Online vs. Hybrid Learning: Find Your Fit with Excelsior
Are we witnessing the end of education as a place and the rise of education as an experience? The COVID-19 pandemic brought immense challenges, but one unexpected silver lining was the rapid normalization of online learning, boosting it into the mainstream and introducing millions to its possibilities.
Although some learners may prefer in-person classes, others have embraced the flexibility of an online approach, or a hybrid of the two. Institutions of higher education like Excelsior University are rising to meet students’ changing needs by offering specialized programs where they can thrive in online or hybrid environments.
How Do You Learn Best?
Where you choose to earn your degree is a weighty decision for any student. But you can narrow down your options by identifying key personal details about yourself. For instance, do you work a full-time job, and do you need to continue working? Do you have family obligations? And, critically, in what environments do you learn best? If you’re not sure how to answer that last question, weighing the pros and cons of online learning vs. hybrid learning can be useful.
Benefits of Online Learning
When your professor is on Zoom and your peers are in three different time zones, “being present” takes on a whole new meaning—one that prioritizes accessibility, flexibility, and a personalized learning experience. Imagine taking courses with a view of a beach; online learning breaks down geographic and physical barriers, making education accessible no matter where you are.
Additionally, you have freedom to learn on your schedule, empowering students to balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. Online platforms offer tailored learning paths, allowing students to earn degrees at their own pace and engage with content that fits their learning style.
Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Do you prefer to learn on your own terms but still miss the connection of a classroom? Hybrid learning combines the flexibility of online education with the immersive experience of in-person classes. Regular in-person touchpoints offer valuable opportunities to build a strong, diverse network. This dual exposure broadens and deepens professional connections and the enrichment learners receive from the wide range of perspectives, industries, and experiences of their peers. Hybrid learning makes every moment feel more intentional and valuable as students cut down on the daily commute while still benefitting from thoughtfully designed, high-value experiences.
What Are Some of Excelsior’s In-Person and Hybrid Learning Opportunities?
Excelsior University is always innovating new programs and courses, as well as forming strategic institutional partnerships, as part of our mission to meet students where they are, academically and geographically. Here are two recent hybrid learning opportunities available to Excelsior students, plus a way to add in-person learning when enrolled in some Excelsior undergraduate programs.
Summer Course with Paul Smith’s College
Excelsior University has partnered with Paul Smith’s College, nestled in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains, to offer a bold new 3-credit course featuring a one-week immersive outdoor learning experience. This isn’t just another hybrid course; SUST 300 Humans, Health and the Environment: A One Health Approach is preparation for careers that require cross-disciplinary collaboration across health, science, and environmental sectors. This eight-week course is about tackling real-world challenges at the intersection of people, planet, and policy.
Executive MBA Program
Excelsior University’s Executive MBA (EMBA) program goes beyond the traditional online classroom experience. Along with hands-on activities, simulations, and collaborative projects, the program features residencies in three world-class business hubs: Albany, New York; Tampa, Florida; and Chicago, Illinois. Each city’s residency will cover a different theme, from entrepreneurial leadership in a complex world, to greening the bottom line through sustainable business strategies, to mastering brand intelligence.
And the best part? It all happens within just one year. Graduates of Excelsior’s EMBA program don’t just finish with a degree—they walk away with a competitive edge.
Study Abroad with Excelsior
Excelsior University students have the opportunity to study in Rome as part of our Study Abroad Program through John Cabot University. Studying abroad offers immense value, affording you the opportunity to earn academic credit while immersing yourself in a new culture and gaining a fresh perspective. Many students report having a transformative experience while studying in the Eternal City. Whether your background is in psychology, business, or technology, experiencing new ways of thinking and living can profoundly enrich your education, career, and life.
Start Your Education with Excelsior
Online education is the new foundation of learning, but when blended with in-person experiences, it can elevate the entire journey. Excelsior University is constantly innovating to meet the demands of modern education, including offering different educational modes like hybrid learning. It’s all part of Excelsior’s unwavering student-centered approach to education: Industry professionals design our programs and courses so that you can readily apply new knowledge and skills to your career. And you can count on our career support and counseling from enrollment through graduation and beyond.
Learn more about Excelsior’s areas of study or reach out to an admissions counselor with questions. Whether the path to your success is online or hybrid, let’s put you on it.
