CSU Online Pathways Help Students Advance Careers

Elizabeth Lewis' path to earning a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from San José State was shaped by both early inspiration and the practical realities of balancing school, work and parenthood. Growing up, she was influenced by her father, a history teacher who introduced her to different cultures through music, food and community events.

"He taught me to love cultures, to love the things that make people who they are," Lewis said.

That foundation led her to anthropology and ultimately to a career goal of becoming an ethnic studies teacher at the K-12 level. Already working as a substitute teacher with transitional kindergarten and first-grade students, Lewis started exploring options for a four-year degree.

As a student parent, however, Lewis needed a program that would allow her to pursue her degree while remaining present for her young daughter. She chose SJSU's fully online anthropology bachelor's program because it provided flexibility to balance her responsibilities at home with her academic and professional goals.

"That was the main reason I chose an online pathway, because I have a daughter," Lewis said. "She is my first responsibility, and it was important for me to be here [with her] as much as possible. When I attended junior college, I had a hybrid schedule. So, there would be times where I was on campus, and while I did enjoy it, it took time away from my child."

That flexibility was essential to her success, enabling her to stay engaged in her studies while prioritizing her daughter. At the same time, Lewis emphasized that succeeding in an online environment requires discipline and commitment.

"You have to be willing and motivated," she said. "It is very easy to procrastinate, so you have to be passionate about what you're learning."

Beyond her coursework, Lewis played an active role in building community within the program. As an online student ambassador, she helped connect students through virtual orientations, events and communication platforms designed to foster engagement and support.

"I've been able to participate in pretty much everything that an on-campus person would be able to do," she said.

Lewis also credits strong support from faculty and staff with helping her complete her degree. Academic advisors and professors were responsive and invested in student success, providing guidance throughout her academic journey.

Her coursework further reinforced how anthropology connects directly to her future in education. Studying diverse communities and cultural expression helped her better understand how to support students in inclusive and meaningful ways.

"I think that it's incredibly important to be able to connect with them on a different level," she said. "Knowing a little bit about someone's culture is very helpful in doing that."

Now a graduate, Lewis plans to pursue a master's degree and a teaching credential with the goal of bringing ethnic studies into the classroom and helping students better understand both themselves and others.

This piece was originally published by Alisia Ruble and Michael Drummond at the California State University.