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Fully Online Degrees/Certificates

Earn an Associate's Degree or Certificate Completely Online
Smiling female student sitting at a laptop

Can’t make it to a campus to attend classes? No problem. Complete an associate's degree or certificate on your schedule, from anywhere with an internet connection, by taking all your classes online. 

The online degree and certificate programs below have the same curriculum and requirements as the traditional on-campus degree programs. All courses are taught by the College’s expert faculty who have been trained and certified in online quality assurance.

As an online learner, you have complete access to all the College’s e-resources to support your studies. You can also come to any of our campuses to use the physical academic support centers, libraries, advising services, and more. 

Below, * indicates a degree or certificate is also available as a Z-degree or certificate. Z-degrees are recommended pathways that allow you to complete all the requirements for a degree or certificate by taking Z-courses, for which all textbook materials are available at no cost for the section.

Fully Online Associate's Degrees

According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, behavioral health is the study of “mental health and substance abuse, life stressors and crises, stress related physical symptoms and health behaviors.” It is a dynamic and growing field that focuses on promoting positive health behaviors while reducing or eliminating health risk behaviors.

The goal of this program is to foster resilience in an environment that supports students from diverse backgrounds and life experience. The program is designed to transfer to University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s baccalaureate social work program at the Universities at Shady Grove campus. The program also serves to train students for entry level positions as aides or technicians in various mental health disciplines.

The Behavioral Health AA is a designated statewide program. The Maryland Higher Education Commission designates some community college programs as statewide programs. A student may enroll in any of these programs at the same rates as in-county residents if the program is not offered by their local community college or if the student cannot enroll due to an enrollment limit. 

Business AA*new window

At Montgomery College, you’ll gain hands-on, practical skills in business from seasoned industry professionals. MC will help you launch your career, and will also prepare you for advanced degree programs at prestigious institutions across the US.  Pursue an associate’s degree to launch your exciting career in business, or transfer to a four-year college.

This curriculum is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college and major in general business, or a more specialized field of business such as  finance, accounting, international business, marketing, or management. It also provides a solid foundation for students planning to major in economics or pre-law. Completion of all requirements for this curriculum will lead to the award of the AA degree in business. Note: Many credits earned in the management certificate requirements may not be applied toward an AA in business. Students should seek advice from a counselor.

Business students may be eligible for the Macklin Business Institute scholars program, a competitive honors program which includes seminars, special honors courses, mentoring, the possibility of an internship, and a scholarship. Students potentially interested in this program should wait to take ACCT 221, ACCT 222, ECON 201, and ECON 202 for the sophomore year.

This degree program will provide you with a broad technical understanding of computer technology, networking, and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism required of all entry-level IT professionals.

You'll develop your skills in software and hardware installation, network configuration and diagnostics, security and forensics fundamentals, and virtualization and cloud computing implementation, with more of a “hands-on” orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

The communication studies associate's degree will provide you with a strong liberal arts foundation that facilitates a seamless transfer to communication programs at four-year institutions.

The degree provides analytical and critical thinking skills that render recipients to be effective members of their communities, both professionally and personally.

A strength of the communication degree is that it allows students to target their studies toward areas of interest within the field.

Areas such as public relations, rhetoric, political communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, mass media, and others are popular at four-year colleges and universities. 

Prepare for or advance your computer science career with a degree or certificate from Montgomery College. Our degree programs are designed so you can enter the workforce immediately upon earning your associate's degree. Or you can transfer and complete a bachelor's degree.

Our computer science curriculum constantly evolves to meet the needs of the field. Courses focus on programming, gaming and simulation, and networking. You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities with significant virtual computing and networking capabilities. Our Cyber Lab is used for academic competitions and research activities. It can host virtual servers, virtual desktops, isolated networks, and wireless and forensic technologies.


If you want to transfer to a four-year degree program in computer science or acquire skills in computer software development for scientific and technical applications, this computer science degree track may be for you.

The courses in the program provide an academic core of the theoretical concepts of computer science combined with the fundamentals of structured design and development techniques for computer programming.

Work toward a bachelor's degree in information systems or information management by completing your first two years of coursework at Montgomery College.

This associate's degree program is designed for students who want to transfer to a four-year program. The curriculum is designed to present a broad coverage of concepts applying to the theory and management of information, analytical techniques in the development of computer-based information systems, and practical experience with business programming.

The criminal justice program offers a challenging academic environment supported by highly committed faculty with practical experience in the field. The program includes a broad range of course options in policing, the courts, corrections, criminological theory, and criminal law.

The curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in the criminal justice system and for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. A strong academic core forms the basis of a liberal arts education and, combined with specialized career courses, offers the graduate the alternatives of entering the field or continuing in an institution of higher learning. The curriculum is offered for those employed in the criminal justice field, as well as high school graduates pursuing careers in local, state, federal or private agencies in the field. Depending on career goals and interests, students are encouraged to seek assistance from criminal justice faculty in making course selections.


The AAS in criminal justice is designed to prepare students for careers within the criminal justice system. The program offers a combination of liberal arts and specialized career courses to help students upon entry into the criminal justice field. The curriculum is offered for those already employed in the criminal justice profession as well as for high school students interested in pursuing careers with local, state, or private agencies within the field.

Students are encouraged to seek assistance from criminal justice faculty in making course selections to suit their career goals and interests. Those students interested in transferring to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university should consult advisers regarding our AA degree in general studies.

The criminal justice area of concentration, arts and sciences associate of arts is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and/or criminology. The pathway exposes students to important criminal justice coursework while incorporating key General Education courses needed for transfer. The program is structured to prepare students who ultimately plan to serve the community in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, probation and parole, court services, or law.

Prepare for a career in cybersecurity with a degree from Montgomery College.

The program emphasizes computer security and information assurance concepts, augmented with current industry standard techniques. Topics cover threats and vulnerabilities, prevention at the technical (hardware and software) and human levels, detection, response, and management aspects of security.

The program prepares entry-level computer technicians with cybersecurity expertise and offers transfer options to four-year institutions. It is also designed to address the homeland security industry's need for trained cybersecurity workers.

You can also prepare for a variety of industry certifications, including: 

  • Computing Technology Industry Association’s (CompTIA) A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications
    Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification
    Security Certified Network Professional certification

As a member of CyberWatch, the Montgomery College curriculum follows National Security Telecommunications and Systems Security Instruction (NSTISSI) 4011 and 4013 standards. Also, the courseware is certified as mapping 100% to the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) National Standard 4011.

Data Science ASnew window

The Associate of Science in Data Science degree provides an excellent opportunity for students wanting to increase their data literacy and data acumen, improve their marketability, and/or prepare for a career in a data science field. It is also suitable for those who wish to advance their professional careers by supplementing their work experience or an existing college or graduate degree with data science knowledge.

Students will use mathematics, statistics, and data science skills to tackle unstructured data, solve multifaceted problems, consider ethical implications, and make data-driven recommendations. Through hands-on experiences using a variety of the most ubiquitous data tools and technology, students will learn to build the skills necessary to explore, analyze, visualize, and communicate about large data sets. Additionally, students will explore ethical implications of the use of data in the data lifecycle.

From front-end development to server-side programming and databases, this program provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly growing field of website and web application development.

Students in this program will gain hands-on experience in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, as well as database and web application development using PHP, MySQL, SQL, and WordPress with industry standard equipment and software.

This degree prepares students for transfer to a four-year institution as well as a variety of entry and mid-level positions such as user-interface developers, web developers, digital media specialists, web designers, and multimedia specialists. 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to work with children from infancy through age eight in a variety of early childhood settings. The curriculum has a core of 34 credit hours directly related to early childhood education. The curriculum is designed so that it can be completed within four semesters, but it can be extended over a longer time. A suggested course sequence for full-time students follows; part-time students should consult an adviser.

The Early Childhood Education Technology AAS degree at Montgomery College is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

The emergency preparedness management program is designed to provide students with a broad education in emergency management. The program focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to preparedness and the skills needed to organize and lead emergency management operations, and prepares students to perform in a disaster by providing the necessary skills for mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery.

The curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation of technical and professional knowledge needed for emergency services delivery in the fields of public service-including law enforcement, fire service, and emergency medical services, along with students wishing to study in this field for careers in emergency management.

This curriculum is designed to provide individuals with the principles, theory, and practices associated with state-of-the-art fire science and management, including issues related to tactical fire operations, fire safety, firefighting and emergency services leadership and management, and community fire issues.

Students expand their thinking beyond fire-specific issues in areas related to firefighting through coursework in human resource management, administration, homeland security and emergency/disaster management, fire protection services, safety and prevention, and investigation.

This curriculum is designed to meet the needs of professional and volunteer fire service personnel and those seeking employment in the fire and emergency services.

