Melissa Venable, Ph.D.
Education
- Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction — Instructional Technology, University of South Florida
- MS in Administration, Central Michigan University
- M.Ed. in Instructional Psychology and Technology, University of Oklahoma
- BA in Psychology, Wake Forest University
Expertise
- Online education
- Instructional design and technology
Academic Publications
Melissa A. Venable, Ph.D., has 20 years of experience in online education and training as an instructional designer, curriculum manager, and adjunct professor. She is also a certified career coach.
Melissa works on research, instructional design and technology, continuing education, and professional development projects as an independent contractor with multiple companies and organizations. As a contributing writer with BestColleges, she works with a team of editors and content specialists on the annual Online Education Trends Report, which also includes information on student demographics and career planning.
Reader’s Digest interviewed Melissa on school changes after coronavirus. EdTech interviewed her on what successful online and hybrid courses have in common. EdScoop interviewed her on students’ positive reviews of online college programs. Medium interviewed her on trends to watch in the future of work. EdTech also interviewed her on key trends to understand for successful online courses. CBS 17 interviewed her on strategies to find career direction. Bloomberg interviewed her on the percent of college students who think campuses should be open.
Read Melissa Venable, Ph.D.'s Latest Articles
Online Education Trends Report
BestColleges' 11th annual Online Education Trends Report provides the latest online learning experience data with insights from students and school administrators.
August 11, 2025
College Student Mental Health Report
The 2022 College Student Mental Health Report explores college student perceptions of mental health and wellness and the services designed to support mental health on campus.
August 27, 2024
Alternative Education Pathways Report
The 2021 Alternative Education Pathways Report explores job training and career development through the perceptions of business leaders and the general public.
August 27, 2024
Are Online Degrees Respected? Trends, Tips, and Types of Schools
An online degree program can help you prepare for your career and compete in the job market, but are online degrees taken seriously? Increasingly, the answer is yes.
March 8, 2024
Is an Online Degree Worth It?
Online education is increasingly popular, but you might be wondering whether it's worth it. Melissa Venable, Ph.D., debunks the myths about earning an online degree.
February 6, 2024
