Online Options at Clark Atlanta University: What Atlanta Students Should Know

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and are wondering whether Clark Atlanta University (CAU) offers online classes, the short answer is: yes, but availability depends on the program and term. CAU offers a mix of fully online, hybrid (online + on-campus), and traditional in-person courses, with the most online flexibility typically found in graduate and continuing education programs.

Below is a clear breakdown of what that looks like for someone living, working, or planning to study in Atlanta.

Does Clark Atlanta Have Online Classes?

Clark Atlanta University does offer online and hybrid courses, especially in areas like:

  • General education and core courses (selected classes)
  • Some undergraduate major requirements or electives
  • Graduate programs and courses, particularly in business, education, and related fields
  • Summer and intersession courses, which are often more online-friendly

However, not every degree at CAU can be completed fully online. Many programs still require you to attend in-person classes on the Atlanta campus near downtown and the West End.

If you are an Atlanta resident trying to stay local but need flexibility, CAU’s options often include:

  • Taking a few online courses each semester while still being mainly on campus
  • Enrolling in hybrid courses that meet on campus some days and online other days
  • For some programs, especially at the graduate level, completing a majority of coursework online

Types of Online and Hybrid Learning at Clark Atlanta

1. Fully Online Courses

CAU periodically offers fully online courses, especially in:

  • Core curriculum subjects (e.g., some humanities, social sciences, or business courses)
  • Graduate courses designed for working professionals in Atlanta
  • Summer and short-term sessions

These classes are usually delivered through an online learning platform that allows you to:

  • Watch lectures or videos
  • Submit assignments
  • Take quizzes and exams
  • Interact with classmates via discussion boards

For Atlanta students balancing commuting, work in Midtown or Downtown, or family responsibilities, these online courses can reduce time spent traveling to campus.

2. Hybrid (Blended) Classes

Many Atlanta-based CAU students encounter hybrid (blended) classes, which combine on-campus meetings with online work. For example:

  • You might meet once a week on campus and complete the rest of the work online.
  • Labs or presentations might be on campus, while lectures and homework are online.
  • Group projects may use both virtual tools and in-person sessions.

This format is common in programs where hands-on or interactive learning is important but flexibility is still needed.

3. Traditional In-Person with Online Components

Even “in-person” classes at CAU may use online tools for:

  • Posting syllabi and readings
  • Uploading assignments
  • Sharing grades and announcements

So, while the class meets on campus in Atlanta’s West End neighborhood, you still get some online support and digital resources.

Who Are CAU’s Online Classes Best For in Atlanta?

Online and hybrid courses at Clark Atlanta can be especially helpful if you:

  • Work full- or part-time in Atlanta (e.g., Downtown, Buckhead, Midtown, Hartsfield-Jackson area)
  • Rely on MARTA or limited transportation and want fewer trips to campus
  • Live farther out in South Fulton, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, or Gwinnett and want to reduce commute time
  • Have family or caregiving responsibilities in the Atlanta area
  • Prefer a mix of face-to-face HBCU campus life and online convenience

However, if you are seeking a completely online undergraduate degree with no campus visits at all, it’s important to confirm directly with CAU whether your specific program supports that. Many undergrad majors still expect at least some campus presence.

Examples of What Might Be Available Online

Availability changes by semester, but Atlanta students commonly see online or hybrid options in areas like:

  • Business-related courses (intro business, management, marketing, etc.)
  • General education like English composition, social science surveys, or first-year seminars
  • Selected graduate education or business courses aimed at working professionals
  • Electives and some upper-level courses, depending on the department

To know what’s currently online, you’ll want to check the CAU course schedule for:

  • “Online” or “Distance Learning” course designations
  • “Hybrid” or “Blended” noted in the course format or location

How Online Classes Work for Someone Living in Atlanta

If you’re local to Atlanta, here’s how taking CAU online classes typically plays out in real life.

Technology and Access

You’ll generally need:

  • A reliable internet connection (home, workplace, or public spaces like Atlanta-Fulton Public Library branches)
  • A computer or laptop (tablets may work but are not ideal for all tasks)
  • Access to CAU’s learning management system (often used for all online and many in-person classes)

For Atlanta students who don’t have stable internet at home, options often include:

  • Public libraries in the city
  • Community centers with computer labs
  • On-campus spaces at CAU with Wi-Fi and computer access

Campus vs. Online Routine

Even if some of your classes are online, as an Atlanta-based CAU student you might still need to:

  • Come to campus for orientation, advising, or financial aid appointments
  • Attend in-person exams or labs if your program requires them
  • Participate in internships, practicums, or fieldwork somewhere in the Atlanta area

This makes CAU’s approach especially suited to residents who can reach 223 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 without relocating, but still want schedule flexibility.

Quick Comparison: Campus vs. Online at CAU for Atlanta Students

OptionWhat It Looks Like in AtlantaBest For
Fully In-PersonAll classes on CAU’s campus in the West EndStudents wanting full campus experience, close to city life
Hybrid (Blended)Mix of campus meetings + online workStudents with some time constraints or longer commutes
Fully Online CoursesLectures, assignments, and tests done from anywhere in metro AtlantaWorking professionals, caregivers, or students far from campus
Mostly Online, Some In-PersonMany online classes but occasional on-campus requirementsStudents wanting flexibility but able to visit campus when needed

How to Check Current Online Offerings at Clark Atlanta

Because online options change over time, the most accurate way for an Atlanta resident to confirm what’s available is to contact CAU directly and review the current term schedule.

Key Campus Offices for Information

You can reach out to:

  • Office of Admissions
    Clark Atlanta University
    223 James P. Brawley Drive SW
    Atlanta, GA 30314
    Phone: Typically listed on CAU’s main contact directory

  • Office of the Registrar
    For course schedules, delivery formats (online/hybrid), and registration details.

  • Academic Advising or Department Offices
    For program-specific information on which courses can be taken online or in hybrid format.

When you contact them, you might ask:

  • “For my major, how many courses can I take online each semester?”
  • “Are there fully online paths for this degree, or will I need to be on campus?”
  • “Which online or hybrid classes are available this upcoming term?”

Tips for Atlanta Residents Considering CAU Online Classes

Here are some practical points to think about if you’re in the Atlanta area:

  • Plan around traffic and transit.
    Even one fewer trip per week to the West End campus can make a big difference if you’re commuting from areas like Stone Mountain, Marietta, or College Park.

  • Balance work and school.
    Many Atlanta students use online CAU courses to fit around shifts in Buckhead, Midtown offices, Hartsfield-Jackson jobs, or local retail and service work.

  • Check if you need campus resources.
    If you plan to use CAU’s library, computer labs, tutoring, or student services in person, factor in how often you’ll come to campus.

  • Understand expectations.
    Online doesn’t always mean easier or self-paced; professors may have strict deadlines and scheduled online meetings, which still require you to be available at specific times.

So, Does Clark Atlanta Have Online Classes for Atlanta Students?

Yes. Clark Atlanta University does offer online and hybrid classes, with the greatest flexibility often found in certain graduate programs and select undergraduate courses. For someone living in Atlanta, that means you can often:

  • Take some or many courses online
  • Reduce your commuting to the West End campus
  • Combine on-campus HBCU life with modern online learning tools

However, many degrees still require some in-person classes or activities, so it’s important to confirm with CAU whether your specific program can be completed mostly or entirely online.

If you’re in Atlanta and exploring Clark Atlanta University, your next step is to review the current course schedule and talk with Admissions, the Registrar, or your intended department to get precise, up-to-date details on online class options.