The Online Degree Dorm Room

Coming soon to a college near you - Digitial Textbooks…

Posted by bposton on December 30th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Now that the holidays are winding down and most of my dorm room buddies are checking their wallets to see wha’t left, there’s that sinking feeling when they realize that a new semester is coming up and along with that - the rush to get the college textbooks.

It’s a VERY sad fact that the cost of college textbooks has risen at 20 times the inflation rate in the last 20 years (according to the US Government) and I’m sorry, but this is just CRAZY. The poor economic situation brings this to light even more so, and finally there appears to be some good news - the education community is finally starting to “get it” - the time digitial textbooks is NOW.

Yes, there are still opposing camps on this subject. But the biggest opposition I’ve read comes from college faculty that fear they will be left out of the selection process, and worst case, state governments will eventually “mandate” certain books for certain classes. But since the cost of textbooks are such a huge burden on students today, some local governments have already started to write laws to make them more affordable.

These opposing views can’t stop the tide. Here’s some examples of what’s happening today in the move towards digital books:

CourseSmart is a company that has several thousand books in digitial format, costing half the price of printed versions. They have served over 6,500 students (and saved a few trees in the process, too )

Amazon is taking part in a study with seven universities to test and evaluate the success of digitial textbooks

Orange Grove Texts Plus is a partnership between the University Press of Florida (the Florida university system’s nonprofit publishing arm), Integrated Book Technology (a Virginia publisher) and The Orange Grove (Florida’s digital database of K-20 teaching material). This program offers students digital versions of over 140 textbooks and scholarly monographs for free, and bound printed versions for $30 to $50. Eventually, Orange Grove Texts Plus plans to stock more than 1600 titles.

California is also starting an initative similar to that in Florida. However this appears to be targeted to High School textbooks (probably because the state forks out the money for those.)

So, maybe in the very near future we won’t have to add the cost of textbooks to the other stressful activities along the college road.  Let’s hope it’s sooner than later.

No Comments »

Folks in Florida now have more options for getting their degrees at Phoenix…that’s not a misprint :-)

Posted by bposton on December 29th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Yeah, I know it sounds strange, but let me explain.

If you’ve been searching for an online degree program, you must have run into the University of Phoenix. If not, then you’ve really not been looking that hard.

What you may not know, is that in Florida UoP has several “Learning Centers” throughout the state. Now they have announced that they are expanding their hours to provide daytime classes as well.

This is important since until now they have only offered evening hours and weekend courses.

For now, only four learning centers will have the daytime class options (9am to 1pm). These are located:

The Miramar Learning Center, located at 11410 NW 20th Street in Miramar
The Cypress Creek Learning Center located at 550 W. Cypress Creek Road in Fort Lauderdale
The Westshore Learning Center located at 4805 Independence Parkway in Tampa
The South Orlando Learning Center located at 8325 South Park Circle, Suite 100

For more information about these extended hours, you can check out either one of these four websites:

phoenix.edu/centralflorida
phoenix.edu/northflorida
phoenix.edu/southflorida
phoenix.edu/westflorida

Being a fan of the state (since one of my daughters live there) I thought I’d pass this along to all my online degree dorm room buddies from the Gator state.

No Comments »

Posted by bposton on July 4th, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Drexel University recently announced that it will offer free to an unlimited number of military veterans. You can be full or part time, and you can get getting your undergraduate, graduate, or even doctoral degree. And, best of all, this applies to both on campus and online programs.

It’s all part of Drexel’s participation in the new GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program.

This is a partnership between the federal government and Drexel, and a part of this program, the University will match the government’s contribution to the cost of an education so that eligible veterans can attend Drexel with no out of pocket expenses.

Here’s how it works. The federal government will pay up to the highest in-state school tuition, with any remaining cost shared between the government and the University.

Doing this will offer eligible service persons a free education.

