How Students Use Online Coursework to Earn Degrees and Certificates
2004/05 – 2011/12
Background
The award data analyzed in this report is based upon San Mateo County Community College District
(SMCCCD) award earners who have taken College of San Mateo (CSM) online coursework during
their enrolled academic history. The analysis includes those students who earned an award between
Fall 2004 and Summer 2012 and who completed at least one distance education course in their
entire academic history.
•
Award types are differentiated as follows: Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science
degree, Certificate of Achievement, and Certificate of Specialization. AA-T and AS-T degrees
are included in the AA and AS counts, respectively.
•
The time span covered in this analysis of award earners is 8 academic years, 2004/05 –
2011/12. Fall, Spring, and Summer term awards are combined for purposes of reporting an
academic year.
•
SMCCCD awards are examined in this report (Tables 1 – 2); however, the primary focus is on
CSM award earners.
Findings: Overall Trends
•
CSM students increasingly use online coursework to complete CSM degree or certificate
requirements. Between 2004/05 – 2011/12, the number of awards earned by students using
online coursework increased 684% (+479). (See Table 3)
o In 2004/05, only 70 CSM awards issued utilized online coursework. However, in 2011/12,
that number had grown to 549.
•
Expressed differently, in 2004/05, approximately 1 in 13 (7.5%) of all CSM award earners had
taken at least one online course. In contrast, in 2011/12, nearly 6 of 10 (58.4%) of award
earners utilized online coursework. (See Table 3)
•
During this period of time, 681 Skyline and Cañada award earners also used CSM online
coursework to complete their degree or certificate requirements. (See Tables 1 and 2)
Findings: Discipline Areas
•
Page 1
Of the total number of awards earned at CSM during this period of time (n= 2,237), the 7
program areas accounted for 51.1% of all awards earned: Liberal Studies – 12.4%; Accounting
– 11.2%; Nursing – 8.7%; University Transfer – 5.4%; Business Administration – 5.2%; Social Science
– 5.0%; and Accounting Assistant – 3.2%. (See Table 13)
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Findings: Demographic Profile
Overall: The ethnicity of students using online coursework to earn awards generally reflects that of the
CSM student population at large; however students are predominantly female and older.
•
The ethnicity of online course takers earning awards roughly parallels the current CSM ethnic
profile of all CSM students. (See Table 4) Table 5 displays the ethnic distribution of award
earners by type of award (AA, AS, CA, or CS).
•
Female students utilizing online coursework represent 61.7% of all awards earned. In contrast,
female students represent 48% of the total CSM student population in Fall 2012. (See Table 6)
•
Students 30 years of age and older represent nearly 42.8% of all award earners who have
utilized coursework. (See Table 8) In contrast, students of this age represent only 28% of the
total CSM student population in Fall 2012.
Findings: Enrollment Patterns
•
Nearly ½ (47.6%) of students earning awards take 3 or more online courses at CSM. Another
21.5% take 2 online courses. And approximately 1/3 (31.0%) of students earning awards take
only 1 online course. (See Table 11)
•
Some online course takers earn more than 1 CSM award. As Table 10 indicates, the total
number of 2,237 awards granted at CSM between 2004/05 – 2011/12 were earned by 1,444
students. 23.8% (343 students) of these earned 2 awards; 11.6% (168 students) earned 3 or
more awards.
•
Table 12 displays the number of terms enrolled and average number of online courses
enrolled by CSM award earners.
