Updated: August 1, 2017
The same technology that enables a teenage gamer to score points shooting weapons in a virtual sci-fi world can be used to teach medical students how to save lives online. And not only in the classroom, but like the gamer, in bedrooms and studies that have an internet connection across the nation, around the world.
Online learning is here to stay and universities the world over are adapting to this brave new world. Which will, as the printed news media has discovered, see innovations in the delivery of content that is efficient, engaging, instant, interactive and much cheaper.
As the Founder and CEO of the Adaptive eLearning Platform, Smart Sparrow, Dr Dror Ben-Naim, wrote in the university funded news portal, The Conversation, “Online education will similarly challenge traditional on-campus education, both through the capacity to deliver entire courses or units remotely and by transforming – and improving – what we are doing face to face in classrooms and labs.”
Distant education has been used by universities for over 150 years but the advent of the world wide web has seen the process streamlined. The use of online resources has seen far-flung students come together with teachers to further their educational aspirations. Utilizing web-based courses in synchronous and asynchronous time frames, online library facilities, email and chat rooms, these resources have made the ease of access suit the students competing commitments.
This is particularly true at the graduate level. Where the commitments to work and family compete with study for those whose first blush of youth has begun to fade.
What are the best online colleges in New Jersey?
College Choice has done the heavy lifting in comparing all the four-year degree colleges and universities in New Jersey and their online program offerings. Accessing information from college and university websites, the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the U. S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard and the U.S. News and World Report, College Choice has ranked New Jersey’s best online colleges.
We’ve used metrics that include graduation rate, institutional reputation, programs offered online, tuition costs, average student indebtedness after graduation and graduates expected early career salary
1
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Overview
Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a public, research co-educational university and is the oldest bricks and mortar campus of the State University of New Jersey. Five smaller campuses: College Avenue, Busch, Livingston, Cook, and Douglass make up the New Brunswick campus. It is home to 19 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools that include the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, the School of Communication, Information and Library Studies, the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, School of Engineering, the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, the Graduate School, the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, the Graduate School of Education, the School of Management and Labor Relations, the Mason Gross School of the Arts, the College of Nursing, the Rutgers Business School and the School of Social Work. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Rutgers offers 11 fully online degree programs: two Bachelor’s degrees and nine Masters’. The Bachelor degrees are a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. The Master’s degrees on offer include Business Administration (MBA), Social Work (MSW), Public Administration (MPA), Information (MI), Education (MELCD & MEd. In ACE), Liberal Studies (MALS), Biomedical Engineering (MEBME) and Music (MMME).
Notables
Offering multiple start dates throughout the year Rutgers online programs have all the advantages of an on-campus education with the convenience of learning from anywhere and at any time. The only requirement is a computer with an internet connection and a willingness to learn.
2
Rowan University
Overview
Rowan University is a public research university with bricks and mortar campuses in Glassboro and Camden, New Jersey. The University offers more than 80 bachelors’ and 60 master’s degree programs, five doctoral programs and two professional programs through its 14 schools and colleges. And through its Division of Global Learning & Partnerships (Rowan Global), the University offers online graduate and undergraduate programs in partnership with nine of the university’s colleges and schools. The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the Rohrer College of Business, the College of Communication & Creative Arts, The College of Education, the College of Engineering, the School of health Professions, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Performing Arts and the College of Science & Mathematics.
Features
Rowan Global’s online programs include six bachelor degrees in Construction Management, Law and Justice, Liberal Studies, Psychology and Nursing. Fifteen Master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Education, Theatre Arts, Nursing, Business, Engineering and Music. Rowan Global also offers five online Doctorates in Education.
Notables
Students can engage with one another and the course instructor using internet-based communication tools that include email, chat rooms, and online discussion boards. A Learning Management System that incorporates the multi-media technologies of digital slide shows, audio, and video are used to deliver course content.
3
Monmouth University
Overview
Founded in 1933 as Junior College, Monmouth University (MU) received its charter in 1995. This private university has its bricks and mortar campus at West Long Branch, Monmouth County, New Jersey. As well as being licensed by the State of New Jersey, Monmouth University’s education program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The University is organized into seven schools: The Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences; The School of Education; The Leon Hess Business School; The School of Social Work; The School of Science; The Marjorie K. Unterberg School of Nursing and Health Studies; and The Honors School.
Features
Each semester the University offers 50 undergraduate and graduate online classes with the Master’s in Criminal Justice, the Master’s in Forensic Nursing and the Doctorate of Nursing being available primarily online. All of the classes offered are designed and taught by the same full-time faculty members who conduct the face to face teaching on campus.
