How Our Programs Work
When Do Classes Start?
ACHS blends the support and learning advantage of a traditional semester schedule with the flexibility of online distance education.
Undergraduate cohorts start three times per year: fall (September), spring (January), and summer (May). ACHS provides a recommended sequence of courses based on full-time, half-time, or quarter-time studies. See each program for the recommended sequence. Classes are limited in class size and do fill quickly. Register early to ensure your place in class. Please note that not all ACHS courses are offered for every start date on the academic calendar.
Course Materials
In addition to the rich interactive content in your online classroom, which includes lectures, online ACHS e-textbooks, access to relevant articles and research papers, instructor message updates, archived College news, and links to relevant websites and events, you also receive a comprehensive array of educational materials. Depending on the course, you may receive textbooks, manuals, DVDs, videos, and study kits of botanicals and essential oils. We ensure our wide-ranging array of educational materials meet the highest standards. We use only the most reputable education publishers and organic suppliers of raw materials. Our courses are reviewed by industry leaders and subject specialists and are endorsed by the leading associations in each field of study. Plus, ACHS offers our “Green Option”, with e-textbooks available for many courses, reducing materials costs for students.
Studying Online with ACHS
The ACHS online classrooms feature a range of tools and functions designed to provide students with an interactive and dynamic learning experience, as well as tools for success. Our online classroom features include:
- Course due dates and online scheduling calendar
- Asynchronous discussion forums for sharing ideas and research
- Interactive synchronous chat tools
- Comprehensive online Webliography relevant to the student’s area of study
- Comprehensive Virtual Library including access to subscription libraries for additional research
Interactive Communication
Our students experience rich and rewarding communication. This includes real-time learning with optional synchronous chats with your instructor, archived chats and lectures, one-on-one tutoring and instructor help when needed. Online collaboration groups, discussion boards, peer-to-peer, and instructor interaction further stimulate the learning process. You can access your graded module exams and final exam, complete with instructor comments, through the integrated online gradebook and see your own progress and success as you complete your course.
ACHS also offers optional synchronous teleconferences for current students and graduates, with a variety of faculty and guest speakers throughout the year.
Flexible Yet Structured
Cohort class schedules are a wonderful opportunity to learn with a group of like-minded peers. They are also flexible and designed to meet your needs, allowing you to largely set your own study hours within the course due dates. You study, learn, assimilate, and apply the knowledge within a supportive, semi-structured framework, designed to afford ACHS students a distinct learning advantage over other programs.
System Requirements
ACHS courses rely on the Internet, as well as textbooks, printed materials, and lab supplies. All students must complete the ACHS New Student Orientation and Tutorial to familiarize themselves with the tools and functions of the online classroom they will use to complete their studies with ACHS.
