Online degrees: 3 universities taking academic excellence virtual

In a decade, the landscape of higher education has flipped on its head. Back in 2012, 75% of college students attended all their classes in person. Fast forward to 2020, and that number plummeted to just 26.6%, with the majority embracing online learning. The COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for this dramatic shift, forcing institutions to redefine what engagement means in the classroom and paving the way for a more flexible, creative approach to education.

What started off as necessary ended up becoming valuable. According to the Online College Students 2022 report, 87% of undergraduate and graduate online students agreed or strongly agreed that online education was worth the cost. This explains the e-learning market’s projected growth rate of 20.5% annually from 2022 to 2030.

This shift has seen universities adapt and innovate like never before, harnessing cutting-edge technology and pioneering new teaching methodologies to offer world-class online degrees. Leading the charge are these standout institutions:

Constructor University

Don’t let Constructor University‘s status as a rising star fool you. It may be ranked among the world’s top 10% of young universities, but it is also Germany’s #1 private research university — known for its internationalism and emphasis on innovation. And today, it is setting a new standard in higher education by making its academic offerings more accessible than ever.

Through its fully accredited online programmes, students can enjoy the flexibility to learn where and when it suits them best, with the added opportunity to change to on-campus learning if suited. Constructor University provides a diverse range of bachelor’s programmes designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required in a fast-paced job market — they cover Industrial Engineering & Management , International Business Administration, and Applied Computer Science. These qualifications are effective pathways to advanced degrees, considering 29% of the university’s graduates pursue further study at top institutions in the US, UK, and across Europe.

For those looking to deepen their expertise, Constructor University offers advanced online master’s programmes curated to meet the demands of various high-growth industries — think Supply Chain Management, Data Engineering Technologies, and Data Science for Society & Business. All programmes blend cutting-edge research with real-world applications, ensuring students get to engage, experience and reflect on their materials as needed to thrive in their future careers.

The best part? Constructor University understands online students require robust support to succeed. This is why each online module is paired with an academic tutor and there’s a career centre that provides individual counselling, helps students navigate career paths, and maximises their professional potential. Constructor University’s connections with the German job market make it all the easier for graduates to secure employment in one of Europe’s most dynamic economies. Learn more about joining the ranks of over 8,000 thriving alumni worldwide.

HEC Paris

Standing among the world’s best business schools, HEC Paris never ceases to innovate, expanding the scope of its online programmes to meet the personal and professional learning goals of individuals worldwide. Each qualification draws on the same high standards of academic excellence and practical relevance that characterise its signature approach to teaching and learning. 

One of HEC Online’s flagship offerings is the Executive MSc in Innovation and Entrepreneurship, delivered in partnership with Coursera. Over a maximum duration of 18 months, this programme helps future and current business leaders successfully implement their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial projects. 

It combines state-of-the-art knowledge, project-based work, and collaborative learning opportunities. Methods include business cases, action-based learning, project management, models and analysis tools, theoretical and practical presentations, group work, interactive exchanges, tutoring, virtual classes, and distance learning. The programme is also structured in shorter, nested phases. Lessons can be attended independently, allowing students to adjust their learning journey according to their personal projects. 

HEC Paris also offers the Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship University Certificate. This qualification is aimed at both young and experienced executives looking to develop an entrepreneurial mindset or spearhead the next big thing. The programme is taught in English and can be completed in just 5 months on Coursera. 

All Stanford Online classes are taught by leading experts and innovators in various fields. Source: Stanford Online/Facebook

Stanford University

Stanford University, a name synonymous with academic excellence, extends its prestigious education through Stanford Online. This platform offers a comprehensive suite of Professional Education, Enterprise Education Programmes, Free Courses, and Graduate Education, catering to diverse professional aspirations and educational goals. Every pathway boasts Stanford content, delivered by Stanford faculty, and leads to Stanford-recognized credentials.

At the postgraduate level, there’s a Biomedical Data Science MS Degree designed to train future research leaders in developing and implementing innovative quantitative and computational methods. This program addresses complex challenges across biology and medicine, attracting applicants with backgrounds in biology, research and clinical medicine, computer science, data science and analytics, statistics, engineering, and related fields.

The Chemical Engineering MS Degree offers a unique opportunity to blend core chemical engineering studies with a diverse range of engineering coursework. Students will delve into fundamental areas such as chemical kinetics, molecular thermodynamics, and biochemical engineering, while also exploring elective courses that align with their personal interests and career goals. 

Meanwhile, the Computer Science MS Degree covers the essential aspects of computer science before offering students the chance to deepen their expertise in specialised areas. While some specialisations require attending in-person classes, the degree can be completed entirely online for specialisations in Artificial Intelligence, Information Management and Analytics, and Systems. 

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International