SJSU Online Propels Graduate to Harvard
Lucia Sanchez, ‘23 Interdisciplinary Studies, will pursue a graduate degree from Harvard University after graduating from SJSU through SJSU Online. Photo by Jim Gensheimer.
Last month, the first students to earn their bachelor’s degrees completely online from SJSU crossed the commencement stage in-person thanks to SJSU Online, a program which empowers adults to earn their degrees through 100% online courses designed around their busy lifestyles.
Among them was Lucia Sanchez, ‘23 Interdisciplinary Studies, who shares that reaching this milestone has changed her life. Sanchez not only became the first in her family to graduate from college, but will also continue her education by enrolling in a master’s degree program at Harvard University.
“I never imagined I would be able to get this far,” said Sanchez. “Online education has exploded since the COVID-19 pandemic and that has made it possible for people like me to continue to pursue an education.”
*Editor’s note: Sanchez was among the students featured in this KPIX story about SJSU Online’s inaugural graduates.
Sanchez originally enrolled at De Anza College 15 years ago but had to pause making progress towards her degree to work full-time. While continuing to work as a secretary and after school program director in San José’s Franklin-McKinley School District, she resumed progress towards her degree by enrolling in SJSU Online’s Interdisciplinary Studies program.
SJSU Online combines high-impact practices in online education so students can maximize their benefits and minimize their costs. Students can begin their program at three starting points each year, take classes year-round, receive regular academic advising and learn from expert SJSU faculty.
“During the pandemic, over 1,000 SJSU faculty completed professional development to learn the best practices in online education,” said SJSU Vice Provost for Academic Innovation and Institutional Effectiveness Ronald Rogers. “We have high-impact, high-quality courses that are being developed with the online learner in mind.”
Apply to an SJSU Online program by July 15 to begin in August 2023. Visit sjsu.edu/online, call 408-924-7000 or email online@sjsu.edu to get started.
