For more than two decades, emerging technology has driven online learning, but today the demands of the career changer, degree finisher and other untraditional students are shaping the higher education fully online programs offered.
According to recent surveys, most postsecondary institutions, spurred by the height of the pandemic, have online offerings. One in 10 have fully online degree programs. Affordability, institution reputation and a quick path to completion are among the top considerations when choosing a degree program.
And the University of La Verne, which first launched online programs in 2000, aims to deliver. The private not-for-profit university located in La Verne, just 35 miles east of Los Angeles, offers 16 fully online programs including undergraduate degree completion programs, graduate professional degrees, multiple and single subject credential programs, and a teacher certificate program.
Business and organizational leadership are among the most popular programs. Meanwhile, the newest programs, which launched in fall 2022, include the Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Health Administration, and Master of Public Administration.
Quick Path to Completion
The University of La Verne offers nine online undergraduate programs. They include child development, nursing, public and business administration, information technology and organizational management, criminal justice and criminology, and educational studies. For those with previous education, on-the-job training, and military experience, the university accepts up to 88 transfer credits toward a degree.
Affordability
An online program can often be a more affordable and flexible alternative to an in-person degree, especially for those juggling a job or family responsibilities.
The University of La Verne recognizes the financial challenges current and prospective students might face. In addition to assistance with navigating financial aid options, the university offers financial literacy resources and workshops as well as military discounts. It also partners with more than 100 corporations and government agencies that may subsidize tuition.
Reputation
For the tenth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has listed the University of
La Verne in its Best Online Programs Rankings. For 2023, the university held rankings in the following four categories:
• Best Online Bachelor’s Program
• Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Program
• Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans
• Best Online MBA (Master of Business Administration) Program
“These rankings are a testament of the solid online education program that the University of La Verne has built over the past 23 years and continues to evolve to meet the needs of all our students, including those in the military and veterans,” said Kerop Janoyan, University of La Verne’s provost and vice president for academic affairs. “It is also indicative of our exceptional faculty and staff and their ability to make virtual connections as well as our commitment to providing an online educational experience that produces individuals ready for the workforce.”
Best Online Programs rankings factor faculty credentials and training, measures of services offered remotely, available technologies, student engagement and course delivery best practices. In addition to these criteria, master’s degree programs are also ranked based on student excellence. This year, more than 1,800 online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs were evaluated. The University of La Verne was among the top 15 California programs that earned a ranking. It is only one of three to be recognized as the best for veterans.
Learn more by visiting laverne.edu/online.