Page 2
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SMCCCD Awards Earned
CSM Online Students
2004-05 to 2011-12
Awards
Percent
of Total
CSM
Skyline
Cañada
2,237
402
279
76.7%
13.8
9.6
Total
2,918
100%
College
Table 1
SMCCCD Awards Earned by CSM Online Students
Award Type
2004-05 to 2011-12
# of Awards and % of College Total
Associate in
Arts
Associate in
Science
CSM
804
35.9%
352
15.7%
565
25.3%
516
23.1%
Skyline
Cañada
132
66
32.8
23.7
121
118
30.1
42.3
71
63
17.7
22.6
78
32
19.4
11.5
34.3%
591
20.3%
699
24.0%
626
21.5%
College
Total
1,002
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
Total
Awards
2,237
402
279
2,918
Table 2
CSM Awards Earned by CSM Online Students
Award Type
2004-05 to 2011-12
# of Awards and % of Yearly Total
Academic
Year
Associate in
Arts
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
Total
Online
Students as %
of All CSM
Awards
2004-05
20
28.6%
7
10.0%
18
25.7%
25
35.7%
70
7.5
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
43
65
94
123
139
145
175
26.4
35.5
44.8
45.2
37.5
34.6
31.9
27
32
30
51
55
57
93
16.6
17.5
14.3
18.8
14.8
13.6
16.9
34
35
37
50
98
124
169
20.9
19.1
17.6
18.4
26.4
29.6
30.8
59
51
49
48
79
93
112
36.2
27.9
23.3
17.6
21.3
22.2
20.4
163
183
210
272
371
419
549
17.5
25.6
25.5
31.8
37.8
46.5
58.4
Total
804
35.9%
352
15.7%
565
25.3%
516
23.1%
2,237
31.6
Note: Academic Year = Fall + Spring + Summer.
Table 3
Page 3
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CSM Awards Earned by CSM Online Students
Ethnicity
2004-05 to 2011-12
Ethnicity
Awards
African American
Asian
Filipino
Hispanic
Native American
Pacific Islander
White Non-Hispanic
Multi Races
Other/Unknown
65
492
156
389
10
52
743
60
270
Total
Percent
of Total
2.9%
22.0
7.0
17.4
0.4
2.3
33.2
2.7
12.1
2,237
100%
Table 4
CSM Awards Earned by CSM Online Students
Award Type and Ethnicity
2004-05 to 2011-12
# of Awards and % of Total Ethnicity
Ethnicity
Associate in
Arts
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
Total
Awards
African American
Asian
Filipino
Hispanic
Native American
Pacific Islander
White Non-Hispanic
Multi Races
Other/Unknown
32
139
32
148
3
23
289
22
116
49.2%
28.3
20.5
38.0
30.0
44.2
38.9
36.7
43.0
5
64
50
60
3
5
125
7
33
7.7%
13.0
32.1
15.4
30.0
9.6
16.8
11.7
12.2
7
140
44
92
4
7
191
17
63
10.8%
28.5
28.2
23.7
40.0
13.5
25.7
28.3
23.3
21
149
30
89
0
17
138
14
58
32.3%
30.3
19.2
22.9
0.0
32.7
18.6
23.3
21.5
65
492
156
389
10
52
743
60
270
Total
804
35.9%
352
15.7%
565
25.3%
516
23.1%
2,237
Table 5
Page 4
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CSM Awards Earned by CSM Online Students
Gender
2004-05 to 2011-12
Gender
Percent
of Total
Awards
Female
Male
Unrecorded
1,381
824
32
Total
2,237
61.7%
36.8
1.4
100%
Table 6
CSM Awards Earned by Online Students
Award Type and Gender
2004-05 to 2011-12
# of Awards and % of Total Gender
Gender
Associate in Arts
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
Female
526
37.9%
206
14.9%
345
25.0%
304
22.0%
Male
Unrecorded
269
9
32.6
28.1
144
2
17.1
6.3
210
10
25.5
31.3
201
11
24.4
34.4
Total
804
35.9%
352
15.7%
565
25.3%
516
23.1%
Total
Awards
1,381
824
32
2,237
Table 7
CSM Awards Earned by Online Students
Age
2004-05 to 2011-12
Age
Younger than 20
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 39
40 and older
Total
Awards
87
783
401
464
502
2,237
Percent
of Total
3.9%
35.0
17.9
20.7
22.1
100%
Table 8
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CSM Awards Earned by Online Students
Award Type and Age
2004-05 to 2011-12
# of Awards and % of Total Age
Age
Associate in Arts
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
Total
Awards
Younger than 20
20 - 24
25 - 29
30 - 39
40 and older
32
372
132
122
146
36.8%
47.5
32.9
26.3
29.1
4
123
83
88
54
4.6%
15.7
20.7
19.0
10.8
25
195
98
116
131
28.7%
24.9
24.4
25.0
26.1
26
93
88
138
171
29.9%
11.9
21.9
29.7
34.1
87
783
401
464
502
Total
804
35.9%
352
15.7%
565
25.3%
516
23.1%
2,237
Table 9
Number of CSM Awards Earned by Online Students
2004-05 to 2011-12
(unduplicated headcount)
Number of
Awards
Unduplicated
Head Count
Percent
1
2
933
343
64.6%
23.8
3
4 or more
100
68
6.9
4.7
1,444
100%
Total
Note: Greatest number of awards=9.
