Shoreline College Expands Online Learning with New “Shoreline Online” Initiative
New initiative brings fully online programs, dedicated student support and award-winning course design together in one comprehensive online learning experience
Shoreline College (Shoreline) is expanding access to flexible, high-quality education with the launch of Shoreline Online. This new initiative is designed to make it easier for students to earn a degree or certificate entirely online while receiving the guidance and support they need to succeed.
While Shoreline has offered online courses for many years, Shoreline Online takes the next step by bringing together fully online programs, intentionally designed online courses, and dedicated student support under one coordinated approach. Instead of taking random online classes, students can now follow complete online pathways from enrollment through completion, with the flexibility to earn their degree or certificate without needing to come to campus.
Dr. Jack Kahn, President of Shoreline College shared, “I’m very excited about this new initiative. Shoreline Online moves us toward proven practices that strengthen student engagement, support completion, and create a more consistent learning experience across courses.”
Through Shoreline Online, students can choose from a growing selection of programs that can be completed fully online, including career-focused certificates as well as degree and transfer options. Current Shoreline students can also take advantage of the College’s extensive online course offerings to create greater flexibility as they work toward completing their degrees.
Unlike an online experience built around individual, disconnected courses, Shoreline Online is designed around complete programs and clear pathways. Students know which courses they need and how to progress toward their credential, with dedicated support available along the way.
It is important to note that online learning doesn’t mean students are learning on their own. Just like any onsite class, students can expect instructors to be actively present throughout their courses through regular communication, meaningful feedback, class discussions and activities, and proactive outreach to help students stay more engaged and to support their continued progress.
Shoreline Online students have access to a dedicated Student Success Navigator, who helps students thrive in the online learning environment and build connections with the people and resources needed to succeed; a “go-to” person for making the online college experience feel more supported. Proactive outreach is built into this model to help students navigate challenges and continue making progress toward completion.
The initiative also places a strong emphasis on the quality and consistency of the online classroom experience. Courses within Shoreline Online pathways are built around shared standards for high-quality online learning, with faculty supported by eLearning, Instructional Designers, training, and resources that help create clear, accessible, and engaging online courses
Brandon Fryman, one of Shoreline’s Instructional Designers, whose work to advance high-quality online learning was recently recognized at the state level in 2025 with the “Connie Broughton Innovation in eLearning Award” shares, “High-quality online education should never feel like a course was simply moved onto the internet. It should be intentionally designed for the online environment, with clear expectations, meaningful engagement, accessible materials, and multiple ways for students to connect with their learning. Our work with faculty is about making those choices intentionally so that students have an equitable, supportive learning experience wherever they are.”
Shoreline Online has already been piloted through the College’s online business certificate programs, serving more than 150 students across eight classes. The College is now expanding the model to additional programs and pathways, including Health Informatics, Music Technology, Child Advocacy Studies, Honors Research and additional transfer degree options.
The expansion is designed to serve a broad range of learners, including working adults, students balancing family responsibilities, and those looking to continue their education without relocating or restructuring their lives around a traditional college schedule.
As a public college, Shoreline offers an affordable pathway to a credential, career advancement or a four-year degree. Online students receive the same high-quality Shoreline College education, with the flexibility to complete coursework from wherever they are. U.S. citizens enrolled in eligible online programs also benefit from Washington in-state tuition, regardless of where they live.
Shoreline Online programs and course options will continue to expand as the College moves toward full implementation of the initiative.
