U.S. News and World Report ranked Colorado State University, based in Fort Collins, Colo., 124th overall for best higher education institution in the U.S. The university's Continuing Education department offers non-traditional students opportunities for degree completion programs, certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees.
Non-Traditional Students at Colorado State University
According to Jeanna Nixon, the director of marketing and engagement for the CSU Continuing Education department, "Last year, we had 5,498 students enrolled in credit courses and 1,306 enrolled in non-credit courses. We have a wide variety of programs, ranging from agriculture to education to engineering, and our students are studying many different topics. Our largest group of students is enrolled in courses in our 'Business, Leadership, and Management' topic area."
The typical student in the Continuing Education programs at CSU is "a working adult who seeks access to non-traditional education in order to fulfill their educational goals while maintaining their work and personal commitments," says Nixon.
Students like Tracy Kelley meet this definition; Kelly went back to college at 33 and finished her bachelor's degree at Colorado State University, going on to the University of Northern Colorado to finish a master's degree in education.
Colorado State University Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program
CSU offers an array of distance education courses for e-learning, and a well-developed Undergraduate Degree Completion Program. Students with college credits from community colleges or other schools can transfer those credits and work toward completing an online bachelor's degree in one of four areas:
- Agricultural Business
- Fire and Safety Administration
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Liberal Arts
Prospective students can schedule an appointment with an academic adviser to learn more about transcript evaluation and placement.
Distance Education and E-learning with Colorado State University Online
Nixon notes that students can combine e-learning and on-campus coursework, as the CSU Continuing Education department offers programs that are "flexible, convenient, online and at several learning centers along Colorado's Front Range to meet the needs of students who cannot or choose not to attend classes on the campus in Fort Collins.
"All of our programs provide CSU quality and value -- the same degrees, the same world-class instruction, and the same academic excellence -- through online and distance learning and off-campus classroom instruction."
To learn more about enrollment, visit the Colorado State University online portal or call to speak to an adviser at 877-491-4336.