Online Colleges in California
According to the California Postsecondary Education Commission (cpec.ca.gov, 2012), the 20 careers in California with the largest projected growth by 2014 all require formal training above the high school level. Furthermore, the Public Policy Institute of California (ppic.org, 2009) calculates that two of every five jobs will require a college education by 2025. This statistic is particularly alarming, as the institute estimates that less than one-third of California’s working-age adults will possess a degree by then.
With the growth of online schools, students in California now have more options than ever for attaining higher education. Many public and private universities in California now offer full degree programs online, including prominent institutions like Stanford University and Cal Poly. No longer just for working adults, virtual education has become a viable alternative to traditional campus-based learning. For individuals interested in pursuing a degree, online colleges in California offer a variety of courses and programs at every postsecondary level.
Advantages of Online Education for Students in California
For Californians, attending college online has several advantages. Most online schools offer flexible scheduling, meaning students can attend courses any time that works for them. This allows adults with career or family obligations to complete degrees at night, on the weekends, or whenever else they can find time. For individuals living far from local campuses, as well as those with limited mobility, online degree programs offer increased access to higher education. Distance education radically reduces travel time to and from campus, which is especially beneficial for commuters, as gas prices tend to be high in California.
Additionally, virtual programs introduce students to new technologies and different forms of communication. For example, those pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in business administration might gain experience using video conferencing to communicate with fellow students and teachers. Familiarity with these technologies can be valuable, as many businesses now have multiple offices around the world and utilize similar telecommunication tools on a daily basis.
Trends in Online Education: Public and Private Online Schools in California
Many schools in California now offer online education options, including some of the largest institutions in the state. While most, such as UC Berkeley, only offer courses or certificates at this time, many are beginning to feature full degree programs online. Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo now has several virtual graduate degree options, and Stanford University offers online Master of Science programs in concentrations such as engineering, statistics, and computer science. The California State University (CSU) system boasts a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, from B.A. in Communications and M.A. in Education at CSU Bakersfield, to B.A. in Liberal Arts and M.S. in Criminal Justice at CSU Long Beach.
The California Virtual Campus (CVC), an initiative established by the Chancellor’s Office for the California Community Colleges system, provides up-to-date information on online education options from public and private institutions based in California. Potential students can search available courses and programs by school, degree level, or subject. As of October 2012, the number of colleges offering complete online programs is as follows:
- Online Associate Degrees: 32 schools
- Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 15 schools
- Online Master’s Degrees: 26 schools
- Online Doctorate Degrees: 6 schools
- In addition, many national online colleges offer programs to students in California. Most of these colleges have featured fully online degrees for several years and typically boast a broader set of subject concentrations. Some of these schools, such as University of Phoenix and DeVry University, also have physical campuses in California where students can attend class as well.
From career-focused certification to advanced degrees for working professionals, online colleges in California feature a wealth of higher education options. Prospective students should research available programs to find the one that best aligns with their academic and career goals.
Entry Requirements and Application Process for California Online Colleges
As with traditional brick and mortar degree programs, application requirements and deadlines differ from school to school. Californians interested in attending college online should speak with an admissions officer to ensure they meet entry requirements. Many of the national online schools have a streamlined application process where students can live chat with counselors online. For those ready to take the next step, see the list of online colleges below and request information to speak with an advisor.
Sources:
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
California State University
California Postsecondary Education Commission
California Virtual Campus
Public Policy Institute of California
Stanford University
UC Berkeley Extension
Online Schools in California
This list also contains online colleges that accept students from California.
For over 35 years, Keiser University has provided student-centered, quality career education.
- Online
At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.
- Online
Your creativity is a big part of who you are and where you’re going. To take it, and your future, as far as you want, you need an education that’s focused on developing your talents and putting you on the path toward the creative career that stirs your imagination. A collaborative education at The Art Institute of Atlanta-Decatur, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta, is all about the work, the students who create it, and the instructors who guide them.
The first step is to explore these areas of study, and think about where you fit in an industry that runs on ideas.
- Online
Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education.
- Online
Online. Accelerated. Affordable. Accredited.
- Online
Make a difference with a graduate degree from DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management.
- Online
Study online with California University of Pennsylvania.
- Online
