George Mason University was featured in an article from Inside Higher Ed for being one of the “biggest movers” for online education in 2018, according to recently released data from the federal Education Department.
According to the data of postsecondary enrollment, 12,753 students enrolled online, with 2,164 of that number taking every class online. This is up 25% from the previous year’s number of students enrolled online.
“Our faculty deserves the credit,” said Michelle Marks, vice president for academic innovation and new ventures. “Over the last few years, so many of our faculty have learned how to teach effectively online, and as a result, we have more classes and programs online, and more and more demand for these courses.”
From 2015 to 2018, Mason saw a 61.4% increase in online enrollment.
Mason offered a wide variety of online degree programs such as Health Administration, Computer Game Design and Management, in addition to hybrid—both online and in-person— degrees. The university’s online learning programs in information technology, non-MBA business, education and engineering have been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the last year.
Mason is also co-founder of the Online Virginia Network, which makes it easier for students to resume their education. Mason’s partnership with Wiley Education Services allows the university to expand its online classes and programs for graduate students.
Currently, 8 out of 10 undergraduate students at Mason take at least one online course.
“Expanding our online presence is the right move for Mason,” said Marks. “There is definitely an urgency here. Our students are wanting more online options and our region is counting on us to provide educational access for our diverse student population. We've made some big moves in the online space and we still have more to do. It’s not like online is the future. Online is now.”