At the heart of Fayetteville, North Carolina, lies a university built on a dream. In the mid-1950s, the local community envisioned a place where students could access quality education and grow into well-rounded individuals. That dream took shape in Methodist University, which opened its doors in 1960. What started as a small liberal arts college has grown into a thriving, diverse institution. Today, Methodist University stands out for its welcoming environment, rooted in values of respect, diversity, and human dignity. In fact, it’s been ranked (two of the past three years) as the most diverse university in North Carolina and one of the top 50 in the U.S. for diversity.
With students hailing from across the globe – more than 50 countries represented this year alone – and from all walks of life, Methodist University is a place where spiritual, academic, and social growth go hand in hand. The university’s mission speaks to this – fostering enlightened minds, responsible spirits, and a lifelong thirst for knowledge. But its commitment goes beyond the classroom. Methodist University upholds principles like truth, justice, and love, creating a learning environment where intellectual values and ethical principles are at the forefront.
Building on this foundation, Methodist University’s online programs have been designed to meet the demands of a changing world. Whether students are studying advanced paramedicine, clinical mental health counseling, or business administration, the university ensures that its online offerings match the high standards of its on-campus programs. Each course is crafted by full-time faculty working closely with instructional designers, ensuring that the quality never wavers, whether learning happens in a classroom or from the comfort of home.
Approximately 80% of the faculty teaching these online courses are full-time professors at MU, bringing the same level of expertise and dedication to both online and on-campus students. With over 85% of the faculty holding terminal degrees or bringing decades of professional experience, Methodist University ensures that online learners receive the same rich educational experience that has been a hallmark of the university since its founding.
Providing a Flexible Future
In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a must. That’s exactly what Methodist University’s online programs offer. Imagine being able to further your education without sacrificing your current job, family responsibilities, or personal time. Methodist University understands that life doesn’t always follow a set schedule, and its online programs are designed to fit around yours.
The beauty of these programs lies in their unique balance: the flexibility of online learning, coupled with the personalized attention of a small student-to-faculty ratio (12 to 1). It’s not just about completing coursework; it’s about growing professionally, gaining real-world experiences, and advancing your career – all while having access to the same resources and support as on-campus students. Whether you need academic advising, counseling, or career services, MU ensures you can access these tools virtually or in person, depending on what works best for you.
For students in fields like Clinical Mental Health Counseling or Social Work, Methodist University goes the extra mile, offering clinical and field placements wherever you are. This means you won’t have to uproot your life to gain the hands-on experience that is so critical in these professions.
Another big perk of MU’s online program is its asynchronous nature. This means you aren’t tied to a specific class schedule – you can log in and complete your work at times that fit your day-to-day life. Whether you’re juggling a 9-to-5, serving in the military, or living across different time zones, you can move through the eight-week courses at your own pace. Discussion forums allow students to engage with classmates when it’s convenient, creating a collaborative environment that doesn’t require everyone to be online at the same time.
While most of the coursework is asynchronous, there are occasional optional live meetings, but these are designed to enhance the experience without adding extra pressure. It’s an ideal setup for the modern learner who needs both structure and freedom.
Empowering Learning Through Technology
Methodist University’s online programs ensure that students don’t miss out on meaningful interactions or immersive learning experiences. From the moment a student logs in, they are plugged into a dynamic, engaging environment designed to foster connection, not isolation.
The heart of MU’s online learning experience is the Canvas learning management system (LMS). It’s more than just a platform for submitting assignments – it’s where students engage with instructors and peers through threaded discussions, messaging, and real-time feedback. Faculty members are just a video call away, thanks to Microsoft Teams, making it easy for students to seek guidance, ask questions, or discuss course material face-to-face, even from a distance.
What makes the experience even more exciting is the way faculty go above and beyond, incorporating a range of third-party tools directly into Canvas. Whether it’s interactive science labs, digital textbooks, or open-educational resources, instructors use these tools to extend the boundaries of traditional online learning. These added resources bring subjects to life, allowing students to engage in hands-on experiences that might otherwise seem impossible in an online setting.
Canvas itself is constantly evolving, with its parent company, Instructure, rolling out updates that keep the system cutting-edge. On-campus administrators and faculty also have the flexibility to enhance the platform with educational apps, many developed by leaders in the field. This makes the learning experience richer, more engaging, and tailored to each course’s needs.
And let’s not forget the tech toolkit MU provides to every student. With full access to Microsoft 365, students can use familiar tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, while Teams offers an additional layer of collaboration. Virtual labs and other field-specific technologies also play a key role in making sure students get the practical experience they need – all while harnessing the power of technology.