Notables
Monmouth University’s online courses are structured like traditional classroom-based classes, with lecture notes, discussions, assignments, and exams. They are delivered through e-Campus, the University’s online collaborative learning environment. Students can use their MU account and password to access the content of their courses 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
4
Rutgers University-Newark
Overview
Rutgers University-Newark is a public, research co-educational university and one of the three bricks and mortar campuses of the State University of New Jersey. Formerly the University of Newark, it became part of the Rutgers University in 1946. It is home to seven undergraduate, graduate and professional schools that include the Newark College of Arts and Sciences, University College, the School of Criminal Justice, the Graduate School-Newark, the School of Public Affairs and Administration, the Rutgers Business School-Newark and New Brunswick, and Rutgers Law School. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Rutgers offers 11 fully online degree programs: two Bachelor’s degrees and nine Masters’. The Bachelor degrees are a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. The Master’s degrees on offer include Business Administration (MBA), Social Work (MSW), Public Administration (MPA), Information (MI), Education (MELCD & Med. In ACE), Liberal Studies (MALS), Biomedical Engineering (MEBME) and Music (MMME).
Notables
Offering multiple start dates throughout the year Rutgers online programs have all the advantages of an on-campus education with the convenience of learning from anywhere and at any time. The only specialist requirement is a computer with an internet connection.
5
Saint Peter's University
Overview
Saint Peter’s University is a not for profit, coeducational, Jesuit, Roman Catholic College with a bricks and mortar campus located in New Jersey’s second largest city, Jersey City along with satellite campuses in Englewood Cliffs, and South Amboy. Its five colleges and schools: The College of Arts and Sciences; The Caulfield School of Education; The School of Nursing; The School of Business Administration; and The School of Professional and Continuing Education, offer over 60 undergraduate and graduate programs. In 2015-16, Saint Peter’s was ranked fifth nationwide in the “Colleges That Add the Most Value” category by Money magazine. Saint Peter’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Online, Saint Peter’s offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.): Educational Leadership (Higher Education) and an RN to BSN program that enables registered nurses who hold a diploma or an associate’s degree in nursing to gain a Bachelor of Science Nursing degree.
Notables
Saint Peter’s curriculums are developed in the tradition of Jesuit values, Cura Personalis: “Care for the individual person.” The online programs are designed to meet student needs mindful of their individual schedules.
6
Seton Hall University
Overview
Seton Hall University is a private, sea grant, Roman Catholic university with a bricks and mortar campus in South Orange, New Jersey and a satellite campus for the University’s School of Law in the nearby city of Newark. In addition to the School of Law, Seton Hall has a College of Arts and Sciences, The Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, a College of Education and Human Services, a College of Nursing, The W. Paul Stillman School of Business, a School of Health and Medical Sciences, a Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies, The School of Diplomacy and International Relations, a College of Communication and the Arts and a School of Medicine.
Features
The University offers seven online graduate programs that include a Master of Science in Nursing in Health Systems Administration with Case Management, a Master of Science in Nursing in Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, a Master of Science in Accounting, a Master of Science in Professional Accounting, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration in Non-Profit Management and a Certificate in Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability.
Notables
Seton Hall University offers a rich Catholic heritage with the flexibility of online learning, an outstanding faculty, the latest technology advancements, and a values-centered curriculum.
7
Montclair State University
Overview
Montclair State University is New Jersey’s second largest public university with its main campus located in the city of Clifton, New Jersey. The University offers 54 undergraduate majors and over 130 graduate degree programs. They are offered through the university’s schools and colleges that include the College of the Arts (which houses the John J. Cali School of Music and the School of Communication and Media); the College of Education and Human Services; the College of Humanities and Social Sciences; the College of Science and Mathematics (which houses the New Jersey School of Conservation); the Feliciano School of Business; the School of Nursing; and The Graduate School. The University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
Features
The Graduate School offers online graduate programs that include Child Advocacy and Policy (MA), Educational Leadership (MA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Sustainability Science (MS) concentration in Sustainability Leadership, Professional Science Master’s and Information Technology (MS) concentration in Applied Information Technology, Professional Science Master’s. The online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.
Notables
The University also offers an MFA in Dance as a low residency online graduate program designed especially for mid-career dance artists, dance teachers and other dance professionals. The two-year program consists of two four-week programs of summer classes on campus with the subsequent Fall and Spring semesters completed online.
