LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) – Ohio State Lima will begin offering an online associate degree in January 2026, designed to give future Buckeyes more flexibility — especially those who may not have previously considered college.
“So for many of the students who are place bound or who have a lot of different kinds of responsibilities, this new program will allow them to fit an education in around the things that they're already involved with, and so finding opportunities to extend what it is that we do so well is an exciting new step,” said Dr. Margaret Young, dean of Ohio State Lima.
Ohio State Lima announced the new online Associate of Arts degree with two initial concentrations: general studies and social science. The university said more concentrations may be added in the future. Young said the program is a necessary expansion to help both local employers and students.
“This is really to expand access. Our dedication to the land grant mission allows us to think a little bit differently as the needs of students are continuing to evolve, and this is just the next step in that evolution," Young added.
The flexibility of the online associate degree could also serve as a steppingstone for students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree.
“It allows students to get the grounding that they need to complete the four-year degree if they want to. And they can complete the four-year degree in an in person environment, or at Ohio State, we have a number of options where they can complete it completely online as well,” said Eric Anderman, vice provost for OSU regional campuses.
David Gall-Maynard, a senior lecturer in the Ohio State Lima English Department, helped create an online course to help students navigate the virtual format and interact like their on-campus counterparts.
“The course incorporates a lot of opportunities for students to interact with each other through in class discussions, in the Carmen canvas, through the discussion board. Also, students will receive regular feedback from their instructor and from each other by reviewing each other's work,” Gall-Maynard said.
The deadline to sign up for classes starting in January is Dec.
For more information about the online Associate of Arts degree, click on the links below:
Associate of Arts in General Studies: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-general-studies/
Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-social-and-behavioral-sciences/
Media Release from the Ohio State University at Lima
Ohio State Lima announces new online Associate of Arts degree
The Ohio State University at Lima will launch its first fully online Associate of Arts degree in January 2026. The program begins with two concentrations: General Studies and Social Sciences, with additional career-focused concentrations planned.
This initiative reinforces Ohio State’s land-grant mission: expanding access to high-quality, affordable education that supports both student success and economic growth. This new option brings Ohio State’s academic excellence to students who need flexibility, affordability and career advancement opportunities. By meeting students where they are, Ohio State Lima is ensuring that more people have the opportunity to pursue education and achieve their goals.
“This program is a logical and necessary step for Ohio State Lima. By expanding our Associate of Arts degree online, we are opening doors for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education—and in doing so, we are strengthening both our community and the workforce of tomorrow,” said Dr. Margaret Young, dean and director at Ohio State Lima.
An associate degree can open doors to better job prospects and higher earning potential. This program is designed to help students advance in their careers or prepare for the next stage of their education. Nationally and in Ohio, online associate degree completions are increasing significantly, even as overall degree completions decline. This demonstrates the clear demand for flexible, online options.
Online students will receive the same advising, academic support, and faculty engagement as on-campus students. Courses are taught by experienced Ohio State faculty, with small class sizes and asynchronous learning for maximum flexibility. Ohio State Online and Ohio State Lima will partner to ensure strong academic integrity, career readiness, and personalized support.
This program is not replacing the on-campus Associate of Arts degree. Instead, it brings Ohio State Lima’s high-quality instruction and student support to new learners who might otherwise not have access. The online AA degree underscores Ohio State’s land-grant mission: to expand access to education, contribute to workforce development, and support economic growth in Ohio and beyond. By providing both in-person and online options, Ohio State is ensuring students have the flexibility to succeed on their own terms.
The application deadline for the spring term beginning January 12, 2026, is December 1, 2025.
Learn more
Associate of Arts in General Studies: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-general-studies/
Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences: https://online.osu.edu/associate-degree/associate-of-arts-social-and-behavioral-sciences/
