A potential mode of delivery for online classes at universities is the massive open online course (MOOC). If these are to be used for course credit, however, it will need to be shown that this format can be an effective way to teach students. The focus of this study will be the analysis of two classes identical in content but differing by mode of delivery: a traditional face to face course and a MOOC. For both classes we will assess and compare student learning gains, student motivation and perseverance, and conduct interviews with students to learn what factors affect the aforementioned outcomes. This study will therefore begin the investigation of the viability of MOOCS at SUNY.