Online Colleges in Georgia

Advantages of Online Education for Students in Georgia

For Georgians interested in higher education, there are many advantages to pursuing an online program. Most online schools allow students to learn at their own pace, attending classes whenever and wherever they want. This flexible scheduling means working adults can balance advanced degree study with career and family. Additionally, online schools afford those living far from local campuses increased access to higher education. Students tired of long commutes in the humid Georgia summer can complete coursework online, learning in the comfort and convenience of their own home.

While many online degrees can be completed entirely over the Web, some programs may require a minimum amount of classroom attendance. In addition, some schools offer hybrid degree programs, allowing students to attend classes both online and on campus. The University System of Georgia (USG) even encourages students to complete the first two years of their collegiate career in an online environment. Through eCore, USG’s electronic core curriculum, students can take general requirement courses designed, developed, and taught by university system faculty. These online credits can then be applied towards a degree at any school in the USG.

Trends in Online Education: Public and Private Online Schools in Georgia

Many public and private schools in Georgia now offer online courses, partial degree programs, or fully online degrees. For example, the University of West Georgia features degrees at every level, from Bachelor of Science in Criminology to M.S. in Applied Computer Science. Students can find numerous graduate programs at the University of Georgia, Georgia State and Georgia Tech as well. Furthermore, Emory University, one of the Southeast’s leading health care institutions, now offers its Master of Public Health degree online with minimal on-campus requirements.

There are several online tools to help students find programs that meet their academic needs. The Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus allows students to browse virtual courses and degree programs offered by institutions throughout the South, including 20 online colleges in Georgia. For those interested in a state university, Georgia ONmyLINE is a database of distance education programs offered by the USG’s 35 schools. Students can search available degrees, apply to colleges, and even register for classes through the site. Finally, Georgia Virtual Technical Connection hosts an electronic directory of the 25 vocational schools in state offering associate degrees and technical certificates online.

As of November 2012, Georgia ONmyLINE features over 250 degree programs and 4,700 courses in a range of academic fields. The number of degrees at each level is as follows:

• Online Associate Degrees: 82 programs from 4 schools

• Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 48 programs from 16 schools

• Online Graduate Degrees: 82 programs from 15 schools

• Along with state schools, many national online colleges offer online programs to students in Georgia. Often, these schools have offered online education for many years and feature an extensive set of courses and degrees. Some, such as Argosy University and ITT Technical Institute, even have physical campuses in Georgia where students can attend classes.

From career certification programs to Ph.D. study, online colleges in Georgia offer options for every student. Prospective applicants should research available degrees and school requirements to find programs that align with their personal and professional goals.

Entry Requirements and Application Process for Georgia Online Colleges

Students interested in pursuing an online degree should consult an academic advisor for details, as application requirements vary from program to program. Many national online schools have admissions counselors available to instantly answer questions online. For more details on available programs and entry requirements, request information from one of the online colleges below.

Sources:
eCore
Emory University
Georgia Labor Market Explorer, Georgia Department of Labor
Georgia ONmyLINE
Georgia State University
Georgia Tech
Georgia Virtual Technical Connection
Georgia’s Higher Education Completion Plan 2012, University System of Georgia
Southern Regional Education Board’s Electronic Campus
University of Georgia
University of West Georgia