Table 10
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CSM Award Earners
Number of CSM Distance Education Courses Enrolled
2004-05 to 2011-12
(unduplicated headcount)
Number of
Courses
1
2
3
4
5 to 10
11 or more
Total
Student
Count
447
310
203
146
273
65
1,444
Percent of
Students
31.0%
21.5
14.1
10.1
18.9
4.5
100%
Notes: Greatest number of courses=34. “Distance Education courses”
includes telecourses + online courses for purposes of this analysis. Counts
of distance education coursework take in account all courses enrolled by
students regardless of the time period—i.e., includes coursework
completed prior to 2004-05.
Table 11
CSM Award Earners
Number of Terms Enrolled in CSM Distance Education Courses
2004-05 to 2011-12
(unduplicated headcount)
Number of
Terms
1
2
3
4
5 to 6
7 or more
Total
Student
Count
519
352
236
134
131
72
1,444
Percent of
Students
35.9%
24.4
16.3
9.3
9.1
5.0
100%
Notes: Greatest number of terms = 14. “Distance Education courses”
includes telecourses + online courses for purposes of this analysis. Counts
of distance education coursework take in account all courses enrolled by
students regardless of the time period—i.e., includes coursework
completed prior to 2004-05.
Table 12
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CSM Awards Earners
By Discipline/Program Area
2004-05 to 2011-12
Total
Program
Awards
277
Program
Awards
as % of
All
Awards
12.4
250
11.2
# of Awards and % of Program Total
Program
Liberal Studies
Associate in
Arts
277
100
Accounting
101
Associate in
Science
40.4
Nursing
129
66.2
University Transfer: IGETC/UC
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
146
58.4
3
1.2
66
33.8
195
8.7
120
100
120
5.4
Business Administration
117
100
117
5.2
Social Science
111
100
111
5.0
Accounting Assistant
72
Fire Technology
35
58.3
25
41.7
Administration of Justice
35
59.3
24
40.7
100
72
3.2
60
2.7
59
2.6
Accounting Assistant I
49
100
49
2.2
Tax Preparer I
44
100
44
2.0
41
100
41
1.8
39
1.7
38
1.7
Accounting Assistant II
Life Sciences: Pre Nursing
39
100
Computer & Information
Science
13
34.2
University Transfer: CSUGE
Management: Business
Management
18
64.3
1
2.6
24
29
100
29
1.3
10
35.7
28
1.3
26
1.2
26
Computer & Information
Science (Java Programming)
Dental Assisting
1
3.8
Human Services
16
66.7
8
30.8
63.2
100
17
65.4
26
1.2
8
33.3
24
1.1
23
1.0
23
Computer & Information
Science (C++ Programming)
100
Horticulture: Floristry
5
22.7
17
77.3
22
1.0
Cosmetology
9
47.4
10
52.6
19
0.8
6
35.3
Speech Communication
4
21.1
Alcohol & Other Drug Studies
11
64.7
15
78.9
19
0.8
17
0.8
0.8
Business: Office Assistant I
17
100
17
Business: Office Assistant II
17
100
17
0.8
Tax Preparer II
16
100
16
0.7
15
0.7
14
100
14
0.6
13
0.6
13
100
13
0.6
English
15
100
Computer & Information
Science (Network Security
Specialist)
Ethnic Studies
13
100
Human Resources Management
Music: Electronic Music
7
53.8
6
46.2
13
0.6
Real Estate
8
61.5
5
38.5
13
0.6
Graphics
5
41.7
7
58.3
12
0.5
Business, Business Info Prssng