The Fire and Emergency Services Management AAS Degree is a designated statewide program. The Maryland Higher Education Commission designates some community college programs as statewide programs. A student may enroll in any of these programs at the same rates as in-county residents if the program is not offered by their local community college or if the student cannot enroll due to an enrollment limit.

Our General Studies Program provides an opportunity for you to focus your studies in one of three discipline cores, a combination of those areas, or a chance to start your journey while exploring your options.

There is also a fully online degree option and a z-degree option (no textbook purchases required). 

Students enrolled in General Studies at Montgomery College will need to complete at least 15 credits from courses offered within a chosen core discipline, including a minimum of 3 credits at the 200 level.

  • AA in Humanities, Arts, Communications and Languages (HACL)
  • AA in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  • AA in Social Sciences, Administration and Health Core (SSAH)
  • AA in Integrated Studies Core (INTG)

Our graphic design associate’s degree program emphasizes creative application of design principles and problem solving in graphic design and communication, using both traditional and industry standard digital tools. You will learn the art of creating logos, brochure and publication design, page layout, and typography for both print and interactive applications.

The associate of applied science program provides students with an opportunity to sit for the RHIT and/or CCS or CCA national accreditation exams. Students take lecture and lab courses as well as clinical courses in affiliated hospital and other health care health information departments in the metropolitan area. Students are able to seek employment during the day, since courses are offered in the evening and online.

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as health information management technicians in health record services located in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, physician offices, insurance offices, government agencies, and other facilities utilizing health records. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will receive the AAS and will be eligible to apply to take the accreditation examination given by the American Health Information Management Association.

The international studies degree concentration is designed for students who envision a career in the international arena and plan to transfer into the upper division of another college or university with the intention of continuing their studies in such areas as international relations or area studies, and subsequently working in this field, be it in government, international organizations, trade, finances, business, or related areas.

This program provides students with a well-rounded introduction to the international aspects of many different disciplines. The curriculum includes the general education foundation and distribution requirements, as well as concentration coursework in foreign language, international politics, the humanities, and social sciences.

Mathematics ASnew window

The mathematics track is a transfer program that provides the first two years of a bachelor's degree in mathematics.

Fully Online Certificates

If you have a computing background and want to develop your cybersecurity skills, this certificate may be for you.  

Intended for those already employed in computing, this certificate will prepare you to install, operate, and troubleshoot medium-sized router and switched networks including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. It includes basic introduction to wireless networking concepts and hands-on performance-based skills.

You'll learn basic and intermediate cybersecurity skills, such as how to develop a security infrastructure, recognize vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. This cybersecurity curriculum emphasizes core security technologies and the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices. It provides the foundation for students to sit for the following industry-recognized certifications: Network+, Security+, CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), and the Cisco CCNA Security certification.

With this certificate program, you'll learn the fundamentals required for cloud computing and system administrator positions. You'll also develop the skills to install, configure, manage, maintain, and troubleshoot a virtual network infrastructure/cloud platform using popular tools. 

Prepare for or advance your computer science career with a degree or certificate from Montgomery College. Our degree programs are designed so you can enter the workforce immediately upon earning your associate's degree. Or you can transfer and complete a bachelor's degree.

Our computer science curriculum constantly evolves to meet the needs of the field. Courses focus on programming, gaming and simulation, and networking. You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities with significant virtual computing and networking capabilities. Our Cyber Lab is used for academic competitions and research activities. It can host virtual servers, virtual desktops, isolated networks, and wireless and forensic technologies.


Learn the latest software development and computer programming skills. The curriculum provides flexibility in the your choice of programming languages. Students should consult an adviser before beginning the curriculum.

Prepare for or advance your computer programming career by learning how to develop object-oriented Java applications for server and client systems. Courses taken toward this certificate can also be applied toward a general studies, computer science, or information systems degree. 

Intended for those already employed in computing or who have a computing background, the certificate emphasizes computer security and information assurance concepts augmented with current industry standard techniques. This career curriculum prepares students for entry-level careers in cybersecurity.

Topics cover threats and vulnerabilities, prevention at the technical (hardware and software) and human levels, detection, response, and management aspects of security.

This program of study is built upon the National Security Telecommunications and Systems Security Instruction (NSTISSI) 4011 and 4013. Each course in this certificate prepares the students in part to sit for the respective professional certifications.

The data science certificate is an excellent first stop for students wanting to increase their data literacy, improve their marketability, and/or prepare for a career in a data science field. It is also suitable for those who wish to advance their professional careers by supplementing their work experience or an existing college or graduate degree with data science knowledge.

