Accommodating students who need the flexibility to learn where they live and work is another way Georgia State University is living up to our reputation of being a student-first, success-driven university.
The University began offering online degree and certificate programs in the early 2000s and now the portfolio has grown to more than 75 options … and counting.
“Online and hybrid program options expand to keep up with the shifting needs of people navigating the complicated work world,” said Kim Siegenthaler, associate provost for online strategies.
To help champion this expansion, Provost Wendy Hensel established Georgia State Online to provide an infrastructure that supports the expansion of online programs and enrollment growth.
Focus on quality
Online degree and certificate programs are built to feature engaging, relevant content. They are created by Georgia State faculty, who work with professionals from the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Online Education to continuously improve their classes. Instructional technologists, designers, media specialists and learning analysts work to support the faculty.
Last year, more than 3,000 instructors participated in Georgia State’s Mastering Online Teaching Program to deepen their understanding of online course design and teaching that supports student learning. The Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning & Online Education provides numerous faculty and student resources for success in online teaching and learning and engages in the continuous development of additional resources.
“Georgia State already was at the leading edge of student success initiatives. Incorporating these strategies into the design and teaching of our online classes comes naturally to our faculty and staff. There is a deep commitment across the University to ensure our online students receive the same support as our on-campus students,” Siegenthaler said.
Because the success of every student underpins each decision made, Georgia State is carving out a unique niche in online education. Already affordable, the university is making itself even more accessible by making more degrees available to students who work and can’t come to campus during the day or who can’t relocate to Atlanta.