2023 Best Online Colleges in Virginia

Liberty University (LU) is a private, Christian university with its main campus in Lynchburg, VA. LU's curricula place a heavy emphasis on Christ-based learning with general education requirements that feature studies in Christianity. It offers more than 600 online programs, ranging from dual enrollment programs for high school students up to doctoral degrees, and every level in between. For bachelor's degrees, students can explore Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and Psychology, among dozens of other subjects. In order to get an idea of their master's degree offerings, here are three examples: a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a Master of Public Health, and a Master’s in Education.

Classes are generally eight weeks long and students can participate in them through the Canvas learning management system (LMS). There are no set login times, allowing students to complete classwork on their own time. Students have access to a variety of academic support services such as digital libraries, IT help, a writing center, tutoring, and wellness resources.

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research institution situated in Norfolk, VA. ODUGlobal, as their online department is known, features over 120 online academic offerings. Degrees can be found from the certificate level up to the doctorate level, with several certificate, endorsement, and minor options as well. For students interested in an undergraduate program, ODU offers bachelor's of arts and science degrees in subjects such as fashion merchandising, geography, and political science. Master's degrees feature more advanced areas of study, such as engineering and several areas of nursing, like the Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

ODU uses Canvas as the school's online LMS. Along with LMS support, students can take advantage of complimentary software (LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Office 365, G Suite for Education, etc.), 24/7 technical support, and career development services.

Regent University Online (RU) is a private, Christian institution in Virginia Beach, VA. Their online programs feature over 150 subjects, such as cybersecurity, healthcare, government, and ministry. As a religious university, Christian studies are emphasized as the framework for many degrees, including its Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies – Journalism and Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, among others. Associate, bachelor's, master's, certificates, and doctoral programs are available in an array of study areas.

Coursework is delivered through Canvas during eight-week course sessions. Students who are accepted into an online program at RU will have access to academic advisors, success coaches, online writing labs, IT support and help desk, online chapel services, and military resources advisors.

George Mason University (GMU) is a public research university that's headquartered in Fairfax, VA. Students can take online courses at GMU 100% online or in a hybrid format that includes face-to-face meetings on campus. Courses may have synchronous or asynchronous formats. Overall, there are more than 50 programs that are fully or partially remote, which fall under areas of study such as business management, social science, math, and engineering. More specifically, there are 100% online programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Master of Arts in Economics. Several advanced options meet nursing requirements, like the Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner or the Nursing RN to BSN and Co-enrollment Programs.

Blackboard is the primary LMS for online students at GMU. The school also offers internship placement during the course of any given program, allowing online students to gain hands-on experience while they study. Tutoring and counseling services are also available.

Bluefield University (BU) is a private, Christian college located in its namesake city on the western side of Virginia. There are 16 online degree programs to choose from, most of which are at the bachelor's level. Examples include a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. Additionally, there are advanced-level degrees, such as a Master of Arts in Education - Curriculum and Instruction and a Master of Science in Nursing. All online courses last eight weeks and are delivered through the Canvas LMS. There is an abundance of accessible resources for online students, including academic coaching, disability services, math and writing labs, testing services, and tutoring. Plus, each student receives a personal success coach to assist them with organizing their schedules and setting academic goals.