Seneca is excited to offer more flexible learning options than ever before. We deliver programs in four formats: online, in person, hybrid – a mix of online and in-person – and flexible.
Flexible Learning Options
Program and Course Delivery
Watch this video to learn more about the four delivery formats.
Program and course delivery information for each program is available on program pages.
You’ll be able to select your preferred course delivery options when building your schedule during open enrolment. In some cases, you will have more than one delivery option. Preferred options will be considered on a first come first served basis.
Online Learning
Students learn remotely and are not required to come to campus. Online learning can be synchronous – scheduled online class time with professors – or asynchronous – no scheduled class time and learning is independent.
Hybrid Learning
Some parts of the program are online and other parts are in person. Students will need to come to campus for part of their program. Note: Hybrid courses require a minimum of 50 per cent in-person learning.
In-Person Learning
Programs or courses are fully in person and require students to come to campus.
Flexible Learning
Using interactive learning spaces, professors teach in person to students in a physical classroom or lab and stream to students online at the same time. In courses delivered in the flexible format, students have a choice of coming to campus for an in-person experience or learning online.
International students applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): If you are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person. The option to attend online does not apply to you. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hybrid delivery means some courses in your program are delivered online, and some are held on campus. For courses delivered in person, you must come to campus to attend. The amount of in-person coursework varies by program, so visit the Courses tab of your program page to see which classes in your program require campus attendance.
Flexible delivery means the courses in your program are taught both in person and streamed online at the same time using interactive learning spaces. You get to choose week-to-week whether you attend your classes in person, remotely or asynchronously.
Please note: If you are an international student applying for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and are in a flexible delivery course, you must attend in person. The option to attend online does not apply to you. Studying online will impact your PGWP eligibility. Please review the in-person requirements related to PGWP eligibility before choosing your program and course delivery.
Synchronous online learning means your course is delivered at a specific scheduled time each week. You’re required to log in and attend class online at the scheduled class time with your professor and classmates to participate in live lectures, discussions and activities.
Asynchronous online learning means your course has no set meeting time. Lectures and learning materials are posted for you to access on your own schedule, and you complete coursework independently. You’re still expected to meet all assignment deadlines and due dates set by your professor.
Online blended learning means your course combines both scheduled online sessions and independent work. Some coursework is synchronous, and other coursework is asynchronous. You're still expected to meet all assignment deadlines and due dates set by your instructor.
Exams for online courses are administered virtually.
Exams for hybrid and in-person delivery courses are administered in person.
Flexible delivery courses may require in-person or virtual exams. Your instructor determines how and where exams are delivered, so check your course syllabus for details.
In most programs, Seneca allows WIL opportunities, such as co-op and field placements, to be completed in person, online or hybrid, with the requirements of each opportunity being determined by the hiring WIL employer/host organization.
Availability may vary by industry. Students located outside of the Greater Toronto Area are encouraged to search for WIL opportunities in their local communities but should connect with their WIL/field placement coordinator for support and to ensure that the WIL opportunity meets all program requirements.
Students should review their program requirements for additional information and contact their WIL co-ordinator if they have any questions.
In some programs, the WIL term must be completed in person and/or in Ontario to fulfill the requirements of a governing regulatory or professional body in order for WIL/placement hours to be recognized toward licensing or certification requirements to practice in Ontario upon completion of the program.
Students should review their program requirements for additional information and contact their WIL co-ordinator if they have any questions.
For more information on starting a new program at Seneca, please email Student Recruitment.