West Virginia University at Parkersburg officials said online classes are becoming even more popular these days. They said one reason is the higher gas prices.

"But even more recently students are clammoring for the online courses and again we think it's because of the gas prices that are increasing and just the flexibility. They can continue to have a job and support other needs they may have in their personal lives and still be a college student," said Rhonda Richards, the Executive Dean for Academic Affairs at WVU-P.

Richards said a third of the student body is taking an online class or an alternative delivery system course (ADS). The ADS courses meet in person up to five times a semester but the rest is on the web.

"Scheduling to my course was completed and all seats were taken in the first couple of hours of the registration," said WVU-P Professor of Economics Sy Sarkarat.

The virtual seats fill fast but don't be fooled, officials say these classes aren't any easier.

"There's a lot of preparation time that goes into developing an online course, a lot of time spent online with students and online students will tell you there's no compromise when it comes to content," said Richards.

Now with the higher demand, officials hope to expand.

"We are looking to add complete online degree programs. Right now we just have courses but without those leading to a specific degree per say, and if we're approved by HLC (Higher Learning Commission) to offer the programs, a student can get a complete program online without coming on campus," said Richards.

Richards said they're meeting next month with the Higher Learning Commission to discuss accreditation of four associate degree programs in business administration, business technology, and multicraft technology.

If WVU-P gets the accreditation, then these online programs would be implemented this fall.

At Marietta College, spokesperson Tom Perry said the college normally only offers online classes in the summer.

The majority of the students live on campus or live within a close radius of the campus. Perry said there are aproximately 300 commuters and 1100 residential students. He said commuter students he spoke with stack their courses for fewer days a week because of jobs and because they don't have anywhere else to go when they're on campus.