8
William Paterson University of New Jersey
Overview
The William Paterson University of New Jersey (WPUNJ) is a coeducational public university with a bricks and mortar campus in the town of Wayne, New Jersey. Founded in 1855, it is the second oldest of the nine state colleges and universities located in New Jersey. The University offers 53 undergraduate degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and two doctoral programs through its five colleges: Arts and Communication; Cotsakos College of Business; Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Science and Health. William Paterson also offers an Honors College program for academically gifted students with 10 tracks of study. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Features
WPUNJ offers an undergraduate BA in Liberal Studies with Tracks in Psychology and Sociology, specifically designed for adult returning students and transfer students seeking an online degree completion program. And two graduate programs: MEd in Curriculum and Learning – School Library Media Concentration; and MEd in Literacy.
Notables
William Paterson University offers two, three, and four credit online courses during its “Online Winter Session” that runs from late December through mid-January with the choice of over 80 courses from the College of Arts and communications, the Cotsakos College of Business, the College of Education and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
9
Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus
Overview
Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university founded in 1942. The Metropolitan Campus is located close to New York City and spans the Hackensack River in Teaneck and Hackensack. It has a strong career focus and is home to many of FDU’s business, professional, science and health care programs. Undergraduate studies are offered through three colleges: University College of Arts, Sciences and Professional Studies, the Silberman College of Business and the Petrocelli College of Continuing Studies. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Fairleigh Dickinson’s online undergraduate degree programs include an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degrees. Master’s online degrees are offered in Digital Marketing, Electrical Engineering, Administrative Science, Homeland Security, Sports Administration, Mathematical Foundations, Nursing Education, Creative Writing, Student Services Administration, Service Innovation and Leadership and Clinical Psychopharmacology. The university also has numerous graduate certificate courses available online.
Notables
FDU delivers its online content through a Blackboard online system known as Webcampus. All students, both on-campus and online, are provided with a Webmail electronic mail account. Most FDU students are able to register online for their courses, and to track their academic progress and grades. The University also has a 24/7 Help Desk resource for students.
10
Centenary College
Overview
Centenary University is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts university with its main bricks and mortar campus in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the University offers 52 academic majors along with minors in each program. In 1999 Centenary open the Center for Adult and Professional Studies which in 2011 was renamed as the School of Professional Studies and currently offers the University’s online programs. Centenary University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
The School of Professional Studies offers associate, Bachelor, master’s and certificate programs online. These include an Associate of Liberal Arts with a Business emphasis, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Concentration in Organizational Studies, a B.S. in Business Administration: Social Media Marketing, a Master of Business Administration, a Health Administration Certificate, a Social Media Marketing Certificate and a Leadership Certificate.
Notables
As well as being offered online these programs are also offered with an in-class format and with a blend of the two formats in a single class; the blended format meets in person just one evening per week. The classes are accelerated and start six times a year
11
Fairleigh Dickinson University-College at Florham
Overview
The Florham Campus of Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) is a small residential bricks and mortar campus in Madison, New Jersey on the former Twombly estate. Fairleigh Dickinson University is a private, coeducational and nonsectarian university founded in 1942. The Florham campus is home to the Becton College of Arts and Sciences, the FDU School of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, the Silberman College of Business and the International School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Fairleigh Dickinson’s online undergraduate degree programs include an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts degrees. Master’s online degrees are offered in Digital Marketing, Electrical Engineering, Administrative Science, Homeland Security, Sports Administration, Mathematical Foundations, Nursing Education, Creative Writing, Service Innovation and Leadership, Student Services Administration, and Clinical Psychopharmacology. The University also has numerous graduate certificate courses available online.
Notables
FDU delivers its online content through a Blackboard online system known as Webcampus. All students, both on-campus and online, are provided with a Webmail electronic mail account. Most FDU students are able to register online for their courses, and to track their academic progress and grades. The University also has a 24/7 Help Desk resource for students.
12
Caldwell University
Overview
Caldwell University is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts university that is physically located in the town of Caldwell, New Jersey. Affiliated with the Dominican Order of the Catholic Church, the University offers 25 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, including doctoral, master’s, certificate and certification programs. Undergraduate departments include Art, Business, Communication Arts, Education, English, History and Political Science, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Natural and Physical Sciences, Nursing, Psychology, Public Health, Scholars Program, Sociology and Criminal Justice and Theology and Philosophy. Graduate departments include Applied Behavior Analysis, Business, Education, Psychology and Counselling. The University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Features
Caldwell offers an undergraduate RN to BSN program which is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Graduate programs offered include an M.A. in Educational Administration, an M.A. in Higher Education and a Master of Business Administration along with a Post-Master Principal Certification, a Post-Master Supervisor Certification and a Post-Master Superintendent Certification.
