You’ve likely heard of online schools like the University of Phoenix, Southern New Hampshire University and Walden University, which offer numerous online degrees. But did you know that traditional colleges, known for their on-campus academic offerings, are offering online degrees now as well? Not just online courses, as has long been the case, but full degrees.
Here are five traditional colleges that you may not have known offer online degrees.
1. Boston University
Boston University, a private university of over 18,000 students that’s ranked 41st by U.S. News & World Report for national universities, has quite the selection of online graduate degrees and certificates. Here are just five of the online graduate degrees the school offers:
Master’s of criminal justice
Master’s of social work
Master’s in health communication
Doctorate in occupational therapy
Doctorate in musical arts, music education
And here are just five of the online certificates the university offers:
Graduate certificate in Asian religions and healing
Graduate certificate in information technology
Graduate certificate in Web application development
Professional certificate in fundraising
Professional certificate in paralegal studies
For those who can’t stand the cold winters of Boston but want one of their respected degrees, one of these online options may be the answer.
2. University of Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin (UW), which has various campuses across the state of Wisconsin, is another traditional university that has jumped into the online degree pool.
If you’re looking for an online certificate, you have nearly 50 options to choose from, ranging from UW-Milwaukee’s advanced study certificate to UW-Stout’s quality management certificate. If you prefer an online associate’s degree, you have a few UW options for an Associate of Arts and Science. You have over 35 degree options for online bachelor’s degrees, nearly 50 options for online master’s degrees, and can even get an online PhD in nursing.
The University of Wisconsin is like a buffet of online degrees — students can pick the one they like best.
3. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is a public school of nearly 25,000 students that’s ranked in the top 75 national universities by U.S. News & World Report. You’ve probably heard of this renowned college but likely not in the context of online degree offerings. Yet, Virginia Tech offers 17 online masters’ degrees and 16 online certificates.
Here are just five of the Virginia Tech’s online degree and certificate programs you may be interested in:
Master’s degree program in political science
Master’s degree program in aerospace engineering
Master’s degree program in ocean engineering
Graduate certificate in security studies
Graduate certificate in nuclear engineering
These types of offerings are rare online and offline, but because they are offered online, a degree like one of these could be within your reach.
4. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU), located in Tempe, Ariz., is one of the largest colleges in America, with around 60,000 students. And now, they’re bound to get larger, with almost 100 online degree options.
ASU offers online bachelor’s degree options, such as:
Bachelor’s degree program in electrical engineering
Bachelor’s degree program in English
Bachelor’s degree program in information technology
Bachelor’s degree program in philosophy
ASU also offers online master’s degrees and certificate options, such as:
Master’s degree program in English as a second language
Master’s degree program in family human development
Master’s degree program in history
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Graduate certificate in business journalism
It’s quite possible that anything you want to study is offered online through ASU.
5. Penn State
Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), with its University Park campus, is ranked 37th in the country by U.S. News & World Report. That doesn’t stop the school from offering 38 online master degrees, 23 online bachelor degrees, five online associate degrees, 16 online certificates and 10 online minors.
The subjects vary greatly, too, and include:
Master’s in software engineering
Bachelor’s in nursing
Associate in in turfgrass science and management
Certificate in weather forecasting
Online students at Penn State get to enjoy comprehensive and diverse offerings, just like on-campus students have experienced for decades. The main difference being that you can wear pajamas if you’re an online student, without people looking at you weird.
These are only five of the many traditional colleges offering online degrees. It’s possible your local college may have similar offerings.
Jon Fortenbury is an Austin-based freelance writer who specializes in higher education. He’s been published by the likes of the Huffington Post and The Atlantic and is a featured contributor to Schools.com. Follow him on Twitter @JonWrites.
Filed under: COLLEGE CHOICE Tagged: Jon Fortenbury, online bachelor's degree, online degree, online master's degree