ASU Online

ASU Online
Name	ASU Online
Established	2006
Type	Public online education
Parent	Arizona State University
Headquarters	Tempe, Arizona
Key people	Phil Regier (founding dean)

ASU Online is the digital learning division of Arizona State University, a major public research institution. Launched to extend the university's reach beyond its physical campuses, it delivers accredited degree programs entirely over the internet. The platform leverages advanced educational technology and comprehensive student services to support a global student body. It represents a core component of the university's charter commitment to accessibility and educational innovation.

History and development

The initiative was formally established in 2006 under the leadership of then-university president Michael M. Crow and founding dean Phil Regier. Its creation was a strategic response to the growing demand for flexible, high-quality online education and aligned with the transformative goals outlined in the ASU Charter. Early development involved partnerships with technology firms and investments in specialized instructional design teams. The platform has since undergone continuous expansion, adding numerous degree programs and serving hundreds of thousands of students from across the United States and internationally.

Academic programs and degrees

The division offers over 300 degree and certificate programs across a wide range of disciplines. These include undergraduate majors and graduate degrees in fields such as business administration, engineering, liberal arts, education, and health sciences. Many programs are developed in collaboration with industry leaders like Salesforce and Google. The curriculum is designed and taught by the same faculty who instruct on the university's physical campuses, including those at Downtown Phoenix and the Polytechnic campus. All conferred degrees are identical to those awarded to campus-based students.

Student support and resources

Comprehensive support services are provided to facilitate student success in a virtual environment. Each student is assigned a dedicated success coach who offers guidance on academic planning and time management. Additional resources include access to the ASU Library's digital collections, online tutoring through University Academic Success Programs, and career advising from the Career and Professional Development Services. Students also have avenues to engage in virtual clubs, Psi Chi honor societies, and networking events to build community.

Technology and learning platform

Instruction is delivered primarily through Canvas, a widely adopted learning management system. Courses incorporate a variety of digital tools and multimedia content, including interactive simulations, video lectures, and collaborative workspaces. The university has invested in adaptive learning technologies through its partnership with Knewton and other platforms to personalize the educational experience. This technological infrastructure is supported by EdPlus, the central unit at Arizona State University dedicated to scaling digital teaching and learning innovations.

Admissions and enrollment

Prospective students follow a standardized application process managed through the university's main admissions office. Requirements typically include submission of official transcripts from previous institutions like high school or community college, and may involve standardized test scores or prerequisite coursework. The student body is diverse, encompassing working professionals, military personnel stationed with the United States Armed Forces, and international learners. Enrollment has grown significantly, contributing to Arizona State University being named one of the most innovative schools by U.S. News & World Report.

Accreditation and recognition

All degrees are awarded by Arizona State University, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditation ensures that the institution meets rigorous quality standards. Numerous individual programs also hold specialized accreditation from bodies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The platform's model and outcomes have received national recognition from organizations including the Online Learning Consortium and has been featured in studies by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Category:Arizona State University Category:Online education in the United States Category:Educational institutions established in 2006