University expands online course offerings

University expands online course offerings

Degree seekers who wish to return to school, but feel inhibited by scheduling conflicts or transportation issues, may want to consider enrolling in an online program. Web-based coursework gives learners the flexibility to complete coursework at their own pace, and from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Schools such as the University of Arkansas (UA) are increasing their online course offerings in order to appeal to nontraditional students, such as single parents and working adults. The college recently announced that it will offer a total of 125 online classes for this coming school year, news channel KFSM reports.

In collaboration with the Global Campus - the school's online learning platform - UA offers 19 distance education bachelor's degree programs and more than 95 independent study courses. The College of Engineering also offers an online master's degree in operations management.

The Global Campus began developing online courses 10 years ago as part of its commitment to provide distance education to students who are challenged by geographical distances or personal obligations.

"We are excited by the tremendous response of faculty members to the call to expand online course offerings," Pauline Rankin, interim dean of the Global Campus, told the news source. "These faculty members have embraced the future and are committed to extending quality educational programs to students across the state and around the globe."

According to a recent Babson-Sloan report, more than one in four students are enrolled in at least one online course.

By Mark Danson