Fisher College is a private, non-profit institution of higher learning. It is dedicated to preparing students for academic and professional success. It offers quality education to enable individuals to achieve their goals and prepares them to overcome challenges. It is also committed to providing a small-school learning environment that includes dedicated, caring, and experienced faculty and staff to help students establish personal relationships with instructors as well as classmates.
OEDb currently ranks Fisher College’s online division number 12 for best online schools in the country. Fisher College Online offers various online programs at the certificate and associate and bachelor degree levels to meet the needs of students with busy schedules and other obligations. The programs are flexible and are offered in six eight-week terms throughout the year. The online programs implement the same learning outcomes as classroom-based courses and traditional grading scales are used. Instructors are highly qualified and bring their expertise to the online learning environment to assist students in fulfilling their educational and professional goals. Fisher College Online academic programs include communication and media studies, human services, early childhood education, medical coding, psychology, business administration, nursing, management, health information technology, criminal justice, and computer information and systems.
Fisher College Online uses the Blackboard course management system, which is one of the leading and most modern systems. Online students complete assignments and examinations in the online format and are required to participate in online discussion formats such as discussion forums and chat. Online courses are student-centered and instructors help students learn material through writing, links, CD-ROMs, web materials, and references. Students also learn how to conduct online research, use new web sites, and use various computer applications such as PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, voice-streaming, and file attachments. Instructors generally respond to email and discussion questions within 24 hours and correct all required coursework in a timely manner. Students are also able to consistently monitor their course progress through online grade books. Students are required to log in to online courses regularly to keep up to date with announcements, email, and other essential information. Students obtain textbooks and other course materials through the online bookstore and the materials are shipped directly to the home of the student. Online students also have full access to online resources.
Fisher College Online is dedicated to helping students get the most out of their online education and it provides access to a complete range of student support services. It offers technical assistance for problems with the learning platform and/or computers. It also offers academic advising to assist students with planning course schedules and offering guidance regarding any concerns of a particular program. The Office of Career Services provides career assistance through all stages of career development.
Edmund and Myron Fisher founded Fisher College as Winter Hill Business College in 1903 in Somerville, Massachusetts. The institution changed its name to Fisher Business College in 1910. It was approved as a two-year college in 1962 and authorized to grant degrees in 1957. It gained accreditation in 1970 and established its Division of Continuing Education in 1975. The Online Division was started in 1998.
Accreditation
The Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Fisher College.
Scholarships Offered
Fisher College offers three merit scholarships: Fisher Honors Program Scholarship, DCE Merit Scholarship, and DCE Dean’s List Scholarship. It also offers Army ROTC Scholarships and the Fisher Trustee Scholarship. It also accepts state scholarships such as the Early Childhood Educators Scholarship Program.
Financing Options
Fisher College participates in various financial aid programs to assist students with financing their education. Federal programs include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loans, Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans, Academic Competitiveness Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans. Massachusetts state grants include Gilbert Grant and Massachusetts Educational Reward Grants Program. Fisher College also accepts grants from other states as well as alternative loans. Payment plans are also available for additional fees per semester and/or year.
Credit Earning Options
Fisher College grants credits for previous coursework completed at another accredited institution. All transfer courses must have earned a grade of a C- or higher and some specialized courses may require a higher grade. Science and technology courses must have been taken within the last five years. The college also grants credits for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Advanced Placement (AP) tests and life and work experiences. To obtain credit for life and work experiences students must apply for a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Associate degree students can earn up to 15 PLA credits and bachelor degree students can earn up to 30 PLA credits. Students can earn up to 30 transfer credits for an associate degree and 90 transfer credits for a bachelor degree. Students must submit official transcripts and supporting documents for transfer credits.