This two-phase exploratory study examined department chairs' perspectives of online learning in a California community college district and examined if differences existed in This two-phase exploratory study examined department chairs' perspectives of online learning in a California community college district and examined if differences existed in perspectives based on department and department chair characteristics. Phase 1 of the study involved survey research in which respondents were asked to rate 62 issues across eight categories for their impact on the implementation of online learning. Demographic data about departments and department chairs were also collected. The primary reasons for implementing online courses were "to provide greater access for students" (92.6%) and "to provide greater flexibility for students" (88.9%). Technology issues were perceived as having the most impact followed by faculty issues, student issues, setting distance learning direction issues, and course/program quality and effectiveness issues. Policy and governance issues and finance issues were perceived as having less impact and regulatory and legal issues were perceived as having the least impact from the chairs' perspectives. No significant differences were found in department chairs' perspectives regarding the impact of the eight categories of issues based on either department size, department chair length of experience, department length of online experience, whether or not the chair had taught an online course, or the existence of a department vision/mission statement with reference to online learning. Phase 2 of the study involved semi-structured interviews with a subset of department chairs. Key themes emerged around the following categories: (a) reasons for offering online courses, (b) faculty selection, (c) course development, (d) faculty issues, (e) departmental planning and review of online courses, (f) student issues, (g) student learning, (h) technology, and (i) department chair recommendations. Based on findings, the researcher concluded the following: (1) Technology issues are pervasive to online learning and cut across all department and department chair variables examined in this study. (2) Community college course offerings and delivery will continue to change in response to the needs and demands of learners. (3) The roles and responsibilities of department chairs will continue to expand and become more complex as a result of the growth of online learning and chairs will play a key role in the future of online learning. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]