5
50.0
5
50.0
10
0.4
10
0.4
Chinese (Mandarin)
Page 8
10
100
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Total
Program
Awards
9
Program
Awards
as % of
All
Awards
0.4
9
0.4
8
0.4
8
0.4
0.4
# of Awards and % of Program Total
Program
Business, Business Info Prssng
(Microcomputers/Database
Spreadsheet)
Associate in
Arts
6
66.7
Multimedia/Web Design
5
55.6
Art -Photography
8
100
Chemistry
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
3
33.3
4
8
44.4
100
Computer & Information
Science (Network Plus Basics)
Electrical Power Systems
Interdisciplinary Studies
8
Certificate of
Specialization
8
100
8
8
100
8
0.4
8
0.4
100
Life Sciences - Biological
8
100
8
0.4
Life Sciences: Medical
8
100
8
0.4
8
0.4
Psychosocial Rehabilitation
8
100
7
0.3
Computer & Information
Science (Internet Programming)
7
100
7
0.3
CPA Exam Preparation
(Financial Actg and Auditing)
7
100
7
0.3
7
0.3
Building Inspection
4
Electronics Technology
(General Electronics)
57.1
3
42.9
5
71.4
2
28.6
7
0.3
1
14.3
6
85.7
7
0.3
2
28.6
7
0.3
7
0.3
7
0.3
6
0.3
50.0
6
0.3
Family Development
7
Horticulture: Environmental
(Landscape Management)
Management: Marketing
Managmnt
5
71.4
Mathematics
7
100
Project Management
7
Business, Business Info Prssng
(Microcomputer/Office
Assistant)
4
66.7
Communication Studies
3
50.0
100
2
100
33.3
3
CPA Exam Preparation
6
100
6
0.3
CPA Exam Preparation
(Bus Environment & Regulation)
6
100
6
0.3
6
0.3
5
0.2
5
0.2
Physics
6
100
Computer & Information
Science
(Applications Development)
4
80.0
1
20.0
5
Computer & Information
Science (Computer Forensics)
Film
5
100
5
0.2
Horticulture: Environmental
(Landscape Construction/
Design)
100
5
100
5
0.2
Horticulture: Environmental
(Nursery Management)
5
100
5
0.2
Japanese
Journalism
Yoga Instructor
Page 9
5
5
100
100
5
100
5
0.2
5
0.2
5
0.2
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Total
Program
Awards
5
Program
Awards
as % of
All
Awards
0.2
5
0.2
# of Awards and % of Program Total
Program
Leadership for Service
Life Sciences - General
Associate in
Arts
5
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
100
Welding Technology
5
100
Biology: Biotechnology
4
2
Computer Support Specialist
(End User Support)
50.0
Computer Support Specialist
(Network Support)
4
100
4
0.2
4
0.2
50.0
Electronics Technology
1
25.0
1
25.0
Electronics Technology
(Industrial Electronics)
2
50.0
2
50.0
Peer Support Services
50.0
4
4
Art: Art History
2
66.7
Art: Fine Arts (Painting)
3
100
2
66.7
Biology: Pre Nursing
3
100
100
Pilates Mat Instructor
Broadcast & Electronic Media
(Television Production)
2
100
Welding Technology
(Welding Technician)
0.2
0.2
2
4
0.2
4
50.0
Physical Science
5
4
50.0
2
4
100
2
Drafting Technology
(CAD/Drafting)
Interdisciplinary Studies
(Contemporary Issues)
Certificate of
Specialization
5
100
100
4
0.2
4
0.2
4
0.2
4
0.2
4
0.2
4
0.2
4
100
4
0.2
1
33.3
3
0.1
3
0.1
100
3
0.1
1
33.3
3
0.1
Electronics Technology
(PC Technical Support)
2
66.7
1
33.3
3
0.1
Electronics Technology
