AU Online continues growth with new programs, record enrollment

When Augusta University Online launched in 2023, it began with a simple goal: extend AU’s academic excellence beyond the physical classroom and create flexible pathways for working professionals to advance their education.

The initiative debuted with three graduate programs: a Master of Education in Instruction, a Master of Public Health, and a Master of Science in Information Security Management. The latter was renamed a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Management and Technology for Fall 2026. These programs were developed in partnership with three colleges across the university – the College of Education and Human Development, the School of Public Health, and the School of Computer and Cyber Sciences. Since then, AU Online has steadily expanded its portfolio, attracting students from across Georgia and beyond while helping working adults balance career, family and educational goals.

Three years later, AU Online has grown from a promising initiative to a significant part of Augusta University’s academic landscape.

“The partnership between AU Online and our colleges and schools has significantly helped advance the delivery and growth of high-quality asynchronous online academic programs,” said Maggy G. Tomova, PhD, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “AU Online has developed a learning space that incorporates best practices in online course design and online instruction. The growth of AU Online and its partnered academic programs demonstrates its excellence and value within the market.”

Building momentum through strategic growth

Following its launch, AU Online expanded its offerings with several new graduate programs designed to meet workforce needs and student demand.

One new addition is the Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies with a concentration in Technical Intelligence Analysis. It prepares graduates to address evolving national security and intelligence challenges.

The university also added the Master of Public Administration to the AU Online portfolio, creating new opportunities for current and aspiring public service professionals to develop leadership and management skills applicable to government, nonprofit and community organizations.

In Spring 2026, AU Online reached another milestone with the launch of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, becoming the first doctoral program offered through the online division. The program expanded opportunities for educational professionals seeking advanced leadership credentials while maintaining full-time careers.

“AU Online is committed to growing programs that meet workforce needs while providing students with the flexibility necessary to pursue high-quality advanced degrees without putting their careers on hold,” said Doug Blackburn, associate vice president of Teaching and Technology at AU.

A growing impact

The expansion of AU Online has translated into measurable growth for the university. As of Summer 2026, AU Online anticipates celebrating more than 800 graduates since its launch.

This summer, AU Online welcomed 228 new students, representing the largest summer intake in the division’s history and reflecting growing demand for flexible, high-quality graduate education.

This continued growth demonstrates the increasing appeal of online learning models that allow students to pursue advanced degrees without relocating or disrupting their professional responsibilities.

Expanding opportunities in public health

AU Online’s partnership with the School of Public Health continues to develop with the addition of several new academic offerings.

Beginning in Fall 2026, students will have access to a Master of Science in Data Science and a Master of Science in Epidemiology. The epidemiology program will prepare students to investigate patterns of health and disease through advanced research and data analysis, helping address critical workforce needs in public health and healthcare research. The data science program teaches students how to collect, manage and analyze large datasets, equipping them with the skills to uncover insights and support data-driven decision making across a variety of fields.

The Master of Public Health program will also expand with a new epidemiology concentration, which joins existing online options in Health Management, Health Informatics and Social and Behavioral Sciences. This will provide students additional opportunities to specialize in high-demand public health fields.

“Our continued partnership with AU Online is allowing the School of Public Health to extend our reach across the state, offering excellent educational programs and building a public health workforce in the communities where our students live and work,” said Teresa Waters, PhD and dean of the School of Public Health and interim dean of Hull College of Business. “I am so excited to see the addition of two more School of Public Health degrees to the portfolio, offering strong, accessible and affordable training in epidemiology and data science.”

Bringing AU Online to Hull College

AU Online is also partnering with Hull College to introduce the Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management.

This program combines advanced business education with healthcare-focused coursework, preparing professionals to lead organizations across one of Georgia’s most important industries. Students will develop expertise in areas such as healthcare operations, financial management, health policy and strategic leadership.

The addition marks the first AU Online offering with Hull College and reflects the university’s commitment to delivering programs aligned with regional and national workforce demands.

“The Hull College of Business has a strong tradition of delivering excellent education in the business disciplines,” Waters added. “This partnership with AU Online will enable us to expand our MBA program in ways that are not possible with on-campus offerings. I’m especially excited to see the online MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Management grow and thrive, supporting working professionals across the state as they build their skills and prepare for the next step in their healthcare leadership careers.”

New pathway for educational leaders

The College of Education and Human Development is also expanding its online doctoral offerings in Spring 2027 through the addition of a Higher Education Administration concentration within the Doctor of Education program.

The new concentration joins Educational Leadership, offered online, and Curriculum and Instruction, offered on campus, providing students with multiple pathways to advance their careers in education.

Designed for professionals working in colleges, universities and educational organizations, this new concentration will focus on leadership, policy, administration and organizational effectiveness in higher education settings.

“We are so excited to launch this important new concentration!” said Judi Wilson, EdD and dean of COEHD. “President Russell T. Keen has been discussing this for two years and we are grateful for the generous funding he provided to support research faculty to teach and supervise dissertations in this new area. This program will enable us to ‘grow our own leaders’ at AU, which is a Presidential priority and a huge university need. Also, the online delivery method will make it incredibly accessible to anyone in our state. I can’t wait to see this program grow.”

Preparing the next generation of higher education leaders

The Higher Education Administration concentration represents a broader institutional commitment to develop future leaders for Augusta University, the Central Savannah River Area and the state of Georgia.

Developed as part of a presidential initiative, the new concentration is designed to cultivate professionals who can strengthen educational institutions, support student success and help shape the future of higher education across the region.

For working professionals already employed within educational institutions, the program provides an opportunity to advance their knowledge, leadership capabilities and career prospects while continuing to work full time.

Augusta University employees interested in pursuing graduate education while working might also be eligible for assistance through its Tuition Assistance Program.