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Low Residency Degree Programs for Military and Veterans

Low residency college programs blend the flexibility of online learning with the focused intensity of in-person residencies. These programs have grown in popularity over the decades, and there has never been a better time to explore hybrid online and in-person learning options.

Azusa Pacific University describes its low-residency graduate programs as including “short residential periods on campus, somewhere between a weekend or a few weeks. Apart from these brief periods at the university, the remainder of the program involves online study.”

For example, students can attend in-person and online classes in a low-residency MFA program. As we’ll discuss below, there are many graduate-level programs and a smaller number of undergrad options. MFAs aren’t the only degrees served by low residency programs; many undergrad and graduate options exist.

Azusa Pacific University’s official site says this means “you can get an excellent education at some of the country’s best universities without having to make the commitment to move to a new city or drastically change your lifestyle.”

To find low-residency college degree programs, please use our School Finder tool.

About Low Residency Learning

• Traditional in-person programs require students to attend classes on campus. Low residency programs may require some campus time but are typically “blended learning,” combining online work, independent study, and a much smaller amount of in-person learning. Low residency programs may be referred to informally as hybrid learning, distance learning, distance education, or other variants.
• Technically speaking, some of those terms traditionally refer to online-only options, but as those opportunities continue to expand and grow, so does the vocabulary describing them.
• To make low residency learning work, prospective students must be or learn how to be good time managers and effective online communicators.
• While online learning or independent study is the dominant approach, the on-campus time becomes more crucial. These in-person learning experiences are often known as residencies and may typically last a few days to a week.
• Students may be required several times a year, providing a valuable opportunity for face-to-face interaction with fellow students normally not seen except online.
• In addition to face-to-face time with faculty and peers, students may be expected to participate in relevant workshops and lectures and collaborate on projects.

Types of Low Residency Degrees

Low residency programs are most commonly offered as graduate degrees, but there are undergraduate options. Depending on the course of study, the school, and other variables, bachelor’s degrees and master of fine arts degrees (MFAs) may both be options.

• Education programs are popular, such as low residency options for degrees in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and special education.
• Creative fields, including writing and fine arts degree programs, also benefit from low residency options. These programs help students develop their craft independently while receiving focused feedback during residencies.
• Business, counseling, and technology are other areas where low residency programs are becoming more popular.

To find low-residency college degree programs, please use our School Finder tool.

Pros and Cons of Low Residency Programs

For some, the main advantage of a low residency program is flexibility. Students can learn at their own pace and from any location. This makes it easier to balance the demands of a job, family, and education at the same time,

Reduced time spent on campus may, for some, equal lower living expenses, making low residency programs a more cost-effective option for some students.

For the in-person portion, residencies provide valuable networking opportunities. They allow students to connect with professionals in their field and build relationships that can benefit their future careers.

Who Is Right for Low-Residency College Programs?

Low residency programs are good for organized people with time management skills. The experience can also help those who want to become better organizers and time managers.

The flexibility of online learning allows students to learn without sacrificing their commitments to family, National Guard service, or an existing career. Geographically isolated students and those who don’t have good access to traditional institutions can benefit from the online format.

Conversely, students who require a high degree of structure and thrive in traditional classroom settings may find the online format challenging. If you need help with time management, you may struggle to succeed in a self-paced environment.

Choosing the Right Low-Residency College Program

Selecting a good low residency program requires careful consideration of the school’s accreditation, quality standards, and reputation. Knowing the residency requirements regarding frequency, duration, and location is key to making the best pick.

Understanding the technology requirements and assessing your comfort level with the necessary tools is equally important. Finally, knowing the availability of technical support and career services is another important aspect of choosing the right school.

Low residency college programs offer a flexible pathway to higher education for diverse students and learning styles. As demand for flexible and accessible education continues to grow, low residency programs will likely play an important role in the higher education landscape in the decades to come.

To find low-residency college degree programs, please use our School Finder tool.

Undergraduate Low Residency Programs

Getting an undergraduate degree with a low-residency program is possible, but as mentioned above, they are less common than low-residency graduate programs. Low residency undergrad programs may have some or all of the following:

• Limited In-Person Time: You’ll spend a short time on campus for intensive classes or workshops. The timing and duration will depend on the school and your program.
• Study Options: Much of your coursework will be completed online or through independent study, allowing for flexibility in location and schedule.
• Built for Non-Traditional Students: Low-residency undergraduate programs often cater to working adults, those with families, and those attending from far away.

Some schools known for offering low-residency undergraduate programs include:

• Prescott College: This Arizona college offers a variety of low-residency bachelor’s degree programs focusing on environmental and social justice.
• Lesley University: Cambridge, Massachusetts-based Lesley University offers a low-residency Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program.
• Naropa University: Based in Boulder, Colorado, Naropa University offers low-residency bachelor’s degree completion programs. Past options included creative writing, visual arts, and psychology. The programs blend online learning with intensive residencies.
• Antioch University: Antioch University has several campuses and offers low-residency programs at the undergraduate level. Past options have included education, psychology, and environmental studies.

Graduate Schools With Low Residency Programs

The list below features schools that offer low residency programs or have previously offered them. Check with the school to learn what options are available when you are ready to apply.

Arts and Humanities

• Bennington College (Vermont): MFA in Writing, MFA in Visual Arts
• Goddard College (Vermont): MFA in Creative Writing, MFA in Visual Arts, MA in Interdisciplinary Arts
• Vermont College of Fine Arts (Vermont): MFA in Writing, MFA in Visual Art, MFA in Music Composition
• Warren Wilson College (North Carolina): MFA in Creative Writing
• Queens University of Charlotte (North Carolina): MFA in Creative Writing

Education

• Lesley University (Massachusetts): MA in Education, MA in Curriculum and Instruction
• Antioch University (Multiple campuses): MA in Education, MA in Teacher Leadership
• Prescott College (Arizona): MA in Education, MA in Early Childhood Education
• Arcadia University (Pennsylvania): Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership

Counseling and Psychology

• Antioch University (Multiple campuses): MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MA in Counseling Psychology
• Naropa University (Colorado): MA in Transpersonal Psychology, MA in Contemplative Psychotherapy

 

To find more low-residency college degree programs, please use our School Finder tool.