Interest in Colorado State University’s online programs is growing both nationally and internationally. This is evidenced by the fact that more than half of those graduating from online programs this week live outside of Colorado’s state lines.

Some soon-to-be CSU alumni studied online from as far away as:

• Brazil
• China
• Canada
• Ireland
• New Zealand and
• Saudi Arabia.

“The fact that so many students living all over the nation and the world want to earn a degree from CSU is a testament to the quality of the education we offer,” said Associate Provost for Instructional Innovation Mike Palmquist. “And the fact that all of these people can have access to our programs demonstrates the powerful role that instructional technology continues to play at our institution.”

Traveling thousands of miles

A number of the graduates will walk in commencement ceremonies this weekend, and for some it will be the first time they set foot on campus. Graduates from China, Canada, Alaska, and New York are traveling thousands of miles to attend.

“It’s gratifying to see so many of our students come to campus and celebrate their achievement with family and friends,” Palmquist said. “They’ve told us that they feel strongly connected to CSU and our faculty, even though they didn’t attend classes on campus.”

In addition to commencement ceremonies, online and distance students are invited to attend a graduation brunch sponsored by CSU Online at the Lory Student Center. “Our graduation brunch is a chance to celebrate the success of students we’ve worked with for years, but in many cases have never met in person,” Palmquist said, “We particularly enjoy the chance to show off our beautiful campus to our newest graduates.”

80 degree, certificate, and training programs

CSU offers more than 80 degree, certificate, and training programs online or at other locations around Colorado. This spring, graduates will earn degrees from 35 of those programs, including master’s degrees in tourism management, education, natural resources, and business, and bachelor’s degrees in psychology, anthropology, fire and emergency services administration, agricultural business, liberal arts, and human development and family studies.