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Academics

TEAS

Posted in Academics.

The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) measures basic essential skills in the academic content areas of reading, mathematics, science, and English and language usage. The objectives assessed on the TEAS exam are those which health science educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to measure entry-level academic readiness of nursing and allied health program applicants.

TEAS testing is available on the Capital, Gateway, Naugatuck Valley, Norwalk and Three Rivers campuses

Preparing for the TEAS

The ATI website has many resources available for purchase, including Learning Strategies, TEAS Pre-test Study Manual and TEAS Online Practice assessments.

Registering for the TEAS

  • Create an account on www.atitesting.com and login to see a listing of CT State test dates. Please be sure to choose your preferred CT State campus as your institution of choice in your ATI PROFILE.
  • Click on “Online Store” then TEAS®: Follow prompts, choose test date and add to cart for purchase. 

Please note the following: 

  • Only CT State students may test at CT State TEAS testing centers.
  • CT State only offers the "TEAS for Nursing" version of the TEAS. There is no content difference between the "TEAS for Nursing" and the "TEAS for Allied Health." Students can take the "TEAS for Nursing" regardless of which program they are applying to.
  • CT State students may test at any testing center as long as they send their scores to CT State.
  • Students applying to the Nursing, Respiratory Care, or Radiologic Technology programs can take the TEAS Test on or before February 1st of each application cycle. Scores expire after 3 years.
  • Students applying to the PTA Program can take the TEAS Test on or before October 1st of each application cycle. Scores expire after 3 years.
  • Proctoring fee information:  There is an additional $15 proctor fee payable to CT State. You will be required to pay the proctoring fee prior to your test session. The TEAS testing fee may be increased by ATI at any time but the CT State Proctor fee ($15) will not be increasing; CT State does not control whether ATI chooses to increase their prices.

Testing Options

Online

To view scheduled Remote/Online via Proctorio tests, visit atitesting.com/teas.  Tests are available directly through ATI or various CT State Community College campuses.

On-Campus

To view scheduled Remote/Online via Proctorio tests, visit atitesting.com/teas.

Choose the "Exam registration" button and choose the in-person option.

Find your CT State campus listed in the locations to see upcoming testing dates and to register.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) is a multiple choice test that evaluates the following skills: math, science, reading & English. The objectives assessed on the TEAS exam are those which nurse educators deemed most appropriate and relevant to measure entry level skills and abilities of nursing program applicants.

  • (Test of Essential Skills) ATI TEAS

  • Applicants may re-take the TEAS as many times as desired. The CT-CCNP will use the applicant’s highest ATI TEAS score when determining eligibility.

  • Students requiring accommodations must contact ATI with a request at least 30 days before their scheduled test. Failure to contact ATI with the request may result in accommodations not being met.

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Online Learning

Posted in Academics.

CT State Community College offers a variety of fully online courses. In fact, you may even be able to complete select degree and certificate programs without ever having to set foot in a classroom! 

Additionally, financial aid is available to online students just like for traditional courses, and you will enjoy the same academic support services, such as access to tutoring and campus libraries, as students taking in-person classes.

Getting Started

Registering for an Online Course

Registering for an online credit course is easy! In fact, the process is the same as if you're registering for an in-person course.

Register for Classes

Logging In For the First Time

Follow these steps to log into myCTState and Blackboard for your online credit courses.

  1. Go to my.ctstate.edu 
  2. Enter your NetID and password, and click "Login"
  3. Find the Blackboard tile and click on the link to access Blackboard
  4. Alternatively, you may enter Blackboard directly by going to ctccs.blackboard.com

See the "Additional Resources and Assistance" section below for help with your NetID and password.

Navigate Your Online Courses

Once you are in Blackboard, you can click on "Courses" on the left panel. Approximately one week before your classes start, you will see the list of classes that you have registered for. Click on a course title to enter its Blackboard shell. You may switch courses by closing out the current course by clicking on the "X" in the upper left corner and selecting a different course.  To avoid a time-out message while you are working on Blackboard, once you are in Blackboard, you will return to the my.ctstate.edu window and logout. 

