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High School Diploma

Students who enroll in online high school classes* at BSU get the flexibility and support they need to succeed in every facet of their lives. The 9–12 education features a core curriculum including math, science, English, and social studies. Electives in varied topics such as digital photography, marine science, game design, and world languages encourage students to explore and grow to become well-rounded individuals. 

Each student follows a personalized learning plan and has access to school counselors who help promote academic achievement and personal development.

Preparing for College

College and Career Planning

To make sure that the graduating class of seniors is well prepared for the transition out of virtual high school and is aware of the graduation requirements, BSU  provides:

  • Access to a Online certified school counselor
  • Assistance creating a four-year academic plan
  • College and career planning, including:
    • Guidance in finding appropriate college or career opportunities
    • colleges/universities
    • Financial aid and scholarship LiveLesson online workshops
    • Free access to college admissions test preparation online courses and information about test dates, locations, etc.
    • Official transcripts
  • Additional extracurricular activities such as Student Advisory Council and Debate Club
  • and prepare for careers in finance, marketing, psychology, criminal justice, and more.

To learn more about BSU online high school courses, take a look at the courses and course descriptions below. Find out what it’s like to learn at aBerkshire school by checking out our sample lessons.

The courses and materials provided vary by school. Some textbooks are available in online format only.

Core Courses

VIEW ALL COURSES

Personal Fitness II

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

 

Credits: 0.50

Description:

Personal Fitness II is a one-semester course that looks at the aspects of living a healthy and balanced life. In the first unit, students will learn the relationship between physical, mental, and social health as they explore topics including: effective communication, building healthy relationships, the effects of violence, coping mechanisms, and how to set goals. Additionally, students will learn basic first aid procedures, what to do in medical emergencies, and how to keep their homes safe. In the second unit, students will learn about infectious and noninfectious diseases, how they affect the body, and how they can be prevented. The third unit covers tobacco use, drug and alcohol abuse, and options for resisting the pressure to participate in these destructive behaviors. Throughout the course, students will be required to participate in regular physical activity and keep records of their activity. The student will be given a choice of three paths that place emphasis on lifelong activities as well as current fitness trends.

Units:

  • Living a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Disease
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
  • Final Exam

Algebra 1 A

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 0.50

Prerequisites:

  • Students should successfully complete Math 7 and/or Pre-Algebra prior to enrolling in this course.

Description:

This course is the first of two that comprise Algebra 1. In this course, the student will gain a foundational understanding of the real number system, expressions, equations, and inequalities. The student will be taught to solve simple and multi-step equations and inequalities and represent those solutions graphically. In addition, students will explore linear or nonlinear functions and represent those functions on the coordinate plane. Finally, the student will solve systems of equations and inequalities and represent those solutions graphically.

Throughout the course, problem solving, critical thinking, and real-world application of mathematical concepts will be required.

Units:

  • Ready, Set, Succeed
  • Foundational Concepts
  • Solving Equations
  • Solving Inequalities
  • Introduction to Functions
  • Linear Functions
  • Systems of Equations and Inequalities
  • Semester A Review and Exam
  • Algebra 1 B

    Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
    Credits: 0.50

    Prerequisites:

    • Algebra 1 A is a prerequisite for this course.

    Description:

    This course is the second part of a two-part sequence covering Algebra 1. The student will use his knowledge of real number operations, expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions to solve algebra concepts. This course will introduce the student to exponents and use those exponent rules to solve exponential functions. The student will learn how to identify and solve polynomial equations using a variety of methods including factoring. The student will also learn how to work with quadratic functions and equations and represent both of those on a coordinate plane. The student will work with radical and rational expressions and solve rational equations.

    Throughout the course, problem solving, critical thinking, and real-world application of mathematical concepts will be required.

    Units:

    • Mid-Year Refresher
    • Exponents and Exponential Functions
    • Polynomials and Factoring
    • Quadratic Functions and Equations
    • Radical Expressions and Data Analysis
    • Rational Expressions and Functions
    • Semester B Exam and Review
  • AP Biology B
     
     
  • AP Environmental Science A
     
     
  • AP Environmental Science B
     
     
  • Biology A
     
     
  • Accounting II
     
     
  • Administrative Duties and Office Management
     
     
  • Adult Roles and Responsibilities A
     
     
  • Health, Fitness, and Nutrition A
     
     
  • Health, Fitness, and Nutrition B
     
     
  • High School Health
     
     
  • Personal Fitness
     
     
  • AP Art History B
     
     

Independent Study - Physical Education

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 0.50

Description:

Students who are highly talented or interested in a particular subject area may choose to design their own independent study course. Students submit proposals for independent study to the school counselor for prior approval. Working under the guidance of the learning coach, the school counselor or teacher, and an adult considered to be an expert in the field, the student documents the number of hours spent on the project, the work and activities completed, and submits a final project to earn credit. Note: Independent study is not intended to grant academic credit for normal extracurricular high school activities, but is intended for students who want to deepen their knowledge in a particular field of study.

