The Online Degree Dorm Room

Liberty U grows up

Posted by bposton on February 11th, 2010 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

A college that is close to my heart has just announced a new record enrollment.

This coming fall, more than 50,000 students will attend Liberty University, located in Lynchburg, VA.

And here’s the neat thing - of thos 50,000 only about 12 thousand will be on campus. The rest will be getting their degree online.

Liberty University was doing distance education before the internet. I’m showing my age here, but I remember taking classes via Liberty University by watching video taped lectures and taking written exams (in the presence of an approved mentor). Since then, Liberty has led the way in online degree eductation, becoming the largest non-profit, private college in the U.S.

Chancellor Jerry Falwell, Jr. (son of the late Jerry Falwell, founder of the University) admits that the popularity of LU’s online program is due to the poor ecomonic conditions, but I thinks its also due to two other reasons:

1 - Liberty has found a great niche in the education market and has marketed itself well. Heck, I still get mail from them as an “alumni” promoting their online degrees.

2 - The school accepts more than 90 percent of students who apply. The school is reported to be raising academic standards each year, but…

Anyway, it’s hard to beleive that ”little” Liberty University has enough students to fill Dodger stadium

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It’s official - online degrees are just as good as traditional (at least per the US Govt)

Posted by bposton on December 1st, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

It’s been the great debate in recent years in higher education and employment circles…

Is an online degree as good as traditional degrees?

Well, it seems that the US Government set out to answer that question (with your tax dollars)

The United States Department of Education recently announced the results of at 12 year study and they concluded that online degrees (which they defined as a result of online classes and examinations) are “somewhat more effective” than the traditional degrees.

More effective? Yep, that was the conclusion. Most of which was based on the fact that online classes are convenient, interactive, and interesting (due to the audio, video etc materials used in teaching), not to mention the fact that having direct access to the professor or lecturer normally makes for a more effective experience that traditional face-to-face classes.

Now, i have to admit that if you’re a student in a traditional college environment, you can certainly make your classes more interesting by being more particpative, and you can always get access to the professor. But evidently an online environment provides those elements without you having to do much in return, which certainly makes it easier.

But no matter which way, the same old adage applies: you’ll get out of it what you put into it…

But hey, at least it’s “official” - an online degree is just a good of an experience (if not better) than a traditional one.

All night cramming parties excluded, of course

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Bad News and Good News about the College Dropout rate

Posted by bposton on June 23rd, 2009 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey there my dorm room buddy

Hope you’re enjoying the summertime.

I thought I’d pass along some good news and bad news on the college education front. 

Back in the 1960’s the college dropout rates were as low as one (1) in every five (5) students.

You DO remember the 60’s don’t you?

Well, this 1 out of 5 ratio got worse over the years, and stood at one (1) in every three (3) in the 1990s.

And it’s even worst today. Figures from the Department of Education for 2000 through 2008 show that 30% of student enrolled on schools leave in their first year and 50% never graduate.

Believe it or not, these numbers are expected to go even higher. Why?

The biggest reason is the lack of funds to finish college. Another is the fact that most who drop out of college think they can never go back since they (hopefully) have a full time job.

But here is the good news…

The advent of online degree programs are finally giving those who could not finish college a great opportunity to do so now. Sure it’s a struggle to hold down a job and go to school, but at least students can now fit online classes in their busy schedules.

As I hope I’ve pointed out time and time again, even though it is a challenge to study online it is a lot simpler to attend online classes than missing classes in traditional colleges. You can have a one-on-one interaction with your professor via emails and Instant Messaging. You can also attend lectures anywhere (and anytime) so long as you have an internet connection. And, most importantly, you can usually go at your own pace and time schedule. 

Now, what about the lack of funds? Well there is good news here too. It appears that the US government is working on a to help in offering financial aid to the many students who qualify for the federal financial aid – i.e. the Pell Grant.

Last I heard, Congress will now allow up to a maximum of $5500 to those seeking their degree and who have insufficient funds to help with their college education.

To learn more about the Pell Grant check out the US Government website:

http://www.ed.gov/programs/fpg/index.html 
 

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online degree programs psychology | New Arts Management Degree at Drexel

Posted by bposton on February 12th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Hey dorm room buddy…

Do you enjoy the “Arts”?

I suppose I do too, but I have alot of trouble staying inside the lines with my crayons

Anyway, you might want to know that Drexel University Online, has just announced that they are adding a new online degree - a Master of Science in Arts Administration. This is a very broad and deep degree program that combines a multidisciplinary approach to arts management that incorporates commerce, research and technology in the arts.
THis M.S. in Arts Administration degree is one of the only arts management degrees in the U.S. offered completely online, and (as usual with Drexel) you can be assured of the same high-quality instruction as with the on-campus program.

