Online Schools: Alabama

Over the years Alabama has proven itself to be more than just the Heart of Dixie. It has also been at the heart of generations of cutting edge developments in education, politics, and technology since the end of World War II. As the 22nd state to enter the Union in 1819, much of the history of the United States has passed through Alabama, from the Civil War to the evolution of Civil Rights. Presently, Redstone Arsenal and Maxwell Air Force Base are among the biggest employers in the state, leading the way in military, space, and defense technology.

Online schools in Alabama aren’t hard to come by, and with over 80 brick and mortar colleges within its borders that produced over 77,000 graduates in 2010, the state’s higher education platform is quite robust. The University of Alabama offers distance learning options for some degrees, and one in particular that sticks out (because of its method of delivery) is the Human Nutrition graduate program. This 30 semester-hour Master of Science curriculum prepares students to function in health science professions with classes like Nutrition in the Life Cycle, Biostatistics, Nutritional Epidemiology, and Advanced Clinical Nutrition. The university claims that “most of the courses are available either online or on DVD” – and instructor support is available wherever it is needed.

The University of Alabama is by far one of the state’s most superior in terms of distance learning, and its online school has programs available in library studies, educational leadership, criminal justice, business administration, early childhood education, and even a Doctor of Nursing program available entirely online (it is, however, a joint program offered by the University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing, the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Nursing, and the University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing).

As is the trend in many other places in the country, Alabama’s online schools—whether connected with a major university or not—are beginning to offer the same benefits to distance students that regular enrollees receive. There are over 50 accredited colleges in the state (a mesh of private and public), and as the idea of distance learning continues to spread more and more of these institutions will begin creating programs that cater to a new generation of independent learners.

Alabama is an ideal place for a student to learn medicine or nursing, especially with high-level programs offered entirely online for the latter. Hopefully with the help of this directory of online schools, Alabama residents interested in continuing or expanding their education can make an informed first decision that is tailored to meet their needs.

• Colleges & Universities