Online education was not a new idea, but the scale and scope of what it could achieve may not have fully been realized when the Board of Governors for the Colorado State University System pioneered a new vision for a completely online, independent university in late 2007. As a state university system with ground campuses in Fort Collins and Pueblo, trailblazing with such plans was an especially risky endeavor. But the Board’s vision and conviction remained unwavering, and they created a university with both the innovation and flexibility of for-profit institutions and the quality and academic standards of a public university within the renowned CSU System.
That university is Colorado State University-Global Campus. Ranked as a top online university by the Online Education Database, CSU‑Global’s success can be attributed to its innovative design and continual advancements in key areas related to its students. The mission of CSU‑Global differs from other universities that offer online courses because it was specifically designed for adult learners and working professionals. Its degree programs are all based in the development of practical knowledge and leadership skills that can help students advance their careers through education.
Courses are designed and built exclusively for the online learning platform, making the curriculum more engaging and interactive than traditional classroom lessons simply placed into a virtual space. Faculty are specially trained to teach and mentor in the online environment and are equipped to communicate with students from anywhere in the world.
“CSU-Global has a recognizable name with strong credentials,” stated Amy Stanton, a recent graduate from the Bachelor of Science in Business Management program. “I was a working mom who wanted to finish my education. My time was limited but my drive was strong. This program worked well for my busy schedule.”
Stanton is one of the many students who benefit from the online format of CSU‑Global’s degree programs and courses with no set class times or locations. The structure of the CSU-Global coursework includes discussion posts and other written assignments due Sunday nights throughout an 8-week class. Students can work during their lunch break, children’s nap times, Saturday mornings, or any other times that are most convenient for them.
“I had the opportunity to finish my degree without stopping my life…which helped me succeed in my profession. I am now an insurance agency owner who feels I can manage my family and career,” Stanton said with pride.
CSU-Global President, Dr. Becky Takeda-Tinker, agrees that CSU‑Global’s fully online learning platform is one of the many reasons why the university has grown so quickly, “Earning a degree is a significant and worthy aspiration,” she said, “but our students know that education is only part of their overall life goals. At CSU‑Global our students can find the time to excel in class as well as in their personal and professional lives.”
CSU-Global students receive one-on-one advisor support from admission to graduation with the ultimate goal of making sure they can complete their degree or other learning goals. CSU-Global’s fixed tuition rate ensures that the cost of obtaining a degree won’t go up, and allows incoming students to budget for educational expenses in advance. Maximizing transfer credits from previous colleges attended, identifying alternate ways to secure credit, and the accelerated 8-week courses helps adult students finish their degree as efficiently as possible. A full scale Career Center is also available to all students and alumni to help increase their earning potential and help businesses find highly motivated and talented employees.
“We are truly driven by our student’s success,” continued Dr. Takeda-Tinker. “Our hard working faculty and staff are inspired daily by their accomplishments. Our students are the real secret to all of our success as a university.”