There are under institutions participating in the new program, but Drexel is different because they will have no cap on the number of veterans who may enroll. They are committing 2 million for this program, and it will allow veterans who meet government and University admissions requirements to receive a completely free education at all of the University’s schools and colleges including the Drexel University College of Medicine, Earle Mack School of Law, Drexel at Burlington County College and the Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies.

Here’s another cool thing about the new Yellow Ribbon Program. The government will pay each student’s costs directly to the University rather than requiring those veterans to request a reimbursement, which was what they had to do under the original GI Bill. And the program includes a new set of educational benefits such as monthly housing and textbook stipends.

According to Drexel: “We are proud to be able to give back to those who have sacrificed so much to serve their country,” Greenberg added.

Three Cheers for Drexel!!! 

OK, so here’s the lowdown on who is eligible, per the Veteran’s Adminstration. You must have served an aggregate period of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, of at least 36 months or were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and served 30 continuous days after Sept. 10, 2001.

For information on the new GI Bill and specific benefit questions contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-GIBILL-1

For more information about Drexel’s on campus programs contact Drexel University at 800-2-DREXEL For more information about Drexel’s online degree programs contact Drexel Online at 877-215-0009.

For more information about using your military benefits to fund a Drexel education contact Jeffrey Linskens, associate director, Student Resource Center, at 215-895-6413 or jeffery.r.linskens@drexel.edu

No Comments »

online degree programs psychology | Financial aid for online training

Posted by bposton on September 5th, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Did you know that you can now get financial aid for online degree programs is available through the Federal grants system?

It’s TRUE!!

Here’s the deal.

Until last year, students who were enrolled in online degree programs had to spend half of their program in campus-based classed in order to qualify for federal student grants. But that “50-percent rule,” was repealled (YEAH!! )

So now all students enrolled in eligible online degree programs at accredited institutions in the U.S can get federal student aid in the form of federal loans, grants and work-study .

This is the real deal, folks.

Federal Student Aid, which is an office of the U.S. Department of Education, processes 14 million financial aid applications and distributes more than $80 billion to students through schools annually.

So start filling out those financial aid forms, and get the money you need for college, even if the classroom is at home!

No Comments »

online degree programs psychology | Oh my gosh, were has the time gone??

Posted by bposton on August 15th, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Sorry everyone, but it’s WAY to long since I posted to this blog.

I sincerely apologize, but many, many, many other things got in the way, both personal and otherwise. I know it’s no excuse, but…

I’m BACK

And I really hope to “resurrect” this blog. I may not be posting as much as I was before, but, I’ll certainly try.

Thanks for your patience:

So, off we go again:

Here’s a very recent press release from Cappella about some new online degree programs they are offering

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) August 2, 2007 — Capella University, an accredited online university based in Minneapolis, today introduced a new Education Specialist (EdS) online degree program, as well as a Master of Science in Public Health. Twelve new graduate and undergraduate specializations are also being launched in such fields as emergency management, retail management, school counseling, educational leadership, health information management, human resource management, information security, and project management. Enrollment is now open, with classes beginning fall quarter 2007.

“With the addition of the EdS degree, Capella can offer teachers and administrators an intermediate degree between our master’s and PhD degree programs,” said Harry McLenighan, dean of Capella’s School of Education. “We think it’s important to provide an EdS option for people who want education beyond their master’s degree, but currently don’t want to pursue a doctoral degree.” Specializations available within the EdS program include Curriculum and Instruction, and Leadership in Educational Administration. Capella is one of the few online universities to offer a state-approved specialization in Leadership in Educational Administration.

 We think it’s important to provide an EdS option for people who want education beyond their master’s degree, but currently don’t want to pursue a doctoral degree.  
Capella’s new MS in Public Health is designed to meet the growing need for public health workers, a field in danger of losing a substantial percentage of its work force to retirement. A 2004 report by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) and the Council of State Governments (CSG) predicted public health retirement rates as high as 45 percent over the succeeding five years and noted public health vacancy rates of up to 20 percent in some states. New specializations offered as part of the MS in Public Health degree include Health Management and Policy, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The MS in Public Health program is part of Capella’s School of Human Services, which is also launching a new School Counseling specialization within its MS in Human Services program.

