Colleges in California

CSUF offers online coursework in three different formats: hybridized, fully online or “web-enhanced.” The hybrid option consists primarily of online classes with supplemental, on-campus seminars, while the web-enhanced program consists of face-to-face learning through an online learning management system.

Distance learners can earn a variety of associate degrees and certificates in subjects such as accounting, interdisciplinary studies, advertising, and graphic design. Transfer students must have earned a minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 credit hours of coursework from another accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered. However, some programs must be completed entirely at CSUF; this list details all of the programs that are available for transfer students. CSUF is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

USF is one of many online colleges in California that promotes Jesuit values of diversity, social justice, accountability and integrity in each of its degree programs. At this time, USF only accepts online applications from California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas and Hawaii. Distance learners have several online programs to choose from, including master's degrees in public administration, public health, and nursing.

Students can enroll in online classes during the spring, fall, and summer terms. Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. While each online programs has slightly different admissions requirements, all applicants must have earned a high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered. Transfer students from other accredited institutions are also welcome, as long as they have earned all transferable credits with a minimum GPA of 2.0. USF is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Simpson offers online courses on a Monday through Sunday schedule in five-week sessions. Like other online colleges in California, Simpson offers courses entirely online that do not include residency requirements. The school offers a variety of distance learning programs, including BAs in psychology and organizational leadership, as well as MAs in organizational leadership, ministry leadership, education, and divinity. Many of these programs are offered in a hybrid format, providing students with the option of enrolling in some on-campus courses.

All online courses are delivered in a cohort style, with students moving through the duration of their program with the same peers. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Simpson is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUC is one of the top online colleges in California, consistently receiving positive rankings by U.S. News and World Report as one of the best public universities in the U.S. at the master's level. The school offers more than 100 undergraduate degrees and maintains one of the highest graduation rates in the CSU system. Courses are delivered entirely online and include no residency requirements.

While all coursework can be completed online, students may have to log in at specific times to attend video streams of on-campus lectures. They also have the option of enrolling in a hybrid format, which allows them to attend on-campus classes if desired. Applications are accepted throughout the year, with sessions beginning in the spring, summer, and winter terms. CSUC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Vanguard prides itself on being the first four-year college in Orange County, having been founded over 100 years ago and boasting an alumni network of over 25,000. Like other online schools in California, courses can be completed online or in a hybrid format; those who enroll in a hybrid program can attend regularly-scheduled classes or opt for night classes. These online and evening courses are offered at an accelerated pace, allowing students to earn their degree in almost half the time of a traditional program. Vanguard offers a wide variety of distance learning programs, including a BA in political history, a BS in kinesiology, an MS in clinical psychology, and an RN certification in nursing. Vanguard is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

TUW was founded in 1970 as the first university in the world to offer a regionally accredited doctorate program with no residency requirements. The school offers a variety of degrees at all levels through its School of Business and Management, School of Psychology, School of Health and Human Services, and the School of General Studies.

Like other online colleges in California, distance learning courses at TUW are delivered through the school's online platform and have no residency requirements. All online students at TUW pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered. TUW is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools.

MSMU is one of the best online schools in California, consistently ranking as one of the top universities in the west by U.S. News and World Report. While MSMU accepts distance learners from most U.S. states, prospective students should check the school's state authorization page before applying. Online students can pursue a degree on a variety of different subjects, including business administration, creative writing, criminology, and gerontology.

Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Transfer students are welcome from other four-year, accredited institutions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and classes begin every eight weeks. MSMU is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools.

FPU is a private Christian college that offers biblical coursework in each of its degrees. Like many other online colleges in California, courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Students can earn a Mennonite Brethren studies certification or a master's degree in one of the following subjects: adapted physical education, kinesiology, or teacher librarian studies. Transfer students may also want to enroll in the one of the school's degree completion programs on business management, computer information systems, or organizational leadership. Transfer students from any other accredited institution are welcome to apply. FPU is accredited by the Western Association of Colleges and Schools. In fact, it is the only accredited Christian school in the Valley.

La Sierra's College of Education has offered online master's degrees for the past ten years, offering programs that allow students to concurrently earn a teaching credential. Like many other online colleges in California, La Sierra offers many courses entirely online. However, some programs include some on-campus requirements. The majority of coursework is delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. There is also the option to enroll in synchronous courses, which are ideal for students who want to interact directly with faculty and students in real-time.

Sessions at La Sierra begin each quarter, with applications accepted throughout the year. However, since the school maintains low class sizes, students should apply early to ensure that they are accepted for their desired start date. The school offers several scholarships to Pacific Union educators, school district educators, and North American Divisions educators. La Sierra is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSU East Bay offers a number of bachelor's degree completion programs on subjects like business administration, ethnic studies, and human development. There are also master's programs on subjects like recreation and tourism, healthcare administration, and educational leadership. Both bachelor's degree completion programs and master's degrees can be completed in just two years of full-time study.

