Online schools offer new programs to meet the needs of adult learners

Online schools offer new programs to meet the needs of adult learners

As the demand for online education continues to grow, many web-based universities are expanding their offerings to meet the needs of adult learners. Over the past several years, online education has expanded to encompass hundreds of different associates, bachelors, masters and doctorate degree programs.

For example, Liberty University (LU) Online will introduce two new degree programs this fall. One new field of study that will be offered is a bachelor of science in aeronautics. This program is for individuals who already possess a commercial pilot's certificate but have not yet received a degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aerospace engineers with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautics are expected to have a 10 percent growth in employment over the next decade. Aerospace engineers earned between $58,130 and $134,570 per year in May 2008, according to the BLS.

LU Online will also be offering a master of education in teaching and learning with a concentration in education technology. This unique program combines information technology with education.

Job opportunities for teachers are expected to increase faster than the average for other occupations over the next eight years, the BLS reports. In 2008, the average salary for teachers was $52,240 per year.

Adult learners make up a large portion of online university attendees. Over 20 percent of all U.S. higher education students were taking at least one online course in the fall of 2007, the Sloan Consortium reports.

By Mark Danson