Online Student Experience

The only thing virtual about your online experience is the classroom.

Life gets busy. Whether you're raising a family, pursuing your career, or playing an active role in your community, we know you want to keep up with what you love while you take the next step in your career. That's why Saint Mary's online programs are flexible and designed to fit your demanding life.

Find my Program Apply

Study when and where you want.

Meet your coursework deadlines at home, in the coffee shop, or in the park; learn from traditional textbooks, e-textbooks, audiobooks, and a variety of other resources; and enjoy recorded lectures on your schedule, not ours.

Explore Programs

77%

of students say online learning is equal to or better than learning on campus¹

70%

of online graduate students are also employed full-time

63%

of online students say online learning works best for their current work/life responsibilities

33.1%

of all students are taking at least one course online.

77%

of students say online learning is equal to or better than learning on campus¹

70%

of online graduate students are also employed full-time

63%

of online students say online learning works best for their current work/life responsibilities

33.1%

of all students are taking at least one course online.

Online Learning Myths

MYTH #1: Online Education is Limiting.

TRUTH: Online learning in its infancy may have only offered degrees in select areas of expertise, but as the modality has grown, the opportunities for learning have greatly expanded. From Project Management to Health and Human Services to Business and Accounting, Saint Mary’s offers advanced degrees in these areas and more.

MYTH #2: It’s Isolating to Learn Online.

TRUTH: You don’t have to stay at home alone. Many online students work from coffee shops, libraries and other shared work spaces — all environments that offer plenty of social interaction. Plus, online courses at Saint Mary’s build in discussion and collaboration with other students, and you can team up with a study buddy for meetings in person if your schedule allows. Bottom line: You won’t be alone in your online journey.

MYTH #3: Online Learning is Less In-Depth Than On-Campus Learning.

TRUTH: As an online student, you get the same robust curriculum and instructors as students on campus, and you’ll absorb the material in familiar settings on a timeline that fits your life. Our coursework provides a high-level education within an easy-to-use online portal that’s engaging, innovative, and just as rigorous as learning in person.

MYTH #4: You’ll Have Less Access to Faculty Than an On-Campus Learner.

TRUTH: We’re proud of our nationally recognized, attentive instructors who ensure all students get the attention and resources needed to succeed. Our instructors are well trained in the online modality and will support you from your first day to graduation day. Just like on-campus students, you’ll have access to (virtual) office hours, on-campus meetings and more.

MYTH #5: Only Part-Time or Out-Of-State Students Study Online.

TRUTH: We’ve designed our programs for students with a range of needs, from part-time to full-time. A key benefit to learning online is flexibility — the ability to craft your own schedule and fit learning into your own lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy professional who lives five blocks from campus or a full-time student living out of state, we’re here with an educational platform that meets your needs.

MYTH #6: My Degree Will Have Less Credibility.

TRUTH: At Saint Mary’s, you’ll earn a degree from a university acclaimed by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Our online programs offer the same prestige and respect as our traditional degrees; the only difference is the way you’re taking your courses.

Career Services

Career Services can assist with any phase of career development:

Career Exploration & Self-Assessments – Tools to discover interests and strengths
Resume & Cover Letter Support – Templates and expert guidance
Interview Preparation – Practice and strategy development
Job & Internship Search – Handshake and career resources
Networking & Mentorship – Events and professional connections
Graduate School Guidance – Application and essay support
Job Offer Evaluation & Negotiation – Decision and negotiation tools

1. Best Colleges (2019). 2019 Online Education Trends Report. Retrieved from https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/v1556050834/BestColleges.com/edutrends/2019-Online-Trends-in-Education-Report-BestColleges.pdf

2. Aslanian, C., Clinefelter, D., Magda, A. (June 2019). Online College Students: Comprehensive Data on Demands and Preferences. Retrieved from https://www.learninghouse.com/knowledge-center/research-reports/ocs2019-research-report/

3. Lederman, D. (November 2018). Online Education Ascends. Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved from https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2018/11/07/new-data-online-enrollments-grow-and-share-overall-enrollment