What Is a Virtual University?
A virtual university is an online learning institution that uses the Internet to deliver classes and seminars. Students can earn a certificate or degree if they have a computer system that meets the technological requirements of that particular virtual university.
Virtual University Overview
Online learning has become immensely popular in the 21st century, resulting in the creation of universities that exist solely online. A number of traditional schools also offer an online option now for students who wish to pursue a degree but cannot attend courses in a traditional classroom setting. Read on to learn more about these programs, as well as the technical and educational requirements for gaining entry.
Important Facts About Virtual Universities
| Prerequisites | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Degree Levels | Certificate, Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate |
| Common Courses | Statistics, accounting, project management, enterprise modeling |
| Continuing Education | In addition to degree programs, online universities also offer courses that satisfy CE credits for working professionals |
Classes Offered at a Virtual University
Courses that are offered at a virtual university are either mentored or led by an instructor. A student attending a virtual university interacts with professors and peers through online forums, chat rooms and web-based course delivery systems. At an online school, students can take online classes in Internet and tech, journalism and writing, business and finance and courses in graphic arts.
Certificates and Degrees
A student can earn a certificate or degree entirely online. For example, the University of Maryland University College, accredited by the Commission on Higher Education, offers both graduate and undergraduate majors and minors in a variety of subjects online, such as accounting, criminal justice, English and history.
Technical Requirements
Students interested in attending a virtual university should first check to see if their computer systems and web-based software applications meet the technological requirements. Many colleges, such as Penn State University, give a list of computer system requirements. Many colleges require a student to have access to a printer, a full duplex sound card, speakers and microphone, and a monitor that will properly display the web-based learning applications that the school uses.