Capella’s School of Business and Technology is launching five new specializations, including a Human Resource Management specialization within its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, and a Health Information Management specialization within its MS in IT program. The school’s PhD in Information Technology program has two new specializations, Project Management, and Information Security, and the PhD in Organization and Management program also has a new Project Management specialization. Capella now offers six Project Management specializations, allowing students at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels to choose either a business or IT project management focus.

Capella’s School of Undergraduate Studies has announced two new specializations. A new Emergency Management specialization is part of Capella’s BS in Public Safety program. Capella University is currently one of only a few online universities to offer BS, MS, and PhD degree programs in public safety. Capella is also launching a Retail Management specialization within its BS in Business program, designed to address the increasing desire among retailers for college-educated candidates to fill in-store and corporate management positions.

Capella is now accepting enrollment applications for these new specializations. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552), option 3, or e-mail info@capella.edu.

Review of the MS in Human Services, School Counseling specialization is pending in AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, OH, SC, and WA. Review of the MS in Public Health program and the Education Specialist (EdS) program is pending in AZ, FL, GA, KY, MN, SC, and WA. Review of the PhD in Organization and Management, Project Management specialization is pending in AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, KY, SC, and WA. Review of the PhD in IT, Information Security and Project Management specializations, is pending in AL, AZ, FL, GA, KY, SC, and WA. Review of the BS in Business, Retail Management specialization; BS in Public Safety, Emergency Management specialization; MBA, Human Resource Management specialization; and the MS in IT, Health Information Management specialization is pending in AL, AR, AZ, FL, GA, KY, OH, SC, and WA.

About Capella University:
Founded in 1993, Capella University is an accredited,* online university that offers graduate degree programs in business, information technology, education, health, human services, public safety, and psychology, and bachelor’s degree programs in business, information technology, health, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella offers 101 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 15 certificate programs. The online university currently serves more than 19,000 students from all 50 states and 56 countries. It is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company (NASDAQ: CPLA), headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please call 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552).

Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA),
Capella University, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1-888-CAPELLA (227-3552)

1 Comment »

online degree programs psychology | Drexel announces another education partnership

Posted by bposton on January 4th, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Drexel University Online has been busy lately announcing educational partnerships with some big names in Industry.

A few week ago they hooked up with Johnson Controls. And they just recently announced the launch of an online educational partnership with Bio-Imaging Technologies, the world’s largest independent provider of medical image management for clinical trials.

Through this educational alliance, Bio-Imaging Technologies employees will have the opportunity to complete an online degree or certificate program through Drexel and receive special tuition rates. Employees can choose from a range of bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs that Drexel offers online in areas such as business, engineering, computer science, computing technology, education, nursing, and information science.

If you work for Bio-Imaging, or Johnson Controls, you should check it out. Or ask your HR manager about hooking up with Drexel. It could save you a few bucks on the way to your new online degree.

Drexel University Online has been doing this for the past four years. And they have partened with corporations, health systems, schools, and professional associations across the United States who are now able to offer their employees and members such benefits as special tuition rates and career development opportunities, as well as the chance to earn a reputable degree all with the flexibility working professionals need.

Drexel, which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best National Universities” for 2007, is accredited by the Middle States Association for Colleges and Secondary Schools and its curricula hold the highest level of accreditations from their respective accrediting bodies such as AACSB (Business), NLN and CCNE (Nursing), and ALA (Information Science). Additionally, Drexel’s online programs target adult learners and offer the convenience of advancing their skills on their own schedule.

No Comments »

online degree programs psychology | Wisconsin Colleges increase online offerings

Posted by bposton on January 4th, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

It may be cold in Wisconsin these days, but the university system is warming up to the idea of online degree programs.
The University of Wisconsin Colleges - which is the freshman/sophomore institution of the UW System - will be offering 35 courses this spring taught over the Internet as a flexible way to start or continue a college education.

