itself will not indicate that it was completed online.  

Your Online Journey With UMMC 

Our top-tier online Graduate Certificate Program offers these exceptional advantages: 

• Strengthens your health-profession school application (completion of at least 14 credits highly recommended) 
• Features small class sizes 
• Maintains continuous communication with students 
• Prepares you for diverse professional and academic opportunities, including: 
  • Biotechnology roles 
  • Laboratory research positions at various levels 
  • Teaching opportunities in higher education 
  • Advancement in your current science-based career 
  • Admission to advanced degree programs 
  • Entry into health-profession schools 
  • See more career options here. 
• Offers affordable tuition with a low per-credit-hour rate 
• Allows you to customize your studies, completing your Certificate with 11 to 22 credits. 
• Enables you to earn a respected professional credential in as little as two semesters. 

Browse all available online Graduate Certificate courses here. 

UMMC’s online experience can ease your path to the next phase of your education or career. Apply today!