Distance Learning Opportunities Available in the Montana University System

Montanans don’t have to leave their homes in order take courses offered in the Montana University System. Each semester more than 500 online courses are made available from campuses throughout the University System. This fall semester is no exception.

Whether you are a current student looking to expand your schedule or a stay-at-home mom seeking to continue your education, there is something for you. Easy access to all of the online courses offered in the University System can found at one website: http://www.mus.edu/online.

“Distance education is a great way for Montanans to save on the cost of education,” said Governor Brain Schweitzer. “With gas as expensive as it is, we need to be looking for opportunities to make higher education more accessible and affordable. This new website makes it a lot easier to find the online courses at campuses spread throughout the state, regardless of where you live,” stated Governor Schweitzer.

The University System released today an ad campaign directed at small, rural communities that may not have direct access to higher education facilities. Programs and courses in fields such as health care information systems, business administration, and water resources are highlighted in the ad set to run across the state. In addition, the ad highlights the fact that students can complete general education requirements and transfer degrees completely online.

Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns points out, “More than 50 degrees options are available to students, ranging from 100% delivery online to about 80% online.” Stearns identifies distance learning as one of the fastest growing sectors of higher education throughout Montana as well as the entire nation. “The Montana University System now enrolls over 6,000 students in distance education courses each semester. These are high quality courses taught by some the University System’s best professors,” said Stearns.