  • Entry Page

    Your course entry page may be the announcements page or a content page. In general, a content page is divided into two parts: the course menu and main page. The course menu shows the links to basic tools such as announcements, discussions, messages, syllabus, course content, etc. When you click on a link on the course menu, the main page displays the tool or the content of the link.

  • Class Information and Organization

    It's important to click on each of the links on the course menu and explore various files and tools provided by your instructor. Usually the first link is the beginning point for your class. Your professor has information on how you should get started with your course. Many courses label this link as "Getting Started" or "Welcome." Click on each of the links within these sections to read the information from your professor.  If a file does not open up, you will click on the A sign icon next to the file name and select an alternative format to open up the file. All online courses have a syllabus, and the syllabus link is usually directly located on the course menu. The syllabus in your course serves as your learning guidance. On the course syllabus, pay special attention to the section titled "Evaluation," "Assessment," or "Grading Methods," which shows you what assignments are included and how much weight each assignment counts towards your final grade. Another section on the syllabus is the course outline or course schedule. This section gives you an idea of what you're expected to do each week and when an assignment is due. You should print out the class syllabus and read it closely. Some online courses use folders or learning modules, and each represents a week, a lesson or a session. Many courses use folders or learning modules labeled as "Course Content" on the course menu. When you click on a folder or learning module (such as Week 1) you may see two split windows. Click on a link in the left window, and you will see detailed information about the link in the right window. A folder or learning module is designed to place all necessary files and tools you need for class assignments in a week, a lesson or a unit. Most online courses use discussion boards or forums to engage students in active participation. It's highly recommended to draft your discussion answers in a Microsoft Word file.  Save a copy of your answers to your computer and then copy/paste your answers to the discussion message window.

  • Basic Features of Blackboard

    After you've gone through various links located on the course menu or on a course content page, you may explore various tools used in your online course, such as announcements, messages, discussions, tests and assignments. 

    Courses are available one week prior to the start date, during which time you may go in and get familiar with the format of Blackboard. Course content may not be available until the start date.

Are Online Courses Right For Me?

Online courses are a great way to maintain a flexible schedule that works with your lifestyle but they aren't for everyone. Here are some things to consider before taking an online course:

1. How are your organizational and time-management skills?
Online coursework is often self-guided and independently completed. Successful online students are self-motivated, organized and able to manage their time to ensure all assignments are completed on time.

2. How comfortable are you with technology?
Online courses are, well, online. You must be able to navigate the Internet and the software that online courses are run on (Blackboard Learn).

3. Do you like a challenge?
Don't assume that just because a course is online it won't be as difficult or rigorous as a similar in-person course. You should not sign up for online courses thinking they will somehow be "easier" than taking an in-person counterpart.

Additional Resources and Assistance

  • Setting Up Your NetID and Password

    NetID
    Your NetID is firstname.lastname@ctstate.edu.
    If your NetID does not work, use the Look Up NetID tool to search.

    Password
    If it's your first time logging to my.ctstate.edu you will need to create a password. To do this, enter your NetID (above) and click "Next."  Click on “Forgot My Password,” enter the verification characters and click on "Next." A verification code will be sent to your personal email or phone. Enter the verification code to create a new password and follow the new password rule to create a new password. You will then use this password to log on to my.ctstate.edu.

  • Technical Help and Troubleshooting

    Note: Scheduled downtime will be posted at MyCTState login page or at the Blackboard Institution Page.

    If you cannot log onto MyCTState, there are two things you can do:

    1. Verify Your NetID and Password
    In many cases, our users have mistyped their NetID or password. Be sure to type your NetID correctly as firstname.lastname@ctstate.edu. Example: Jenny.brown@ctstate.edu

    If you have never logged on to MyCTState on a campus computer at any of the CT State campuses, you will use your initial password. Keep in mind that your initial password is a combination of first three letters of your birth month, & (Shift+7), and last four digits of your social security number. Remember there is a “&” between your birth month and social security number. The first letter of your birth month needs to be capitalized. You only need to take first three letters of your birth month (capitalized first letter) and last four digit of your SS#. Here is an example, if you are born in April and your last four digits of your SS# is 1234, your initial password is written as Apr&1234.