Courses are offered quarterly, with each class lasting 11 weeks. Like other online schools in California, courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Students also have the option to complete courses in a hybrid format. CSU East Bay is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUN was founded in 1958 as the Valley satellite campus of Cal State Los Angeles. The school eventually changed its name in 1972 and joined the California State University system. CSUN offers an online BA in public administration with a concentration in general public sector management, as well as master's degrees in fields such as industrial management and engineering, public health, and rehabilitation sciences. The school also offers certification programs in health professions and health sciences.

Students can begin online classes in the spring and fall terms. Applications are accepted during two pre-determined periods that vary from year to year. All online students at CSUN pay the same tuition rate, regardless of residency. CSUN is accredited by the Washington Association of Colleges and Schools.

LPC is a private Christian college that was founded in 1923 as Echo Park Evangelistic and Missionary Training Institute. Unlike many online schools in California, LPC includes required coursework in biblical studies in each of its degrees. Educators at LPC are not only experts in their field, but are also members of the church who are dedicated to spreading Christian principles to students in all fields.

The school offers bachelor's degrees in biblical studies, business administration, human development, and other subjects. Students can also pursue graduate degrees in ministry leadership, as well as a variety of degree completion programs that are ideal for transfer students. Classes are offered both asynchronously and in a hybrid format. LPC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUSB offers a wide range of online master's degrees on subjects like teacher leadership, business administration, criminal justice, and public administration. Distance learners can also earn a bachelor's in criminal justice as a degree completion program. Many programs, like the RN certification, are offered in a hybrid format that includes a lab requirement. There are also several online programs that include an on-campus culminating experience at the conclusion of the degree. Students can also enroll in video courses that are broadcast through two-way audio and video technology at one or more states in the CSU system. Courses are delivered asynchronously online, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. CSUSB is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUCI was established in 2002 and is one of the youngest online colleges in California. The school's academic programs emphasize four pillars of the educational experience: international curricula, integrative learning, multicultural experiences, and community engagement. CSUCI offers three fully online programs: a BS in business, an EdD in educational leadership, and an EdD in educational leadership with a concentration in community college.

All online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Applications are accepted each fall, winter, spring and summer for both transfer and freshman students. Transfer students must be coming from another accredited institution to be considered. CSUCI is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

SDCC is one of the top online schools in California, ranking at #11 on the U.S News and World Report list of best regional colleges in the west in September 2017. The school offers an associate degree in liberal studies and bachelor's degrees in a number of fields, such as leadership and justice, human development, and Christian ministries.

Online classes are taught by the same instructors as on-campus courses and are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. High school students living in California can apply to SDCC's dual enrollment program to begin earning college credits prior to finishing high school. Applicants must have a high school diploma or be transferring from another accredited institution to be considered. SDCC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

NU is a private, nonprofit university that was founded in 1971 in La Jolla. The school offers a variety of distance learning programs, including a variety of associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. These degrees cover a variety of subjects, such as creative writing, alcohol and drug abuse counseling, business, and engineering technology. There is also an extensive list of minors that students can add to their degree.

Like other online colleges in California, courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. Students also have the option of tuning in to live lectures via video streaming and participating in real-time discussions. NU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

CSUS is one of the top online schools in California, located in the state's capitol city. Given its location in the state capitol, CSUS offers an online accounting degree that prepare students for careers in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. Students can also earn a BS in career and technical studies that is offered in a hybrid format. These programs do not include any on-campus requirements.

CSUS's online courses are offered in collaboration with Sacramento State's College of Continuing Education. All online classes are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. CSUS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

HSU is one of the best online colleges in California thanks in part to its long-standing reputation as a leader in environmental and social responsibility education. The school offers an online bachelor’s degree completion program in interdisciplinary leadership studies, an MA in applied anthropology, and an MSW in social work.

Distance learners can also complete certification programs on topics like exercise nutrition, ecology and sustainable tourism management, and faculty preparation. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. HSU's online classes have an enrollment cap that is the same as on-campus courses, which allows the school to maintain small class sizes. Transfer applicants must have already completed a minimum of 60 credits of coursework at another accredited institution to be considered. HSU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

BU is widely recognized as one of the best online schools in California. In fact, U.S. News and World Report has ranked them as a top school for the past five years in a row. The school offers a variety of online bachelor’s degrees and certification programs on subjects like criminal justice, integrated social sciences, paralegal studies, and more. BU also offers online master's degrees in business, education, and nursing. Distance learners have access to all course materials, including lectures, notes, homework, and discussion boards 24/7. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and session begin throughout the year. BU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

GGU offers a variety of distance learning programs in four formats: entirely online, mixed mode, blended, and web-enhanced. The mixed mode format consists of online courses that require one weekly meeting on-campus. Blended programs include intensive, eight-week courses that combine at least one weekly meeting with online classwork, while the web-enhanced program consists of primarily in-class coursework that is supplemented by online study materials.

