1] Harvard University

Harvard University Online has vast array of learning opportunities for students of all levels, ranging from podcasts and free courses to non-credit certificate programs and graduate degrees. Harvard uses several different technologies and platforms to deliver online education, such as the edX platform, which was collaboratively designed by Harvard and MIT. Online courses may be self-directed or follow a specific time frame, and are offered completely online, or in a hybrid format, such as the master of science degree in health management. Harvard Online also offers free, non-credit versions of several fee-based, for-credit courses, and rest assured, students earning credits online will receive Harvard transcripts.





2] Drexel University

Drexel University Online has over 100 degree programs, with bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees available in areas such as communication, business and education. Specialty certificate programs are also available online, in over 45 areas of concentration. Discounted tuition for some of Drexel's online programs may be available to military students, Drexel alumni and through partnerships with specific organizations and employers. Drexel Online students have access to several online resources, including the student library, where students can communicate with library staff via the chat feature, e-mail, phone and skype. Students can check out video content and e-books, and can even have library materials shipped to them.





3] USC (University of Southern California)

USC (University of Southern California) Online has a wide variety of graduate level degrees and certificate programs, ranging from traditional programs, such as psychology, engineering and teaching, to less commonly seen programs such as Geospatial Leadership and Geriatric Dentistry. Several programs are offered completely online, while others, such as teaching and social work, will require field work, which can be arranged near the student's home base, and may also include self-paced coursework and face-to-face classroom time. USC Online has several online programs geared towards military students, including military social work, cyber security and a master's degree in business for veterans.





4] Illinois Institute of Technology

Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), focuses on technology, science and research, with online degree programs available in areas such as architecture, human sciences, business and applied technology. Students can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree partially or completely online through IIT, with courses taught by the same faculty, following the same curriculum. Online graduate students can choose from a thesis or non-thesis degree option, and undergraduate students can choose their major, or enroll as undecided. IIT also offers online professional development courses, which are a blend of lecture and lab, and a large selection of online IT professional certification courses.





5]Columbia University

Columbia University Online has several online master's degree programs, along with several non-credit certificate of professional achievement programs. Examples of certificate program areas of study include business, environmental sustainability and health information technology. These programs are specialized, career-oriented programs that also prepare students for graduate school, and several can be used towards completing a master's degree at Columbia. Online courses at Columbia are either completely online, or in a hybrid format, with evening class and weekend fieldwork options. Columbia students have several other online educational opportunities, including access to the Coursera organization, which allows students to take courses from partnered universities across the world.