Online FAQs

Online classes run on a Monday to Monday or Friday to Sunday schedule. Each course is organized into seven weekly modules in Canvas, our learning management system. Each module includes the course materials, assignments, and discussion boards for that week. Discussion boards typically have two deadlines: your initial response is due Wednesday or Thursday, and your peer replies are due Sunday. You will also have at least one assignment due each week, generally on Sunday.

Every course includes videos, links to articles, and other learning materials to ensure you have everything you need to complete your coursework and assignments. You’ll interact with your instructors and classmates via email, online discussion boards, and occasionally video chats.
 

No. Online courses are fully asynchronous. This means that you do your work on your own time. However, there are deadlines. Typically, discussion board posts are due on Wednesdays, while other assignments are due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m.

You will need to purchase books for some of your courses. In other courses, books will be accessible online via the LIM College library.

If you are in an online degree program, each of your courses will run for 7.5 weeks. Each 7.5 week period is called a “session.” Click here to view the Academic Calendar. 

Typically, online students take two courses each session. However, this is up to you, based on your individual circumstances. You have the option to take a different number of courses each session.

You will work closely with an Online Advisor, and together you will select the courses you’ll need to complete your degree.

Much of the communication will take place via email, online discussion boards. Faculty are available for virtual meeting via MS Teams Meetings. We also encourage online students to form study groups using apps such as WhatsApp or GroupMe.

There are a range of assignments in online courses. These include discussion boards, individual projects and presentations, case studies and creative exercises. Some courses also include practice exams, so you can test yourself before you take the graded exam.

On average, LIM online students tend to spend an average of 9 hours each week per 15-week course doing coursework. 7.5-week courses spend an average of 18 hours a week.

LIM provides online students with numerous resources to assist with their internship search. These resources include:

• Handshake: This is our job and internship database that features nationwide listings of fashion-related companies.
• Online Career Coaches help students search, prepare, network, and apply for positions, in addition to assisting with the interview process. (Watch this video for more info.)
• Virtual Career Fair: Held over two days, the Fair is held virtually through an online platform where students can explore career opportunities, learn about companies, and apply for jobs and internships. Employers are active during various times over the course of the two days, and students can chat live with them online.

Online students may complete internships in any U.S. state or country, including internships that are completely virtual/remote. Some of the companies where online students have previously interned include: Sephora, Yumi Kim, Ross Stores, Playback Media Group, Urban Outfitters, and Farrah Covington Designs.

No. Your diploma will not indicate whether you earned your degree from an online or on-campus program. Your diploma only indicates what type of academic credential you’ve earned (i.e. Bachelor of Business Administration in Fashion Merchandising, Master of Professional Studies in Marketing, etc.)

It depends on the course. Some courses require you to purchase a textbook, while others provide free access through the LIM College Library or Open Educational Resources such as OpenStax.

Yes. Our online New Student Orientation gives you an opportunity to learn more about the programs and services at LIM College, as well as how to get started on your courses. You can also interact with other new online students during this Orientation.

Online students have access to a variety of academic support services, including tutoring and guidance from our Math and Writing Centers, academic program advising, and online library resources.

Our Office of Career and Internship Services provides online students with a diverse array of services, including: one-on-one career coaching, job and internship search assistance, interview preparation, resume and cover letter reviews, professional development workshops, webinars, and career fairs.

We have an IT Help Desk that you can contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Assistance is provided by email (ITsupport@limcollege.edu) or phone (646-218-2190). On-campus IT Help Desk hours are 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday.

Yes. We encourage students in online programs to participate in whatever clubs interest them and to attend as many special events as they can, such as career workshops, guest speakers, etc. Email studentlife@limcollege.edu for more info.

Yes, although certain conditions may apply. Please email counseling@limcollege.edu for more info.

Yes. LIM College holds one Commencement ceremony in New York City each year in May for all graduates. To learn more check out our Commencement page. 

To use Canvas, our learning management system, and other technologies you’ll need access to the following:

1. Desktop or laptop 

• Minimum 16GB of RAM; 32 GB using graphic applications recommended
• Intel Core i7 / AMD A7 or better processor
• Minimum 256 GB hard drive; 512 GB or more recommended

2. Operating Systems 

• Windows 11 and newer
• Mac OS 14.0 (Sonoma) or newer 

3. Broadband Internet Connect 

• Minimum 6Mbps 

4. Updated browsers

• You should always use the most current version of a preferred browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). Your browser will notify you if there is a new version available. 

5. Microphone | Camera

• Required if laptop or desktop computer does not have an existing microphone (“speak”) and / or speakers (“listen”)

Check out our Technology Requirements handout for more information on basic computer specifications.

NOTE: While you can access Canvas (our learning management system) on a mobile device (tablet/phone), you must have access to a desktop or laptop for major projects.