Online Colleges in Ohio

Advantages of Online Education for Students in Ohio

For Ohioans interested in pursuing higher education, there are many advantages to an online program. Most online schools offer flexible scheduling, which means busy individuals can complete coursework at night or on the weekend. Furthermore, online learning isn’t limited by geographic location. Students living far from local campuses can attend class from anywhere with an Internet connection. For those closer to physical schools, many colleges offer hybrid programs, which allow students to complete courses both online and in person. Through online learning, students also gain firsthand experience with emerging technologies in telecommunication, such as web conferencing and mobile computing.

Additionally, students pursuing distance education can utilize online tools to find programs that fit their personal and academic needs. OhioLearns, a division of the University System of Ohio, is a searchable catalog of online learning courses, degrees, and certificates offered in state. Students can search over 90 schools and 500 programs, filtering results by subject, degree level, career field, or interest. The site also offers eTutoring, which connects undergraduate students with tutors in specific academic areas.

Some online courses and programs can even be customized to accommodate a student’s particular learning style or preference. For example, Ohio State University’s introductory statistics course features multiple methods of online instruction, ranging from large group lectures and collaborative problem solving to individual study. Coursework is tailored to each student based on their answers to a pre-course questionnaire.

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

Many colleges in Ohio now offer virtual education options, including some of the state’s most prominent institutions. While many, such as Ohio State, offer just courses at this time, a growing number have begun to feature full degree programs. For instance, the University of Cincinnati offers degrees at the associate through master’s levels, including Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education and M.S. in Criminal Justice. Kent State has a robust distance education department, with PC-based video conferencing and web courses. Examples of degrees they offer online include Associate of Applied Business in Computer Technology and M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication.

OhioLearns contains both two- and four-year, public and private higher education institutions that offer full online degrees. As of November 2012, the number of programs they feature at each level is as follows:

• Online Associate Degrees: 162

• Online Bachelor’s Degrees: 95

• Online Graduate Degrees: 90

• In addition to Ohio-based schools, many national online colleges offer degree programs to students in the state. Many of these schools have featured fully online degrees for several years and boast a broader set of available programs. For example, both University of Phoenix and DeVry University offer an extensive list of online degree concentrations and even have several campuses throughout Ohio.

From certification programs to Ph.D.’s, online colleges in Ohio offer a wide range of degree options. Prospective students should research available programs to find the one that meets their professional goals.

Entry Requirements and Application Process for Ohio Online Colleges

As with traditional degree programs, enrollment requirements for Ohio online colleges differ from school to school. Individuals interested in pursuing an online degree should consult with an admissions counselor for help with the application process. Most national online schools have counselors available to instantly chat with prospective students online. For details on available programs and entry requirements, request information from one of the colleges below.

Sources:
Kent State University
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Ohio State University
OhioLearns
Understanding the Implications of Online Learning for Educational Productivity, U.S. Department of Education, 2012
University of Cincinnati
University System of Ohio