VSU Once Again Ranked for Exceptional Online Education in Georgia

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University is one of the Best Online Colleges in Georgia for 2015-2016, according to TheBestSchools.org and AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

To determine its Top 10 Best Online Colleges in Georgia rankings, TheBestSchools.org analyzed data from colleges and universities across the Peach State with online degrees at the undergraduate and/or graduate level. VSU came in at No. 5, based on the quality of its programs, the types of courses and degrees offered, the strength of its faculty, as well as its awards, rankings, and reputation. 

AffordableCollegesOnline.org’s goal centered on determining which colleges and universities in Georgia offer the most notable balances of academic rigor, student support, and affordability for online learning. VSU came in at No. 15 on its list of the Top 22 Best Online Colleges in Georgia. 

“We wanted to highlight the schools in each state that are driving innovative learning and meeting demands of students,” said Dan Schuessler, chief executive officer and founder of AffordableCollegesOnline.org.

Earlier this year, Accredited Schools Online ranked VSU at No. 17 on its list of the Top 24 Best Online Schools in Georgia.  

“Online programs and courses are an area of consistent growth for VSU,” said Meg H. Giddings, director of VSU’s Office of Extended Learning. “Our programs integrate the flexibility of online programs with exceptional and student-focused faculty and support. From the post-traditional student who balances a job, children, and a spouse and is looking for fully online learning opportunities to the on-campus student customizing their student experience by integrating online and in-seat courses in a term, online programs and courses are making a customized learning opportunity a reality for many VSU students. Ultimately our graduates earn a degree from a traditional institution that they know and trust.”

VSU offers more than 40 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees; endorsements; certificates; and minors online. Beginning this fall, the university will add a new one to the list — a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and religious studies.  

Undergraduate students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice, French language and literature, legal assistant studies, or Spanish language and literature; a Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance; a Bachelor of Business Administration in management; a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology or organizational leadership.

Graduate students can pursue a Master of Education in adult and career education, curriculum and instruction in accomplished teaching, early childhood education, health and physical education, instructional technology, or middle grades math and science; an Education Specialist in coaching pedagogy, educational leadership, instructional technology, school counseling, or teacher leadership; a Master of Science in criminal justice; a Master of Arts in English studies for language arts teachers; a Master of Science in Nursing in family psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner; a Master of Business Administration in health care administration or through the Georgia WebMBA initiative; a Doctor of Education in leadership; a Master of Library and Information Science; a Master of Public Administration or Doctor of Public Administration; a Master of Arts in Teaching in special education adapted curriculum or special education general curriculum

VSU also offers an endorsement in English to speakers of other languages, online teaching, reading, or gifted in-field; a certificate in European Union studies, online teaching, performance-based leadership, Spanish for professionals, teaching English to speakers of other languages, or library media; a minor in French language and literature or Spanish language and literature; and more.  

Some of VSU’s online programs are offered through eMajor, a statewide initiative that allows colleges and universities within the University System of Georgia to collaborate on in-demand degree programs and offer them in an accelerated online format to students at their respective institutions.

TheBestSchools.org is a leading resource for prospective students seeking a college or university degree. Its aim is to help students gain the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to achieve personal happiness and career success.

Founded in 2011, AffordableCollegesOnline.org strives to provide quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. Its free community resource materials and tools span such topics as financial aid and college savings, opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities, and online learning resources. It highlights colleges and universities that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success.

Call the Office of Extended Learning at (229) 245-6490 to learn more about online education opportunities available at VSU.

On the Web:

https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/extended-learning/

http://www.thebestschools.org

http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Goal 4: Foster an environment of creativity and scholarship.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.