Notables
Caldwell University’s online programs and courses are open to residents of all U.S. states except those residing in California, Florida and Massachusetts. The courses are compatible with Mac or PC platforms and students must have access to the internet and email and be familiar with creating, formatting, and attaching documents in Microsoft Word
13
College of Saint Elizabeth
Overview
The College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE) is a private, coeducational, four-year, Liberal Arts college with a bricks and mortar campus in Morristown, New Jersey. Affiliated with the Sisters of Charity of Saint Elizabeth order of the Catholic Church, the University offers 19 undergraduate majors, 10 master’s degree programs and two doctoral programs. The School of Arts and Sciences has programs in American Studies, Art, Biology, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Communication, Computer Science, Data Analytics, English, Global Studies, History & Political Science, Mathematics, Music & Dance, Religious Studies & Philosophy, Social Media Design and Management, Sociology, Spanish and Theology. The School of Professional Studies offers programs in Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Foods and Nutrition, Health Administration, Nursing, Psychology and Public Health. The College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
The College of Saint Elizabeth offers two fully online programs: A Master of Arts in Justice Administration and Public Service; and a Master of Science in Nutrition.
Notables
The College also offers its Ed Choice flexible learning program while earning a Master’s degree in Management, Theology, Health Administration, Public Health and Nursing, or a doctorate, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Ed Track. This means that each week students can choose to attend their class on-campus or online.
14
Georgian Court University
Overview
Georgian Court University (The Mercy University of New Jersey) is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts university with its bricks and mortar campus located in Lakewood, New Jersey. Affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy of the Roman Catholic Church, GCU offers 30 undergraduate degrees, 11 graduate degrees, and a variety of certificates. These academic programs are delivered by the University’s three schools: The School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Business & Digital Media, and the School of Education. Georgian Court University is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Apart from offering a number of undergraduate and graduate courses online, Georgian Court University also offers a Master of Arts in Holistic Health Studies and a Holistic Health Studies Certificate.
Notables
All GCU online programs are taught in a cohort 7.5-week structure that allows highly motivated students to finish in as little as one year. Online programs are taught by subject matter experts and financial aid is available to all online students upon acceptance to the programs.
15
New Jersey City University
Overview
New Jersey City University (NJCU) is a public university with a bricks and mortar campus located in Jersey City, New Jersey. NJCU’s four schools: The College of Professional Studies; the Deborah Cannon Partridge Wolfe College of Education; the School of Business; and the William J Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences offer 41 undergraduate and 27 graduate degree programs. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
NJCU offers over 1000 highly interactive courses that can be taken entirely online. Ranging from six to 18-months these online, self-paced courses prepare students for industry certification or a new career in the fields of Allied Health, Computers, Business and Accounting amongst others. Also on offer are six-week online courses that teach professional skills and earn continuing education credits.
Notables
All students are given access to the University’s Gothicnet network which helps them to schedule their classes and make tuition payments. New Jersey City University has also created its own blackboard services which students can use to learn and study online. All students are given access to Microsoft Office 365 which can be used worldwide for the duration of their enrollment with the University.
16
Thomas Edison State University
Overview
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public Liberal Arts university physically located in Trenton, New Jersey. The University offers over 100 areas of study through its five schools: The Heavin School of Arts and Sciences; The School of Applied Science and Technology; The School of Business and Management; The W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing; and The John S. Watson School of Public Service and Continuing Studies. TESU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Thomas Edison State University offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs that may be completed entirely through the University’s online courses. These include 13 Associate degrees, 31 Bachelor degrees, 13 graduate degree programs, 15 undergraduate certificate programs and 14 graduate certificate programs.
Notables
Thomas Edison State University’s online courses are accessed through the online course management system, “myEdison”. The courses are guided by mentors on a 12-week timeline with proctored midterm and final exams taken via the Online Proctor Service. The University also has a Bachelor’s to Master’s Program that enables undergraduate students to earn up to 12 graduate credits that can be applied to both their bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree.
17
Strayer University-New Jersey
Overview
Strayer University-New Jersey is a Private, four-year, for-profit university operated by Strayer Education Inc. The University has three bricks and mortar campuses in New Jersey at Cherry Hill, Piscataway and Willingboro. With a focus on providing higher education to working adults, the University’s programs include undergraduate and graduate degrees that are practical and business orientated. Areas of study include accounting, business administration, criminal justice, education, health services administration, human resource management, information technology and public administration. In 2011 Strayer acquired The Jack Welch Management Institute which added an online Executive MBA to Strayer University’s existing MBA program. The University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Features
Over half of the students enrolled at Strayer University complete their courses online with their entire bachelor’s and/or master’s degree being completed via the Internet. Students can also complete a campus-based program or combine a mix of online and campus-based courses to complete their degrees.
Notables
In May 2017, Strayer announced that its Registered Nurse (RN) to Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree program had been granted accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Although the University’s Master of Science degree in Nursing (MSN) is yet to be accredited.
