CSU Global Campus reported as one of the biggest successes of a public university embracing online

October 5, 3:46 PMDenver Online Learning ExaminerLauri Harrison

Higher education has come far, yet still has a long way to go when it comes to providing 100% online campuses that cater to working professionals.

Many universities offer distance learning options, which can include correspondence through the mail, CD-ROM, mobile devices, hybrid with a classroom , audio/visual (through radio or TV), and also online in synchronous or asynchronous format. There are several public universities that have been in the distance learning arena for quite some time, such as: 

• University of Massachusetts (UMassonline.net) – their online division is an extension of their continuing education department. Their website touts “UMassOnline allows you to attend the same high-quality programs and learn from the same world-class faculty as students at the University of Massachusetts' Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth, Lowell or Worcester campuses.” UMassOnline offers 78 degree programs and certificates online. 

• Penn State World Campus (worldcampus.psu.edu) –formed in 1998 as the 25th campus for Penn State University. Known as “Penn State Online,” they provide more than 60 distance programs including associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, plus certificates. Penn State has been offering distance education courses since 1892. 

• University of Maryland University College (umuc.edu) – one of the largest public providers of distance education in the U.S. UMUC grew out of the University of Maryland’s evening program for adults that began in the 1920s. UMUC offers 120 online academic programs (bachelor, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as undergrad and graduate certificates).

However, Colorado State University – Global Campus (csuglobal.org) is one of the only 100% online, independent campuses at a public university that is thriving today. CSU Global may be seen as a newcomer having launched initial classes just one year ago, but the campus has enrollment of more than 1,000 students in its online degree programs. In an article written by Forbes columnist, Sramana Mitra on October 2nd, she said that “Of the public universities, one of the biggest successes in embracing online delivery models is Colorado State University (Global Campus).” Read more…

Ms. Mitra also addressed the stigma that still lingers towards online education. She pointed out that online education is a missed opportunity. Entrepreneurs should take notice because of the vast number of Americans who are currently “retraining and undergoing career makeovers,” and a four-year degree or advanced degree is definitely part of their game plan to become competitive in the marketplace.