The certificate in emergency preparedness management provides students with the technical and professional knowledge to prepare for a career in emergency management. Courses provide introductory through advanced training in the skills necessary to succeed as a professional in this field.

This curriculum is designed to provide individuals with the principles, theory, and practices associated with state-of-the-art fire science and management, including issues related to tactical fire operations, fire safety, firefighting and emergency services leadership and management, and community fire issues.

Students expand their thinking beyond fire-specific issues in areas related to firefighting through coursework in human resource management, administration, homeland security and emergency/disaster management, fire protection services, safety and prevention, and investigation.

This curriculum is designed to meet the needs of professional and volunteer fire service personnel and those seeking employment in the fire and emergency services.

This certificate offers students an overview of the nation’s homeland security environment through an all-hazards approach. The curriculum consists of 18 credit hours with coursework in emergency management, intelligence and counterintelligence functions, terrorism, critical infrastructure protection, and other relevant topics.

MC's hospitality supervision and leadership certificate will prepare you for a management role in the lodging or food service industry. You can customize the program by choosing courses in lodging or food service specialties. This certificate will prepare you for a new career, or will update and upgrade your skills if you are already in the field. Courses include supervision and leadership in the hospitality industry, management of front office industries, lodging and food service law, legal issues in labor management, and more. You can also continue your training at MC and pursue an associate's degree in the hospitality management program.

Through this certificate program, you'll develop a technical understanding of computer technology, networking and security, as well as the communication skills and professionalism required of all entry-level IT professionals. You can also prepare to earn valuable industry certifications, like the professional CompTIA A+, Linux+, Network+, and Security+ certificates.

Skills include software and hardware installation, network configuration and diagnosing, and preventive maintenance and security fundamentals. This certificate program is more of a “hands-on” orientation focused on scenarios in which troubleshooting and tools must be applied to resolve problems.

Medical Codingnew window

The medical coding certificate curriculum is designed to prepare students to function as medical coders, abstractors, and billers in health record services located in hospitals, nursing homes, ambulatory care facilities, insurance companies, and governmental agencies. The coder/abstractor/biller is trained in the following functions normally performed by a health record service: analyzing and technically evaluating health records and reports; compiling, interpreting, and utilizing hospital and health care statistics; coding symptoms, diseases, and operations according to recognized classification systems; and abstracting and retrieving medical information. Students will be introduced to specialty coding and electronic billing requirements in an outpatient setting. All students must complete HINM-designated courses within the three years prior to graduation. HINM-designated courses not meeting this time requirement must be retaken, or the student must test out in current course content.

This Professional and Technical Writing Certificate curriculum prepares students to meet the growing demands for workplace writing. The Professional and Technical Writing Certificate Program is designed for students from a variety of degree programs who want to move into professional writing careers, to enhance their employability, or to upgrade their skills.

The curriculum prepares students to design, write, and produce documents and presentations in a work environment. Students will advance their writing and editing skills as well as learn visual-design software. Students can tailor the certificate to focus on their specific area of interest, choosing from public relations, production of written documents, and graphic design.

The Professional and Technical Writing Certificate is a designated statewide program. The Maryland Higher Education Commission designates some community college programs as statewide programs. A student may enroll in any of these programs at the same rates as in-county residents if the program is not offered by their local community college or if the student cannot enroll due to an enrollment limit. 

Web Developmentnew window

From front-end development to server-side programming and databases, this certificate provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the rapidly growing field of website and web application development. Students in this program will gain hands-on experience in HTML, CSS and JavaScript, as well as database and web application development, using industry standard equipment and software. This certificate prepares students for a variety of entry and mid-level positions as user-interface developers, web developers, digital media specialists, web designers and multimedia specialists.

MC’s faculty experts will set you on a path for success in the web development industry.

The Women’s and Gender Studies certificate provides a solid foundation of coursework in the discipline. It provides students with the opportunity to specialize in women’s and gender studies in preparation for further work at a four-year institution or for professional, personal and academic opportunities. 

Students in the program must complete a minimum of 12 credits in women’s and gender studies-designated courses: WMST 101 - Introduction to Women’s Studies (3 credits) or GNDS 101 - Introduction to Gender Studies (3 credits), and 9 additional credits, including a social sciences course, a humanities course, and a general elective, including WMST 101new window or GNDS 101new window if not taken as a required course. A 200-level course is recommended.