    Other reasons your initial password may not work:

    • You do not have a social security number.
    • When you first enrolled to a community college in Connecticut years ago, your record in our system was missing either your birth month or social security number
    • In rare cases, your birth month or social security numbers may be entered incorrectly in our system.
    • You have logged on to a campus computer or have gone to myCTState at my.ctstate.edu to check on financial aid, register a class, or check your grades, you might have changed your password and do not remember it or your password has expired. Your password expires every 180 days.

    Regardless of reasons, you can create a new password on your own.

    2. Reset Password

    • At my.ctstate.edu do one of the following to reset your password
      1. On the page where you enter your NetID, click on “Can’t access my account”.  You will be prompted to enter your NetID (username) and follow the steps to reset your password. 
      2. On the page where you enter the password, click on “Forgot Password.” You will be prompted to enter your NetID (username) and follow the steps to reset your password.
    • Call Technical Support Center at 860-723-0221 at any time. This help center support employees and students 24/7, 365 days a year
    • Call or visit your campus IT department with your photo ID (student ID or driver’s license) within normal business hours.

  • Technology Requirements

    Before taking an online course, you will need:

    Free software you may need in order to access course materials.

    • Microsoft Office 365 – Click on this link to learn how to download Office 365 for free through your NCC email
    • Java – Microsoft Windows needs the Java Virtual Machine installed to run Java applets like Blackboard Chat and email.
    • Google Chrome – Download Google Chrome for Windows, Android, iPhone, iPad
    • Mozilla Firefox – Just another browser you can use.
    • Microsoft Download Center – All kinds of Microsoft downloads
    • Adobe Reader – Allows viewing of documents in portable document format (PDF)

  • Terminology

    ONLN = Online
    Courses in which all instruction and assessment is delivered asynchronously through Blackboard—often in conjunction with publisher-based content. These courses include discussion boards, assignments, projects, assessments, etc. Courses designated as ONLN have completely asynchronous instruction, as well as asynchronous assessment.

    OLCR = Online Course with Campus Component 
    All instruction is asynchronous like ONLN but requires a synchronous on-ground orientation and/or real-time proctored assessments.

    HYBR = Hybrid
    Combines synchronous on-ground or remote instruction and asynchronous online instruction. This course method is for courses that have required hands-on components that cannot be accomplished online or asynchronously, for example: labs, manufacturing, clinical, technology, or digital arts courses. Students will be required to attend scheduled class sessions on-ground or remotely as noted in the schedule. Due to social distancing requirements, delivery of this instructional method may be limited, or alternatives to on-ground meetings may be implemented.

    LRON = Live Remote Online
    Live synchronous online sessions are held at specified times using Teams/WebEx/Collaborate. Classes may make use of Blackboard, but instruction is delivered in real-time as noted in the schedule.

    See technical components and requirements here.

  • The Blackboard Mobile App and Using Mobile Devices for Coursework

    There is a Blackboard Learn app available for download. We recommend students and faculty use the Blackboard Learn mobile app only to view and review information, not to complete coursework.

    How to log into Blackboard Learn mobile app

    1. Make sure your mobile device (smartphone or smart tablet) is connected to the internet
    2. Search for the “Blackboard” app on your mobile device. Download and install the Blackboard app on your mobile device.
    3. Open the app
    4. From the Institution drag-down menu, select “CT State Community Colleges.” Then click the “Web Login” button at the bottom of the screen.
    5. Type your NetID (firstname.lastname@ctstate.edu) and Password, and click on “Sign In.”

