Online Colleges in Louisiana

Advantages of Online Education for Students in Louisiana

Online learning offers working adults, busy parents, and other non-traditional students many potential advantages over brick-and-mortar programs. Students who live far away from a college campus, or are unable to attend school in a classroom setting, may benefit from the ability to attend class from anywhere with an Internet connection. Additionally, distance learning can be helpful for students who find the traditional learning model difficult to adhere to, such as those who have mobility issues or learning challenges.

Typically, online colleges allow students to take classes at their own pace. Working professionals whose job requires continuing education might find that online courses satisfy this requirement, while allowing them to complete courses in a way that fits their schedule. Those who want to earn a higher degree while working can pursue one of the many online options for graduate degrees.

In addition to the flexible scheduling, online students often have the added bonus of gaining first-hand experience with emerging learning technologies. Online schools in Louisiana may use video conferencing, message boards, chat rooms and various other platforms to deliver the educational experience. A working knowledge of these technologies can be attractive to potential employers, especially those who rely on telecommunication.

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

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana is home to 14 public four-year institutions and 22 public two-year colleges, many of which now offer online learning options. The Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus is an excellent resource for students interested in online education in the state. Through the site, visitors can find information on online degrees and courses offered by many colleges in Louisiana, as well as other states in the region. Prospective students can even search for online programs by school, degree level, or subject area.

While some Louisiana colleges only offer online courses at this time, others now feature a full range of online degree programs. For example, University of Louisiana at Lafayette offers a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a master's in nursing, and a doctoral in nursing practice, among other options. Northwestern State University has enthusiastically embraced online learning with 129 courses and 29 full programs offered during the 2013-2014 academic year, according to the Electronic Campus.

Many institutions offer graduate degrees aimed toward working professionals who want to further their education. Louisiana State University in Shreveport offers a master's in health administration and a master's in human services administration, while Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine has several graduate degrees and certificates available. Loyola University's online options include master's programs in fields like nursing, criminal justice administration and religious education.

National online colleges also offer a wide range of programs to students in Louisiana. Some, such as Strayer University, Remington College and University of Phoenix, even have physical campuses in the state. For students who want to earn an online degree that requires a hands-on training component, these locations may provide a convenient way to embark on a hybrid approach of classroom study and Web-based courses.

Entry Requirements and Application Process for Louisiana Online Colleges

Those interested in attending an online college in Louisiana should begin by searching for programs that suit their chosen career path and goals. As with traditional degree programs, application requirements vary from school to school. Speaking with an admissions counselor is a good idea, as they can easily answer questions about entry requirements, fees, transfer credit options and more. To take the next step, request more information from one of the schools listed below.

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Louisiana State University in Shreveport
Louisiana Workforce Commission, Labor Market Information: Projections by Industry and Occupation
Loyola University
Lumina Foundation
Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus
Tulane University
University of Louisiana