(Wireless Comm Systems)
1
33.3
2
66.7
3
0.1
Engineering
3
100
3
0.1
Life Sciences:Biotechnology
2
66.7
Mathematics: AST
3
100
Music
3
1
33.3
100
3
0.1
3
0.1
3
0.1
Pilates Mat & Reformer Instruc
3
100
3
0.1
American Sign Language
2
100
2
0.1
Architecture
Business, Merchandising
Mngmnt
2
2
100
100
Community Health Worker
2
Computer & Information
Science (Computer & Network
Forensics)
1
50.0
Computer & Information
Science (Network Support)
2
100
Computer Support Specialist
(End-User Support)
Computer Support Specialist
(Network Plus Basics)
Page 10
1
2
100
50.0
100
2
100
2
0.1
2
0.1
2
0.1
2
0.1
2
0.1
2
0.1
2
0.1
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Total
Program
Awards
2
Program
Awards
as % of
All
Awards
0.1
0.1
# of Awards and % of Program Total
Program
Electrical Technology
(Inside Wireman)
Associate in
Arts
Associate in
Science
1
50.0
Certificate of
Achievement
1
50.0
Electronics Technology
(Electronics Assembly)
Fire Sprinkler Technology
2
2
100
1
50.0
Italian
Multimedia: Digital Audio
100
2
2
0.1
2
100
2
0.1
2
0.1
2
1
1
1
100
50.0
Accounting
(Enrolled Agent Exam Prep)
Art - Commercial
2
100
French
Interdisciplinary Studies
(Science and Society)
Certificate of
Specialization
100
100
2
0.1
2
0.1
1
0.0
1
0.0
Art: Fine Arts
1
100
1
0.0
Art: Fine Arts (Drawing)
1
100
1
0.0
Art: Fine Arts
(General Studio Art)
1
100
1
0.0
Basic Police Academy
1
Biology
1
100
100
1
0.0
1
0.0
Broadcast & Electronic Media
(Editing)
1
100
1
0.0
Broadcast & Electronic Media
(Lighting)
1
100
1
0.0
Business: Insurance
(Property and Casualty)
1
100
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
Communication Studies
Transfer
1
100
Computer & Information
Science (End User Support)
1
100
1
100
Computer Forensics
1
Computer Support Specialist
1
Computer Support Specialist
(Java Programming)
100
100
Digital Media (CS)
1
100
1
0.0
Electronics Assembly
1
100
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
Electronics Technology
(Inside Wireman)
1
Electronics Technology
(Linear Electronic Systems)
100
100
1
Electronics Technology
(Network Cabling Specialist)
100
Engineering TechnologyGeneral
1
100
1
0.0
Geological Sciences
1
100
1
0.0
German
Medical Assisting
Medical Assisting
(Adm Medical Assisting)
Page 11
1
1
100
100
1
100
1
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
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Total
Program
Awards
1
Program
Awards
as % of
All
Awards
0.0
1
0.0
1
0.0
# of Awards and % of Program Total
Program
Medical Assisting
(Clinical Medical Assisting)
Multimedia: Digital Video
Multimedia: Web Design
Associate in
Arts
1
Associate in
Science
Certificate of
Achievement
Certificate of
Specialization
1
100
100
1
100
Total Awards
804 35.9
352 15.7
565
25.3
516
23.1
Note: AA-T and AS-T are included in the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science tallies, respectively.
Table 13
Page 12
2,237
Planning, Research, and Institutional Effectiveness (PRIE)
http://collegeofsanmateo.edu/prie
February 17, 2013