    Mobile device browsers (Safari, Chrome, etc.)
    Do not use mobile devices (e.g. Smartphones -iPhone, Android, etc.; Tablet PCs – iPad) to submit any course assignments (e.g. discussions, email, assignment drop boxes, online tests, etc.) since Blackboard is not fully compatible with mobile devices. You may be able to browse information in your online courses with a mobile device.

    Have an alternative plan to access the internet in case you have technical difficulties at home.  You may check out a laptop from a college library or use a computer in campus libraries or labs, local libraries, or at a local school or friend/relative’s home.

    Blackboard Mobile Learn FAQs
    For more information and Frequently Asked Questions about the Blackboard Mobile Learn application, please visit and bookmark this article: Can I use Blackboard on my Smartphone or Tablet?

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IT and Web Careers

Posted in Academics.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-03-25

Are You Interested in Exploring a Career in IT or Web Services? Are You Already Out in The Field and Want to Improve Your Skills?

CONSIDER ONE OF CT STATE’S CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

BEGINNER LEVEL

IT Support Certificate

The IT Support Certificate is designed to give learners the skills they need for an entry-level IT role. The certificate course teaches skills, including how to build a computer and install an operating system, system administration and security, networking, and troubleshooting. This certificate is composed of five classes that work in progression from beginner level to advanced level. Participants that take this certificate will also earn five individual industry-recognized certificates in addition to the overall IT Support Certificate.

Information Security Certificate

The IT Support Certificate is designed to give learners the skills they need for an entry-level IT role. The certificate course teaches skills, including how to build a computer and install an operating system, system administration and security, networking, and troubleshooting. This certificate is composed of five classes that work in progression from beginner level to advanced level. Participants that take this certificate will also earn five individual industry-recognized certificates in addition to the overall IT Support Certificate.

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Honors Program

Posted in Academics.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2025-02-03
Information for Current Honors Students:

Mission Statement

The Honors Program aims to provide a rich learning experience to academically talented and highly motivated students. Through challenging academics, special programming, a personalized collegiate environment, community engagement and leadership opportunities, students develop academic, professional and interpersonal skills that will serve them in all areas of life.

What's the Honors Program?

The Honors Program at CT State provides students with academic enrichment in addition to their associate degree program. Throughout the cohort-based program, Honors students hone the academic, professional and interpersonal skills necessary for transfer and future academic and career success. Honors students benefit from a lower-than-average teacher-to-student ratio, close faculty mentoring, special programming, independent study opportunities and access to unique opportunities and scholarships. The Honors Program is flexible enough to fit with most degree programs and students can use Honors Program courses to fulfill general education requirements. Students have the option of completing a two-year program or a 1.5-year program.

group of six honors students gather in a classroom for a discussion

What are the Benefits of the Honors Program?

  • Rigorous coursework to challenge you academically
  • Smaller classes that allow for more individual attention from professors
  • Special programming to develop academic, leadership and professional skills
  • Field trips
  • Access to classes and resources at our 4-year institutional partners (e.g. Wesleyan)
  • Opportunities to transfer to competitive four-year institutions including Yale University, Wesleyan University, Amherst College, Vanderbilt University, Trinity College, Muhlenberg College, etc. typically with scholarships
  • Higher retention and graduation rates
  • Peer-bonding within cohort
  • Close mentoring and assistance with the transfer process
  • Scholarships
group of honors student on field trip

Who's Eligible for the Honors Program?

  • Incoming First-Year Student: Minimum 3.25 high school GPA or top 10% of HS class or 25 ACT or 500 Reading/Writing AND 500 Math SAT
  • Current Students: Eligible to apply at the end of the first semester if you have a minimum 3.25 CT State GPA
students pose with Miguel Cardona and Ned Lamont

Minimum Requirements for Graduating from the CT State Honors Program

  • Maintain an overall minimum GPA of 3.25
  • ENG 1010H – Composition Honors* or ENG 1020H –Composition II & Literature Honors*
  • At least 2 other honors courses*. CCS 1001H is strongly recommended. Other options include General Psychology I Honors – PSY 1011H, several history courses, and Intro to Environmental Science Honors – ENVE 1010H)
  • HNRS 1002, 2001, and 2002
  • Complete a Capstone Project - paper and oral presentation

*In some cases, students will be permitted to take these courses as “honors by contract."”

