Can MOOCs Increase Access to Education? Evidence from a Large New Computer Science Degree Program

Explore groundbreaking research on how online education can expand access to higher education through a comprehensive lecture examining Georgia Tech's innovative Online Master of Science in Computer Science program. Discover how this pioneering model combines the affordability of MOOCs with the prestige of a top-ranked institution, creating an unprecedented price-quality combination in graduate education. Learn about the rigorous regression discontinuity research design used to analyze admissions data and understand how this low-cost, high-quality option significantly increases formal education participation among mid-career professionals who find traditional in-person programs unappealing. Examine compelling evidence showing how a single innovative program can boost annual American computer science master's degree production by eight percent by satisfying previously unmet demand for mid-career training. Gain insights into the broader implications of online education technology for expanding educational access and meeting the evolving needs of working professionals seeking advanced degrees in computer science.