The school offers degrees and certificate programs on several different subjects, including accounting, business analytics, project management, and public administration. These online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on-campus courses and are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete coursework at their own pace. GGU is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Based in northern Santa Barbara County, Allan Hancock College serves close to 12,000 students each semester through its four campus locations and online branch. With close to 40 hybrid and online certificates and degrees, the college is recognized as a leader among online community colleges in California. Notable distance learning programs include agribusiness and speech communication. Students can also enroll in the wine business program, 72% of which can be completed online. Most of Allan Hancock's online courses are not self-paced. Students must meet deadlines set by their instructors. According to the school, online learners should commit 6-9 hours every week to each course. Allan Hancock delivers online courses through Canvas.

Known as the oldest community college in Los Angeles County, Citrus College was established more than 100 years ago. Unlike many online community colleges in California, the school hosts a football team and a stadium. Citrus students can choose from more than 100 associate degrees and certificates, 11 of which are available online. On-campus students can choose from a wide range of online classes to take alongside their traditional courses. The school offers several online transfer degrees, including the associate degree for transfer in administration of justice. Distance learners can access online tutoring and academic advising. Out-of-state students cannot currently enroll in Citrus' online programs.

Founded in 1916, Riverside City College has become one of the most well-known online community colleges in California. Each semester, approximately 20,000 students enroll in Riverside's associate, transfer, and certificate programs. The school offers degrees and certificates in approximately 70 disciplines, including air conditioning, paralegal studies, Italian, film, philosophy, and oceanography. Through the Riverside distance education department, students can enroll in hybrid and fully online programs. Hybrid students may attend courses on any of the three community college locations in the district. Students can access online course materials and lectures through Blackboard.

Accredited in 2010, Norco College is the newest addition to the California community college system. Since its inception, Norco has cultivated a reputation as an innovator and a pioneer among online community colleges in California. Norco is the only state community college with programs in game development and commercial music. The college also allows students to earn a high school diploma while working towards a college degree. Norco encourages its 13,000 students to take advantage of the Riverside Community College District's joint online education programs, which are available in fully online, hybrid, and web-enhanced formats. The school offers more than 60 programs of study.

A pioneer in online education, Coastline Community College has offered distance learning courses for close to 30 years. Today, students can earn online certificates and degrees in 27 fields of study, including digital media design, gerontology, and real estate. The school offers online classes in several different formats. Some courses are entirely self-paced with pre-recorded video lectures. Other courses follow a predetermined schedule and include real-time class meetings. Coastline maintains campuses in Fountain Valley, Westminster, Garden Grove, and Newport Beach. The college allows out-of-state active military personnel to pay in-state tuition for online degrees.

Part of the Los Rios Community College district, American River College was founded in 1955. With more than 30,000 students, the school is one of the largest online community colleges in California. ARC offers dozens of programs in a fully online format. Notable options include an interdisciplinary degree in history of the creative arts and an interdisciplinary degree in the individual and society. ARC delivers online courses through Canvas. The school encourages prospective students to take advantage of a free two-hour sample class to see if online learning is right for them. Out-of-state students cannot currently enroll in ARC's online courses.

Cabrillo College has expanded significantly since its early days operating out of an abandoned high school. The school now offers courses through two campus locations and its student population has increased to 17,000 students. Online students gain access to programs across in five major disciplines. Cabrillo prides itself on its extensive student resources, including online tutoring. Cabrillo ranks as one of the top online community colleges in California due to its honors transfer program. The school is a member of the UCLA Transfer Alliance Program, which allows students with a 3.4 GPA to gain priority admission to UCLA's College of Letters and Sciences.

Palomar College is located in San Marcos, just north of San Diego. Around 30,000 students attend the college. With 200 programs of study, Palomar College maintains its reputation as one of the most comprehensive online community colleges in California. The unique online certificate in American-Indian studies examines topics in native history, government, language, and literature. Many of Palomar's online courses are self-paced. Some distance learning classes require students to attend on-campus orientations, exams, and events. Palomar also operates a center in Escondido and four satellite locations. The school offers an extraordinarily low tuition rate for in-state students.

Founded in 1975, Lake Tahoe Community College first held classes in an abandoned motel. Since its humble beginnings, the school has grown to offer a wide range of associate, vocational, and transfer programs. LTCC operates on a quarter system. Its 10 fully online programs include associate degrees in anthropology and criminal justice, as well as certificates in bookkeeping and accounting. LTCC is one of the best online community colleges in California for students who wish to continue on to four-year colleges. The college maintains transfer agreements with UC Davis and UC Irvine, as well as several other schools in the University of California system.

Santa Barbara City College was founded in 1909. In 2013, the college was recognized as a leader among online community colleges in California when it won the Aspen Institute Prize for Community College Excellence. The award assessed SBCC across multiple categories, including learning outcomes, career preparation, and degree completion rates. SBCC offers more than 20 associate and certificate programs in fields such as technical writing, cancer information management, and international business. The school prides itself on the flexibility of its online courses and many classes follow a self-paced format. SBCC provides access to virtual college fairs and live chats with admissions counselors.