MSU continues to expand its distance learning options in order to increase the accessibility of education. The option of distance education furthers the university’s fulfillment of the land grant mission.

In the 2010-2011 school year, 321 online course sections were offered with 5,342 students enrolled — a substantial increase from the 50 courses enrolling 806 students during the 2006-2007 school year.   

Peg Wherry, the Director of Online and Distance Learning at MSU, explained that one-third of the Montana population does not have a bachelor’s degree.  She referred to President Obama’s goal of seeing more degree-holding individuals, explaining that distance learning works to fulfill that vision.   

“You almost can’t be a land grant institution without distance learning,” Wherry said.

Graduate and professional certificates and master’s degrees in education, nursing, science and other areas are offered through MSU’s Extended University.  While no complete undergraduate degree programs are currently available online, many core classes such as human nutrition and Spanish have proven to be popular.

According to Wherry, distance learning is not easier than traditional learning, but it provides an opportunity students otherwise might not have.  Each course is structured with fixed dates and typically begins and ends with the regular semester.  “Most distance learners find that you have to be more of a self-starter,” she said.  

Wherry explained that although the transition from face-to-face to distance instruction can be challenging for some individuals, faculty response has been positive.  “A lot of instructors say they know their online students better than their in-class students,” she said.

Wherry was pleased when President Cruzado addressed the topic at her inauguration. She said commitment to enhancing the distance education programs was part of accepting her position at MSU,“Anything operated from Montana State University has our brand, has our name, has our label on it,” Wherry said.