Student Testimonials

Mukshud Ahamed speaks at podium during academic convivium

Mukshud Ahamed graduated with an associate degree in Biotechnology and transferred to Wesleyan University as an Etherington Scholar. He went on to complete a PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology at Stonybrook University.

"The honors program at MxCC* allowed me to challenge myself academically and professionally and was essential in my transfer to Wesleyan University on a full scholarship. Students like me, who underperformed in high school, deserve as many chances as they require to reach their full potential. The honors program and beyond at MxCC* provide such opportunities."

Manahil Khan speaks into microphone during academic convivium

Manahil Khan transferred to the University of Hartford with a Merit Scholarship. Since earning her bachelor’s degree at UHart, she has been working her way up the ladder at Stanley Black and Decker, currently holding a position as a senior analyst. 

"The honors program helped me realize my full potential as a student. It helped me to develop great connections and without the help of my professors who ran the program, I don’t think I would have ended up going to the University of Hartford and I wouldn’t have become as confident.” 

Dante Petruzziello speaks at podium during academic convivium

Dante Petruzziello earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences degree and then transferred to Yale on a Yale scholarship. He then went to NYU Medical School to fulfill his dream of becoming a physician.

“I am very grateful for the personal and professional growth I’ve achieved due to the Honors Program; it really is a gem within the already special place of Middlesex Community College*.” 

*now CT State Middlesex

APPLY NOW

How Do I Apply to the Honors Program?

First, identify which campus Honors Program you wish to apply to. An Honors Program is currently available on the Manchester, Middlesex, Northwestern and Three Rivers campuses. Students can participate in the Honors Program on a given campus even if it is not their home campus.  For instance, a student whose home campus is Tunxis can apply to and be accepted into the Honors Program at Middlesex and the student’s home campus can remain Tunxis. Note that some Honors Program requirements for a given campus Honors Program can only be fulfilled in person on that campus.

Complete the application form and email all parts of the application to the program coordinator of the Honors Program to which you are applying:

Asnuntuck

Heather D'Orlando, heather.dorlando@ctstate.edu

Capital

Linda Cocchiola, linda.cocchiola@ctstate.edu

Gateway

Mark Lynch, mark.lynch@ctstate.edu

Manchester

Olivia Chiang, olivia.chiang@ctstate.edu

Middlesex

Andrea Levy, Ph.D., MBe, andrea.levy@ctstate.edu

Northwestern

Jaclyn Vincent, jaclyn.vincent@ctstate.edu

Three Rivers

Kevin Amenta, M.S., kevin.amenta@ctstate.edu

Tunxis

Marcia Tinone, marcia.tinone@ctstate.edu

Questions?

Contact Dr. Andrea Levy at andrea.levy@ctstate.edu.

Students with a minimum 3.25 CT State GPA may request to take an honors course. The request should be submitted to the Honors Program coordinator for the campus at which the course is offered.

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How to Apply to a Selective Admissions Program

Posted in Academics.

  • Temp Last Modified: 2024-03-23

Once you're ready to apply for a Selective Admissions program:

Log into or create your unique application account

Note: You will continue to use this account for any future admission applications.

Get Started 

Complete and submit the application

Make sure to choose the selective admission program you're applying for.

Complete Application

Submit Supplemental Items

Necessary supplemental items will show on the screen below the chosen selective admission program.

Submit Supplemental Items

Please Note:

Applications will not be evaluated until after the deadline.

  • Degree programs – summer and fall deadline to apply is February 1; spring deadline to apply is October 1 unless otherwise posted. Please see the specific selective admissions program for complete details.

  • Certificate programs – fall deadline to apply is June 1

Admission decisions will be released for the selective admission programs on:

  • Fall degree programs: Mid-April

  • Fall certificate programs: Mid-July

  • Spring degree programs: Mid-November

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