High Quality Online Programs: The Role of Leadership and Teamwork to Support Student-Centered Graduate Education

Online Graduate Education

Distance learning through online programming is changing the nature and structure of higher education (King & Alperstein, 2015). Technological advancements and the availability of computer-mediated learning management systems now support learning environments that are entirely online, which has made a significant impact on the number of online programs available and the increase in students enrolled in online courses (Kunz & Cheek, 2016; Thiede, 2012). As a result, college and university faculty, staff, and administrators face new challenges that range from the need for appropriate infrastructures to the adoption of best practices in online teaching (Estep & Yates, 2012; Osbourne, 2012). While there are potential difficulties to overcome that are associated with online education, there are also many advantages. Online programs make it possible for college and university leaders to strategically expand educational offerings and extend market reach. Kunz and Cheek (2016) explain, “online distance learning provides the opportunity to reach a working adult market in an expanded, almost limitless geographical area, so institutions looking for growth in their enrollment numbers view online education as a cost-effective and far reaching potential target market” (p. 105).