Online Learning Resources

Learn what you want, where you want. Normandale offers hundreds of credit and non-credit courses online. Pursue a certificate or earn a degree with our flexible and accredited online learning options.

You don't need to be on campus to get an excellent education. Study from your home or office and work around your schedule to complete a degree. All that's required is a reliable internet connection.

You’ll enjoy the same curricula, faculty, and financial aid as those attending face-to-face classes. Plus, academic and tech support are available.  

How are Courses Offered?

Alongside in-person classes, we offer online courses in the following formats:

• Online – Synchronous (there are required specific days and times when the class meets)
• Online - Asynchronous (there are no required specific days and times when the class meets)
• Hybrid (some instruction in person, some online)

When you search for courses, there is an option to choose your delivery method. See an explanation of all our course formats [PDF] for more details about the various learning options.

D2L

Online courses are delivered via D2L Brightspace, our course management system. D2L includes tools to allow students to:

• Access course materials
• Upload assignments
• Join discussions
• Watch recorded lectures
• Take tests and quizzes
• See their grades

Current Students can access online degree courses through D2L Brightspace. Check out these web resources for more information:

• Start learning online
• D2L Brightspace Online Learning overview
• D2L demo course
• D2L quick start guide and videos

If you need help with D2L, stop by the ITS Help Desk (room L1700, Library Building), submit a ticket, or call 952-358-8181 for help during service hours. Continuing Education also partners with other online service providers, such as Ed2go and UGotClass.

In 2020, most class instruction moved online due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But before the pandemic, online course delivery was on the rise. Many Normandale students have chosen to keep taking at least some classes online due to the incredible flexibility this method offers.