The internet is a terrific leveling field as it provides a solid way for people to connect from across the world regardless of their age, gender, social status, or ethnicity. It is almost hard to believe that before the mid-1990s, online access was very uncommon, but today even some tribesmen in remote African villages are now online.

Schools of higher education were among the first users touting the benefits of the internet, with the University of Phoenix getting its start in the 1980s, well before “modem” was a household word. Today, hundreds of schools are offering online degrees, including the following grad programs from five top flight universities:

Edinburgh Business School (EBS) — Located in Scotland, EBS is part of Heriot-Watt University and has a global reputation for providing an excellent MBA degree. Online learning is typically very expensive, but an MBA from EBS will cost approximately $15,000, adjusted for monetary variations.

Stanford Center For Professional Development — Stanford University’s reputation comes to your home computer, allowing students to receive grad degrees in Engineering.

Florida State University — FSU’s College of Social Work was one of the first schools to offer masters degrees to students, making their program available online in 2001.

The Franklin Institute Online — Drexel University’s Franklin Institute is educating students seeking an MS in Education. For taking classes online, Franklin offers students a 10-25% discount on tuition.

Carnegie Mellon — You can receive your Master in Software Engineering online thanks to a program developed by Carnegie Mellon.

Some schools, including Duke University, require grad students to spend a portion of their time on campus while pursuing a degree. Of course, this can severely limit people who cannot travel to Durham, North Carolina, but it may be an option for those who can.

Yes, online learning continues to grow and expand with schools offering certificates; associate, bachelor, and master degrees; even awarding doctorates over the internet.

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Tags: Carnegie Mellon, distance learning, Drexel, Duke University, Edinburgh School of Business, Florida State, Franklin Institute, online learning, Stanford University, University of Phoenix

With millions of students in attendance at various schools of higher learning across the US, campus life is the frequent topic of discussion in the news. From victory on the basketball court to the slaying of students and faculty members by a mad gunman, university news has its place in the public sector. Let’s take a look back at five of the top campus news breaking events for 2007.

Duke Lacrosse Case — Three Duke University lacrosse players were wrongfully accused of rape in a case that dated back to March 2006. Taking the word of a stripper, Durham County (NC) attorney, Mike Nifong, pursued three students before the case was dismissed in April 2007 and Nifong discredited. Duke’s lacrosse coach, Mike Pressler, was forced to resign and the impacted students are now suing.

Appalachian States Stuns Michigan — The 2007 college football season was one filled with turbulence as so many schools with a top ten ranking lost, almost on a weekly basis. The upsets started with a bang when 1-AA Appalachian State roared into Lansing, Michigan and knocked off then #5 1-A Wolverines, 34-32. The Mountaineers then went on to win their third consecutive 1-AA national championship earlier this month.

Slaying At Virginia Tech — On April 16, a gunman massacred 32 students and faculty members on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA. The killer, a troubled college senior by the name of Seung-Hoi Cho, killed himself. The incident was the worst case of school violence ever in the US.

Big Donor Aids Wisconsin Students — The ever increasing cost of higher education is making it difficult for some families to pay for their children’s schooling. For Wisconsin students, a former state resident and philanthropist has promised $175 million to aid as many as 3000 students annually beginning next year. John Morgridge pledged the monies in honor of his brother who paved the way for Morgridge to attend college.

University of Florida Taser Event — “Don’t tase me, bro!” became the rallying cry of a University of Florida student who begged police not to use a taser on him when he interrupted a speech by Senator John Kerry. A video capturing the event was posted online, giving millions of people the opportunity to witness the incident as it happened. You can see the remixed version of the video here.

What other events of significance in 2007 stand out for you? Feel free to add to this list by including your comment today.

Tags: Appalachian State, Duke Lacrosse, Duke University, University of Florida, University of Michigan, Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Massacre, Wisconsin