Online College Courses in Alabama (AL)

Every institution is held accountable and regulated by the Alabama Commission of Higher Education. New institutions, departments, divisions, and academic programs are analyzed and must be approved by the Commission. Alabama is home to two well-known universities: the University of Alabama, which has campuses throughout the state, and Auburn University. Alabama is also home to two institutions that were founded in 1830: the University of North Alabama and Spring Hill College. Some of these schools, as well as several other institutions in the state, offer online college courses in Alabama.

Birmingham. Birmingham is located just north of the center of Alabama in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and is the state's largest city. The city is home to a variety of museums, numerous festivals, and many colleges and universities offering online courses.

• Herzing University-Birmingham. Herzing is a private university that offers small classes, with a 14 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio. Through Herzing, you can earn a one-year certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. You also have the option of taking classes online through Blackboard, the school's online learning platform.
• Jefferson State Community College. This two-year, public college offers less than one-year certificates, one-year certificates, and associate degrees. This college makes every attempt to accommodate their students by offering weekend and evening classes, as well as distance learning through hybrid classes, which combine in-class and Internet instruction, and online classes, which allow students to learn without having to make it to a classroom
• Lawson State Community College-Birmingham Campus. Lawson, a public university awarding less than one-year certificates, one-year certificates, and associate degrees, currently has an enrollment of just under 5,000 students. The college strives to make education affordable and accessible to all of their students. One of the ways they are ensuring accessibility is by offering classes online through Electronic Campus.
• Samford University. This is a private university offering 138 majors and degree programs. The school is accredited by the Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, in addition to several organizations, including the American Bar Association and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, all of which accredit the school's individual programs. Samford offers distance learning classes as well.
• Southeastern Bible College. This is a Christian school that incorporates Christian beliefs and values into the educational process. Southeastern is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institution with a current enrollment of 195 students and a 12 to 1 student-to-teacher ratio. They have three departments: Biblical Studies, Education, and Arts and Sciences. In addition to offering small classes, they allow their students to take classes online, which is helpful to those who may have difficulty getting to a classroom.
• Strayer University-Alabama. Strayer, a four-year, private school, has campuses spread across the country, and offers awards ranging from less than one-year certificates up to master's degrees. They strive to provide educational opportunities for working adults. To make this possible, they have developed an expansive online educational environment to allow students to attend school around their schedules.
• University of Alabama at Birmingham. This public university is part of the University of Alabama system, and offers programs ranging from one-year certificates all the way to doctorate degrees. The school offers distance learning to its students to make learning more convenient for those with hectic schedules. They offer a large number of classes online, as well as two full degree programs: Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management and Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.
• University of Phoenix-Birmingham Campus. This is a private university offering bachelor's and master's degrees. The student-to-teacher ratio for this campus is only 18 to 1, which is attractive to students looking for a more intimate learning experience. Phoenix also has a vast and well-known online program offering a large variety of certificates and degrees for students who would rather study when and where they want to instead of in a classroom.
• Virginia College-Birmingham. Virginia College-Birmingham, a private institution, offers one-year certificates, master's degrees, and everything in between. The Birmingham campus is one of many Virginia College campuses, which are located throughout most of the southeastern states. Virginia College is proud of their online programs, which allow career-focused individuals to earn a degree, many of whom would not be able to otherwise.

Montgomery. Montgomery is the capital of Alabama, and is located just south of the center of the state. Montgomery was founded in 1819 and became the state capital in 1846. The city has a rich musical history and culture, and several performers have roots there, including Nat King Cole and Hank Williams. The city is also home to several institutions of higher education, many of which offer classes online.

• Alabama State University. Alabama State is a four-year, public university awarding bachelor's through doctorate degrees. The school began with the intent to help black Americans by offering them an education. Since its founding, Alabama State has been a historically black university that is known, among other things, for serving and helping to improve the community. Alabama State offers online classes through Blackboard, a student portal that allows students to attend class and complete assignments without having to go to a physical classroom.
• Amridge University. Amridge is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the churches of Christ. The school offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degree programs. The student-to-teacher ratio on their campus is 10 to 1, offering an intimate learning experience for the students. All of the programs offered at the campus are also offered online to allow students to go to class whenever and wherever they please, just as long as they meet their deadlines.
• Auburn University at Montgomery. A satellite campus of the well-known Auburn University of Auburn, Alabama, the Montgomery campus provides the same high-quality education as the main campus, just on a smaller scale. This four-year, public university offers bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as post-master's certificates. Students can attend class in a traditional classroom, or choose from a wide range of online courses.
• Faulkner University. Faulkner is a private, not-for-profit, university associated with the churches of Christ. The school offers more than 40 majors, including business, biblical studies, education, and law. Faulkner also utilizes online education through Blackboard.
• Trenholm State Technical College. Trenholm is a public institution and part of the Alabama Community College System. The college has 29 programs, including accounting, automotive technology, and industrial maintenance. Students unable to attend a classroom have the option of taking classes online.
• Prince Institute. Prince is a private institution offering programs focused on stenography. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, certified by the National Court Reporters Association, and licensed by the State of Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. Some of their programs include judicial reporting, captioning, and web design. They also give students the option of online education through Blackboard.
• South University-Montgomery. South is a four-year, private university. Their programs focus on four major areas: nursing and health, business and information technology, legal and criminal justice, and creative arts. Students who attend the campus enjoy small classes, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14 to 1. South also offers online education for students who can't or would rather not attend a classroom.

Tuscaloosa. Tuscaloosa is located on the Black Warrior River and is the fifth-largest city in Alabama. Tuscaloosa is considered the regional center of education for West Alabama and home to the nationally-known University of Alabama, along with many other institutions of higher education, some of which are now offering classes online.

• Shelton State Community College. Shelton is a two-year, public college awarding less than one-year and one-year certificates, and associate degrees. There are two campuses in Tuscaloosa: the Martin Campus and the C. A. Fredd Campus. In addition to classroom instruction, Shelton has several online resources, including labs, online tutoring, and full classes through Blackboard.
• The University of Alabama. UA was founded in 1831, and is Alabama's first public college. This is the largest university in the state, boasting over 30,000 students. However, class sizes remain relatively small, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. Students who wish to avoid the classroom or are unable to attend school at the campus can take individual classes or complete entire degree programs through the university's distance learning program, which allows students to earn credits and even degrees over the Internet without having to set foot in a physical classroom.