So what can you do with this degree?

Well, you can get a high-level management positions within most of the country’s arts and cultural organizations.

That’s because as a student in this program you learn management theory and practice, as well as policy development, marketing, and fundraising for non-profit organizations.

If you’re interested in getting the skills you need succeed in the growing profession of arts and culture administration, then you should seriously consider this MS degree.

And as usual with online degree programs, you can complete the coursework in two years while holding on to your day job. You can also customize the program of study through electives based on your individual career goals.

In case you didn’t know, Drexel University’s Arts Administration program is highly regarded in the industry, and is a part of the Association of Arts Administration Educators and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.

Applications for Drexel’s online Master’s in Arts Administration are now being accepted for the fall term. For more information about this online program, e-mail info @ drexel.com or call (877) 215-0009.

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online degree programs psychology | Paralegal - The Next Best Thing to Becoming A Lawyer?

Posted by bposton on February 4th, 2008 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Interested in the field of Law, my dorm room buddy?

Well, you’re in good company.

As the law becomes more complex (maybe thanks to the lawyers on Capital Hill ) and since people in the US will sue you at the drop of a hat, there is more demand for legal representation.

Of course, this means that there is not just a need for more lawyers, but more legal support professionals as well.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, paralegals will be among the top 30 fastest-growing careers in the 10-year period ending in 2014.

Interested in becoming a Paralegal?

More than just a legal secretary, the paralegal career has advanced to the point that paralegals are taking on more responsibilities that require advanced training, and employers are demanding it.

That’s why All Criminal Justice Schools (ACJS) has launched a comprehensive, 16-page career guide for people wishing to become paralegals. The online guide can be found here. 

ACIS’ guide contains up-to-date information on certification, accreditation and degree information. It is designed to give people considering paralegal careers the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about choosing schools, types of degrees and legal specialty areas.

Most important (at least to me) is that it also includes is a section on online degree programs, which is becoming more and more popular for paralegal training.

So have at it, my future paralegal…

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online degree programs psychology | Grantham University increases staff

Posted by bposton on August 22nd, 2007 — Posted in online degree programs psychology

Ok, I admit it - I did even know Grantham U even existed.

That just goes to show that the online degree program world is growing faster than I can keep up with it

OK so here’s the deal.

Grantham University specializes in online education for working adults, and the future is so bright that they plan to hire approximately 50 new employees at their Kansas City campus by January 2008. 

The online university needs help in areas of admissions, student progress and other administrative positions.

“We are  looking for people who want to be ‘life changers’ because Grantham’s mission is to change lives by offering an affordable and accessible online college education to everyone,” said Jerome Wilson, human resources director at Grantham University. 

Interesting note - Grantham University had to relocate from Louisiana to Kansas City after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

In case you’re interested in working for them, here’s a great benefit; completely free tuition for its employees and spouses (or significant others). Discounted tuition is available to immediate family members. 

Grantham University offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, General and Interdisciplinary Studies, Computer Science, and other technology related fields.  Grantham’s online degree programs are flexible and self-paced, allowing students to complete their coursework at the times and places that fit their busy schedules.

Grantham University has 200 employees in Kansas City. For those interested in working at Grantham University, call 1.800.955.2527

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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)

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Associate Online Degree Programs | Drexel offers new online degree program

Posted by bposton on November 30th, 2006 — Posted in associate online degree programs

One of my daughters is a senior in high school and she’s going through that wonderful process of selecting the colleges she wants to apply to.

She wants to major in Communications. I give her credit, because most high school seniors don’t have a clue what they want to take in college

So this announcement from Drexel university Online caught my attention.

They’ve added a Communications degree program to their offerings.

Here’s a snippet from the press release:

The new online Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication provides a common core of courses that emphasize communication theory and methods, followed by a concentration in corporate communication and public relations.

Program content teaches students how to address the communication and relationship challenges that arise when organizations deal with their various publics. This comprehensive approach successfully prepares students for senior-level Corporate Communication and Public Relations positions in any corporation or organization.

Just like Drexel’s other online degree programs, this is a fully-accredited program and is done entirely online. Students will have 24/7 online access to class materials, group discussion, instructor feedback and exams. Drexel mentioned that these courses are taught by the same world-renowned faculty and offer the same well-respected credentials as their on-campus courses

Applications for Drexel’s online Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication are now being accepted. The next term begins in January 2007, with a December 8, 2006 deadline. For more information about this online program, visit Drexel’s online degree website, or call (877) 215-0009.

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