The Office of Digital Education is working to bring Vanderbilt’s best-in-class education to a larger online audience than ever before with the launch of Vanderbilt Online.
Vanderbilt Online is a centralized portfolio of the university’s digital education offerings, including online and hybrid degree programs, certificates, boot camps, micro-credentials and continuing education courses. Together, the comprehensive offerings empower all types of learners to pursue lifelong learning at Vanderbilt.
“Vanderbilt is committed to building the most engaging, intellectually vibrant and empowering online and hybrid learning programs in all of higher education,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs C. Cybele Raver.
“Vanderbilt Online is the pathbreaking approach we’re pursuing to achieve this goal. It provides students at every stage of their careers with a powerhouse means of engaging our world-class learning experience from anywhere in the world. I am proud of the support the university has put behind this initiative at every step, from Chancellor Diermeier’s leadership to my team’s dedication to the faculty implementing this work in digital classrooms,” she said.
OFFICE OF DIGITAL EDUCATION
Vanderbilt’s Office of the Provost launched the Office of Digital Education in August 2022 with the objective of helping academic units provide a rigorous, high-quality online learning environment that meets the standards of Vanderbilt’s on-campus student experience, which is currently ranked No. 1 in student satisfaction by The Princeton Review.
Like the in-person learning experience, Vanderbilt Online creates opportunities for student discovery, growth and belonging within the Vanderbilt community, regardless of location. With an emphasis on immersion and collaboration, the Vanderbilt Online portfolio positions students to build strong peer, alumni and faculty networks.
“I love the professor-student relationship that we as students get to develop with our professors, despite being online,” said Saad Rajput, an online student earning his master’s degree in engineering management. “I believe this truly sets Vanderbilt’s online degree program apart from other institutions.”
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
In addition to building meaningful connections, Vanderbilt Online learners enjoy flexible scheduling that allows them to achieve personal or professional growth—all from the convenience of a laptop or a mobile phone.
“The flexibility of the online program has enabled me to earn a degree while maintaining my full-time employment,” said Kirra Cruise-Streat, an online Master of Legal Studies student and Vanderbilt staff member. “I do have a family, and the program enables me to maintain balance while flourishing in my role at the Law School.”
The online Master of Legal Studies program has experienced remarkable success; the inaugural MLS cohort exceeded enrollment expectations by welcoming 14 students. The Office of Digital Education will apply what it learns from this pilot program as it expands the Vanderbilt Online portfolio.
“Vanderbilt Online is a daring new approach in a crowded market of online education, in that we provide a best-in-class experience for faculty, as well as our students,” said Tracey George, vice provost for faculty affairs and professional education. “Vanderbilt Online works in lockstep with faculty members to elevate our digital programs’ pedagogy and instructional materials, as well as reach new audiences of learners.”
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
Vanderbilt Online offers current students, staff and faculty a number of opportunities to engage or further their education. Faculty who are interested in adding an existing online or hybrid offering to the Vanderbilt Online portfolio are encouraged to email digitaleducation@vanderbilt.edu.
Faculty interested in developing new online or hybrid programs, certificates or courses for Vanderbilt Online can visit the Office of Digital Education website to express their interest in pursuing a partnership. The Office of Digital Education team offers holistic support services, including program ideation, planning, development and delivery.
Eligible Vanderbilt faculty and staff can enjoy tuition benefits for Vanderbilt Online’s degree offerings. Learn more about available degree programs on the Vanderbilt Online website. Additionally, all Vanderbilt students, faculty and staff are eligible to participate in a large catalog of free non-credit offerings through Coursera for Vanderbilt.