Support at Your Fingertips
One of the standout features of Methodist University’s online programs is the full range of academic and personal support services available to students – no matter where they are. Whether you need help with coursework, career advice, or even spiritual guidance, MU makes sure you’re never navigating your educational journey alone.
Need to brush up on your writing skills or get help with a tricky assignment? The Writing Center and other tutoring services are just a click away. You can schedule a remote consultation with professional or peer tutors to get feedback on your work, whether through an email exchange or a live video chat. The same goes for the library – students have access to a wealth of online resources, including databases and interlibrary loans from the Davis Memorial Library, so you can dive into research without leaving home.
For students who need additional accommodations, the Student Access & Accommodation Services office is there to make sure your online learning experience is smooth and accessible, regardless of any disabilities. From assistive technologies to tips for navigating course content, MU ensures that everyone has the tools they need to succeed.
The support doesn’t stop at academics. Methodist University offers online students access to counseling services, where they can schedule virtual sessions to talk through any personal challenges. Even your textbooks and student ID can be ordered online, making life that much easier. And for those seeking spiritual guidance, the University Chaplain is available for one-on-one consultations, ensuring that your personal growth is just as important as your academic progress.
What really sets MU apart is its dedication to personalized advising. Every MU Online student is assigned an academic and career advisor, and they’re just an email or phone call away. Whether it’s planning your course schedule or preparing for a job interview, these advisors are there to guide you every step of the way. MU’s Writing & Tutoring Center also offers e-tutoring, where you can submit your work and get detailed feedback, or real-time consultations to work through assignments face-to-face with a tutor.
And if you ever run into tech trouble, MU’s IT Help Desk and Canvas support team are ready to assist with any issues. Whether it’s a forgotten password or a glitch in the system, you’ll have the help you need to keep your focus on learning.
Success Stories
Behind every Methodist University online student, there’s a story of perseverance, passion, and transformation. Take Kourtney Johnson, Class of ‘25, for example. Once an up-and-coming chef, Kourtney’s culinary dreams were put on hold after two accidents left her with multiple health conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, spina bifida, and scoliosis. But instead of giving up, she shifted her focus, enrolling in MU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. Now, Kourtney is on her way to becoming a powerful mental health advocate, focusing on the military and African American communities – a career path she never could have imagined before.
Then there’s Ryan Lucas, also Class of ‘25, an Advanced Paramedicine student who’s juggling the demands of his online studies while serving as a critical care flight paramedic in the U.S. Army. A husband and father of three, Ryan plans to retire from military service after graduation and dedicate his skills to providing healthcare for elderly people in rural communities. His story is a testament to how flexible online learning can empower students to continue making a difference in the world, even while serving in the most demanding roles.
Nicole Johnson, a recent graduate, is another shining example. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Health Care Administration in 2023 – all while raising two children and working full-time in customer service for Blue Cross Blue Shield. Not only did Nicole achieve her undergraduate goals, but she’s now pursuing her Master of Health Administration at Methodist University, with aspirations of either working in a hospital or launching her own health insurance business. Her journey demonstrates the real-world impact of Methodist University’s online programs, where students aren’t just getting degrees; they’re building futures that reflect their true passions.
Making Education Affordable
At Methodist University, financial support isn’t just a bonus – it’s the norm. Almost every MU Online student receives some form of financial aid, making education accessible for those from all walks of life. Whether you’re active-duty military, a veteran, or a member of the general student body, there’s a financial aid package designed for you. For students with a military background, the Methodist University Military & Veteran Services Office coordinates tuition rates and helps veterans access VA benefits seamlessly.
For other students, the process begins with completing the FAFSA, which opens the door to federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and the NC Legislative Tuition Grant for eligible North Carolina residents. This means that whether you’re balancing family, work, or service commitments, Methodist University has you covered when it comes to making your education as affordable as possible.
What’s Next? Expanding MU’s Online Programs
Methodist University is always looking ahead, ensuring that its online offerings evolve to meet the needs of its growing student community. With constant marketing research and feedback from students, the University is currently exploring adding two exciting programs to its online lineup: a Bachelor of Science in Data Science and a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics.
These programs would provide students with cutting-edge skills in fields that are increasingly in demand, and it’s clear that Methodist University is committed to staying at the forefront of both traditional and emerging industries. Whether you’re looking to pivot into tech or sharpen your business strategy expertise, Methodist University is making sure the future is bright for all its students.
For More Info: https://www.methodist.edu/