  • Journalism B
     
     
  • Speech and Debate
     
     

Advertising and Sales Promotion

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Credits: 0.50

Prerequisites:

  • Required Materials
    • A digital camera or camera phone

Description:

Do you have a business idea but are unsure about how to market your ideas to customers? Do careers in business appeal to you? In this Introduction to Marketing class, the student will master the basics of marketing, including core concepts such as financing, pricing, distribution, product management, and more. Throughout the course, the student will learn about the basics of economics and economic systems, managing business finances accounting practices, operating a business in the global marketplace, generating business ideas and seeking out business opportunities, creating a business plan, and promoting and advertising a business.  

Units:

  • Introduction to Advertising
  • Advertising in the 21st Century
  • Careers in Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing
  • Finances in Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing
  • Advertising and Sales Promotion Midterm Quiz
  • Working in Marketing, Advertising, and Promotions
  • Technical Skills for a Marketing Career
  • Principles of Selling
  • Culminating Project: Developing a Promotional Plan
  • Advertising and Sales Promotion Final Exam
  • Psychology A
     
     
  • Psychology B
     
     
  • 3-D Computer Modeling A
     
     
  • 3-D Computer Modeling B
     
     
  • AP Computer Science A (A)
     
     
  • AP Computer Science B (B)
     
     

Some of the programs are available online

  • Mechanical Engineering Technology
  • Cloud Computing
  • Electronics Engineering
  • Master of Science in Cybersecurity
  • Master of Science in Information Systems
  • Mechatronics
  • Web Design and Development
  • Cyber and Network Security
  • Software Development
  • Mobile Development
  • Cybersecurity

Accreditation

Berkshire University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Masters, Education Specialist and Doctorate degrees

Mission

It is among our mission to deliver academic instruction in the liberal arts and sciences and professional preparation through traditional, extended campus and online programs.

Adult & Online Education

With Berkshire University Adult & Online Education programs, you can earn a respected degree with the support and flexibility you need to succeed.

Explore our 8-week accelerated programs

Berkshire University  Adult & Online Education offers afternoon, evening and online classes in a convenient 8-week format designed for individuals who are interested in pursuing a course of study while balancing other obligations.

Points of pride

35785-200
  • Maine’s public research university with a focus on undergraduate and graduate research throughout Maine and around the world
  • 15 Signature and Emerging Areas of Excellence
  • Featured in multiple 2018 guides to best colleges, including The Princeton Review
  • One of the nation’s top 50 green colleges by The Princeton Review
  • 2018 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation
  • 107,000 alumni worldwide
  • 150-year legacy
  • Campus designed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted
  • UMaine campus was designated as an arboretum in 2003
  •  16 UMaine Cooperative Extension offices and five research field stations throughout the state offer outreach in every Maine county
  • Maine’s partner in helping prepare the state for the 21st century

Student life

35785-200
  • Students from 49 U.S. states and territories, and 63 countries
  • Enrollment: 11,219; 9,323 undergraduate
  • Most comprehensive academic offerings in the state
  • World-class faculty committed to mentoring and actively engaging students in research and scholarship
  • More than 200 student clubs and organizations
  • 15 miles of running, biking and cross-country skiing trails on campus
  • Maine’s only NCAA Division I athletics program, 84 individual and team conference championships in the last 10 years
  • Maine Bound recreational activities
  • Community engagement — from volunteerism to internships — igniting passion in students, and helping address issues globally and lo

Academics

35785-200
  • 100 undergraduate majors and academic programs
  • 80 master’s degrees and 30 doctoral degrees
  • 16:1 student-faculty ratio
  • Tuition: Instate — $10,610 (2018–19), Out of State — $28,880 (2018–19)
  • Student research spanning the breadth and depth of undergraduate and graduate studies
  • World-class faculty who are leading researchers and scholars in their fields, mentoring students
  • One of the nation’s oldest honors programs
  • Marine sciences research facility in Walpole
  • Ranked among the top public universities for research by the National Science Foundation