Online Degree Programs

If you haven't attended courses online you probably have questions about the process. The information here is designed to answer many of those questions so you can decide if an online university is the right choice for you.

What Is An Online Degree?

An online degree is a bachelor's or master's degree earned by completing courses over the internet. Online courses can take many forms and span many disciplines. While some online institutions might also include an in-person component, CSU Global's courses are 100% online -- no set class times or locations.

There are many benefits to earning your degree online, the most obvious is flexibility. With no fixed class times or locations, you're are free to pursue your education without putting life on hold. If you have a full-time job, you take care of your family, you want to travel, or do anything else in addition to school, an online university provides the needed flexibility.

Online universities can also be more affordable than traditional brick-and-mortar institutions. Nationally, college tuition increases 8% on average every year, but CSU Global has not increased tuition rates in over ten years.

Additionally, students at CSU Global benefit from our Tuition Guarantee. With the Tuition Guarantee, your affordable tuition rate is guaranteed not to rise from enrollment through graduation. What you see is what you get at CSU Global!

Lastly, we don't charge any student fees or out-of-state premiums at CSU Global. Students aren't burdened with the cost of a traditional campus but do have access to similar student resources.

An online degree might not be a good option for everybody, but it could be the right choice for you.

  • If the traditional learning environment hasn't worked for you in the past, or if you're uncomfortable with the idea of going back to the classroom, an online environment may suit you.
  • If you don't have reliable transportation or don't wish to spend too much time commuting, online access can be a good alternative.
  • If your work and personal life aren't conducive to the requirements of set class times and locations, completing coursework and assignments at your own pace will allow the flexibility you need while you earn your degree.

Regardless of your educational goals, the way that you reach them must fit your individual lifestyle. To help you decide if online is right for you, look at what a sample schedule can look like for an average online student.

In an online university, technology is what connects you to instructors, coursework, and fellow classmates. CSU Global faculty are specially trained to teach in a dynamic, asynchronous learning environment, which gives way to a versatile learning experience.

Students interact with classmates and instructors every week through online discussion boards with comments. Valuable conversations and discussions still occur, but at a pace that works for each individual student. The online format can allow for more thoughtful responses than you might get in a real-time classroom environment.

The majority of courses include critical thinking assignments and exercises, portfolio projects, and required discussion contributions.

Get a feel for the online classroom with this sample coursework and find more information on how online classes work here.

Not all online degrees are the same. That's why it's so important to research a college or university's accreditation prior to enrolling.

Accreditation is awarded to institutes of higher learning by an independent, external group of auditors who confirm that the colleges and universities keep their promises to students.

CSU Global has earned regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Regional accreditation is highly regarded around the world because it is a comprehensive, peer-reviewed process that ensures a consistent standard of quality for higher education institutions. CSU Global is proud to be one of the few regionally accredited online universities.

Another reason accreditation is so important is because employers respect degrees (online or otherwise) from institutions that they recognize positively. An unaccredited degree could be questioned by potential employers or future educational institutions if you want to continue your studies at a different university.

CSU Global is part of the world-renowned CSU System, which means you are earning your degree from an institution employers already know, trust, and recognize.

Every program at CSU Global is offered 100% online, with no fixed class times or locations. We offer the following types of programs:

  • Undergraduate Degrees
  • Graduate Degrees
  • Undergraduate Certificates
  • Graduate Certificates

Use the links above to view complete academic offerings by program, and discover just how versatile an online learning environment can be.

Completing your degree program online can take significantly less time than at a traditional brick-and-mortar campus...or it could take a bit longer. It depends on the particular student's pace and schedule.

CSU Global offers every course, every trimester in accelerated 8-week increments. Students can quickly complete courses when they're ready, rather than having to wait a full semester or trimester for a course to be available.

At CSU Global, time-to-completion also depends on how many transfer credits a student can apply toward their degree. We are committed to accepting as many transfer credits as possible, including community college credits and alternative credit options.

Competency-Based Exams and Prior Learning Assessments can also be used to get credit for your non-collegiate work and/or life experience that proves your proficiency in a certain area of study.

Contact an enrollment counselor to get an estimate of how many of your past credits can transfer to your current degree goals.

Enrolling at CSU Global is easy. Begin the process by reviewing the admission requirements for your program. Once you're able to meet those requirements, request information or apply online and your enrollment counselor will help you the rest of the way.

Of course, you can always contact us directly with any questions or concerns about the process.