Community college expands offerings to include online associates degree programs

Community college expands offerings to include online associates degree programs

Genesee Community College has recently announced the addition of 12 new online associates degree programs, all of which are available to students enrolled at any of their seven locations.

The school now offers three online associate in applied science degrees, four associate in science degrees, one associate in arts degree and four certificate programs. New concentrations include criminal justice, business administration, liberal arts and general studies.

"Enrolling in an online degree program is one of the most cost-effective options available for earning a State University of New York (SUNY) degree," said Robert Knipe, dean of learning technologies at Genesee. "An associate degree is the first step in earning a bachelors or higher degree."

College officials have also announced that each degree offering is available to all domestic and international students who have an internet connection.

The online education sector grew by 17 percent in 2008 and had been growing at about 20 percent in previous years. Nearly one in four U.S. students take at least some college courses online, up from one in 10 in 2002, Reuters reports.

By Mark Danson