Students have a lot options on how to use these courses, as well, They can be used to assist in completing degrees from other colleges or universities or they can be part of a total online Associate of Arts and Science degree now offered from UW Colleges Online.

But you better hurry if you want to sign up for the spring 2007 online courses. The deadline for registration is Jan. 4.

The cost is $195 per credit plus a $60 course registration fee.

Although these online courses never meet at a particular time or place, they are structured within the spring semester time frame with regular deadlines for assignments. The spring semester runs from Jan. 22 through May 18, 2007.

To register for courses or to apply to the online degree program, call (877) 449-1877.

No Comments »

online degree programs psychology | Arkansas State plans online AA degree

Posted by bposton on January 4th, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Realizing the growth of online education, the folks at Arkansas State University Mountain Home are planning for the day when students can earn an associate of arts degree without setting foot on campus.

Dr. Pat Bailey, who is vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, has announced that the top priority for the 2007-2008 academic year is making an associate of arts degree available online.

They hope to begin the first program in the fall semester.

Looks like they’ve figured out that distance education over the internet is the way to go, and they want to grow the offerings of online courses and degree programs.
 
As it stands now the college already has more than 30 online courses in the spring semester that begins Jan. 8. Some of the online courses are Internet-assisted and require minimal visits to the ASUMH campus, but other classes are completed via the Internet.

Online courses are available in accounting, biology, business, computer information systems, economics, English, history, mathematics, speech and sociology.

And official say that students are always asking for more classes to be online. The college recently created a staffed computer lab to help students taking online courses.

For more information about ASUMH’s online education program and to view a list of online courses, go to asumh.edu.

No Comments »

online degree programs psychology | Another Online Success Story

Posted by bposton on January 2nd, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

I just love to hear about folks that complete an online degree and acheive great things

Like Stella Luckey. She recently got her Masters degree and at the same time was named a top teacher at her school, West Glades School.

Her career in teaching began sixteen years ago. Since 2004, when West Glades opened she has been the media specialist there.

She is the wife of the principal of the school, Larry Luckey.

She earned her Masters Degree in Technology in Media Education from the University of Central Florida. Mrs. Luckey did all the work and research for her degree online at her home.

“If I had had to drive to a campus anywhere I think I would not have been able to sacrifice enough driving time to have completed the work for this degree,” she said.

She graduated with honors, no less!

Not only that, but she’s also gifted in the art of sign language, and is certified to teach the hearing impaired and when needed or requested to do so. And she is gifted in painting and drawing. One of her most outstanding art accomplishments is a mural on the library wall at West Glades. It is a painting of a panther, the school mascot, in a mammoth oak tree. The work is approximately five feet high and twelve feet long.

During her tenure at West Glades, she started a new library, a new library program and her artwork made that library unique to West Glades School. She is an integral part of the technology acquisition plan and assists in installing new technology and teaching teachers how to use it.

Kudos to Stella Luckey and West Glades!

Ben

No Comments »

online degree programs psychology | Convenience is number two

Posted by bposton on January 2nd, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Back from my Christmas and New Year break

Hope you didn’t miss me too much

Here’s a little tidbit of information I found interesting.

Based a study done by findtherightschool.com, 38 percent of students surveyed said that “convenience” was one of three major factors that influenced their decision to apply or enroll in a particular academic program, which includes both a bachelor’s or master’s degree program.

OK so what was number one?

It seems that “program offerings” was the most important factor, coming in a at 51 percent in the survey.
Of course, if convenience is a big factor, then it stands to reason that online degree programs are a good choice. Online degree programs allow students to work in the convenience of their own homes and at their own pace.
U.S. Department of Labor data shows that about 90 percent of the fastest growing jobs over the next decade will require some form of postsecondary education. So you’ll need have a higher education in order to break into the exciting job market in the future. And getting that education online is a great option for those that already have a steady job and want to move up in thier careers.

No Comments »