MURFREESBORO, TN — Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is reaching new heights in digital education, reporting record-breaking growth for its online programs as of Fall 2025. The start of their largest up-swing in numbers began, in part, around the COVID era... That was Dr. Trey Martindale, MTSU Associate Vice Provost for Online Learning in Online Education. With a strategic focus on flexibility and academic excellence, the university has successfully adapted to the needs of a diverse student body—ranging from full-time working professionals to part-time employees looking to upskill, with goals of moving-up the career ladder to bigger and better things.
Unprecedented Growth by the Numbers - The latest statistics reveal a significant shift in the university’s academic landscape, with many of their students taking traditional on-campus classes, while also taking one or two online courses... During the Fall 2025 semester, more than 20,000 students were enrolled at MTSU. Of those, over 12,000 students — roughly 57% of the total student body — took at least one online course. The growth is supported by an expansive catalog of 83 fully online degrees, concentrations, and certificate programs, a significant increase from the 24 programs offered just six years ago.
Because people have barriers and responsibilities that can interfere with a traditional, on-campus college experience, online makes sense. Taking those barriers into consideration, MTSU now has online courses that are not “LIVE.” Dr. Martindale told WGNS.....
During the Fall 2025 semester, more than 3,000 students at MTSU completed their education entirely online, representing over 14% of the university’s total enrollment. Online courses now account for 29% of all student credit hours (SCH), highlighting the growing role of virtual learning across campus.
The shift is evident at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Approximately 28% of undergraduate credit hours were delivered online, while graduate programs saw an even greater concentration, with nearly 47% of all graduate credit hours offered virtually.
University leaders emphasize that the expansion of online education is not driven by enrollment growth alone, but by a continued commitment to academic quality. MTSU currently supports 28 full-time temporary faculty members across 18 academic departments who are specifically dedicated to online instruction.
To ensure online students receive the same level of support as those on campus, MTSU has expanded access to essential services through web-based platforms. Students have 24/7 access to live tutoring and writing center assistance, along with dedicated online counseling and psychological services. Comprehensive library resources and peer mentoring programs are also available to help students stay on track toward degree completion.
The university also invests in faculty development to strengthen the virtual classroom experience. Through its Online Faculty Development Program, instructors participate in workshops, peer mentoring, and instructional design consultations aimed at maintaining engaging and effective online learning environments.
As online enrollment continues to increase year after year, MTSU officials say the university remains focused on providing flexible learning options while maintaining the academic standards expected of a comprehensive public institution.
- To learn more about MTSU Online and its programs, visit https://www.mtsu.edu/online/.
