Tell us about the programs offered at the Sellinger School of Business and Management?

At the undergraduate level, Loyola’s Sellinger School of Business and Management offers bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business administration. Business administration majors can concentrate in Finance, Business Economics; Marketing; International Business; Management; and Management Information Systems. At the graduate level, we offer a number of rigorous programs designed with working professionals in mind: the Evening MBA, which offers concentrations in Accounting, General Business, International Business, Marketing, Management, Management Information Systems and Finance; a Master of Science in Finance, the MBA Fellows program, and an Executive MBA. The Fellows and Executive programs are cohort-style, lockstep programs designed for emerging leaders and senior managers, respectively.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

The duration of our graduate programs varies depending on the specific one chosen and the student’s prior academic experience. The Executive MBA program, which meets on alternating Fridays and Saturdays, takes 21 months to complete, with a break for summer; the Fellows program, held on Saturdays, takes three academic years with summers off. Evening MBA students have a more flexible program and can take up to seven years to finish, although most students complete their coursework in about three years. The MSF program is typically completed in fewer than three years as well.

What would you say makes Sellinger School programs different and better than other comparable programs?

The Sellinger School’s most distinctive quality is its unique focus on preparing talented individuals for leadership—our programs emphasize cutting-edge expertise and exceptional business skills, of course, but also include a strong foundation in ethics. We are concerned with preparing not just capable, knowledgeable leaders, but principled ones as well. In a rapidly changing, increasingly diverse world where the ethical dilemmas in the business community seem to grow more complex by the day, we pride ourselves on seeking and further encouraging students who are not just willing but eager to accept the moral and practical responsibilities of leadership.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a college or university?

An institution’s accreditation should be a critical component of a student’s college or university selection process. The Sellinger School is one of just 8 percent of business schools worldwide with dual AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. This is the international gold standard when it comes to evaluating the merits of a business program, and we are very proud of this credential. AACSB accreditation assures prospective students, current students, and their current and future employers that Loyola is committed to the highest standards of quality and to constant evaluation and improvement of its programs.

What qualities or accomplishments do you look for when admitting students to your program?

In addition to strong performance in their undergraduate careers, we seek hardworking, highly motivated, deeply ethical individuals who are always interested in tackling the next professional challenge that comes their way. These prospective students look forward to learning from colleague-to-colleague exchange as much as through lecture, study and research. Representing a wide range of personal and professional backgrounds, our ideal graduate students bring perspective, knowledge and skill to create a richer backdrop for analysis and debate, making the understanding of concepts and especially their application, clearer and more robust.

Given the growing popularity of online degrees, what would you say are some of the benefits of a traditional classroom setting?

Our graduate classes are taught by faculty who are among the most accomplished in their respective fields, individuals whose academic achievements are equaled only by their remarkable contributions as consultants to some of the world’s leading corporations and most influential government agencies. Our students represent a broad cross-section of firms and organizations, and bring with them an unparalleled variety of professional experiences. While we certainly recognize the many ways electronic communication can enhance a course, we believe that the person-to-person interaction and lively debate that takes place in our classrooms simply cannot be replicated in an online format. What’s more, we also pride ourselves on the opportunities to network and build new business connections that we are able to provide our students—opportunities made stronger by the relationships our students build in the classroom.

Does the Sellinger School offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

While most of our graduate students hold challenging full-time positions when they enroll in our graduate programs, we extend the full services of our Career Center to all graduate students: resume critiques, practice interviews, individual career counseling, personality/career testing, access to positions posted with Loyola’s Career Center, and opportunities to connect with the Loyola Alumni Mentor network. These services continue after graduation and can be used any time throughout a graduate’s career.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

The Executive and Fellows programs offer need and merit-based scholarship opportunities for candidates who are minorities, female executive, entrepreneurs or non-profit managers.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling at a college or university for the first time?

When students make the decision to attend graduate school, that decision is simply the first step. Prospective students need to do their homework. Identify the school that meets your needs. Find one that will be a valuable resource even after your degree is complete through offering a network of alumni and lifelong learning opportunities. And then take the time to prepare your life for the commitment you are preparing to make. Graduate school takes time. Embrace this opportunity to learn and don’t focus on finding the school that will allow you to graduate the most quickly. Graduate school is not so much about getting a diploma at the end; a good graduate school will prepare you for success in your current position and, equally importantly, prepare you to be successful as you continue to advance in your career. You are investing in yourself when you decide to study for a graduate degree; invest well by choosing the right program and committing the time it takes to benefit from the experience.

What do you enjoy most about your position at the Sellinger School of Business and Management at Loyola College in Maryland?

Loyola is a terrific school with truly dedicated faculty who care about student learning. We have committed alumni who speak of the value of both the Sellinger degree and access to the Loyola network. And our job is to educate; education can transform a life which is an amazing career choice for all of us at the Sellinger School. We are in challenging economic times; times where strength of character leads to long-run career and personal success. The fact that we have the opportunity to contribute to a life changing experience for our students makes coming to work each day a pleasure.

For more information on MBA programs available at The Sellinger School of Business at Loyola College of Maryland visit them online.

Thank you Dr. Karyl, for sharing and participating in this piece

That concludes our interview!

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online school destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including online mba degrees, online business schools, online nursing schools and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Florida International University

The Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice at FIU are designed for students interested in pursuing careers in the criminal justice system. It is also geared for students who intend to further their education by enrolling in law and doctoral degree programs. Criminal Justice Online at FIU is the largest in the state and has a successful track record of replicating the strengths of our top ranked onsite degrees.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

FIU students can expect to graduate within the same time frame as our on campus programs. Because students enter the bachelor’s program as a junior, most full time students graduate within two years. The master’s program is 36 credit hours. Full time students usually graduate within four semesters. Part time students can enroll in courses at their own pace in both degree programs. Students who complete our bachelor’s program and earn an overall GPA of 3.2 or higher are eligible for our combined bachelors/master’s program, which allow them to double-count up to 12 graduate credit hours towards both degrees. Students could then complete their master’s degree in criminal justice by completing an additional 24 graduate credit hours. In other words, a student could earn their master’s degree within a year of completing their bachelors.

What would you say makes Florida International University programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

In a recent article published in the Journal of Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice at FIU ranked 10th nationally in regards to the publishing productivity of its faculty members in the leading journals in criminology and criminal justice (Steiner and Schwartz, 2006). All of our esteemed faculty teach both onsite and online. We also have world class part time faculty teaching online, including judges, attorneys, police chiefs and other high ranking criminal justice practitioners who can impart their valuable real life experience to our students.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Florida International University take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

Unlike other online programs, FIU does not make a distinction between the onsite versus online degrees in criminal justice. Students can enroll in both online and onsite classes at their convenience and receive the same quality FIU degree upon graduation. Additionally, our online students are guaranteed access to the same world-class faculty and up-to-date content offered at our onsite campus.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

FIU gives students access to an education that they may not otherwise be able to receive because of work or other obligations. It also gives traditional students the flexibility to enroll in not only more classes but also a greater variety of classes.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Our internship program provides students with an opportunity to observe the criminal justice system in operation. To be eligible, a student must be a criminal justice major with an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 and senior standing or completion of all core classes. Students are responsible for securing their own sponsoring agencies. They can earn from 3 to 12 credits depending on the number of hours they work per week.

Does Florida International University offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

FIU Career Services partners with students and alumni to help them develop, implement, and evaluate their career plans. Using high-tech, high touch operations, Career Services facilitates the career search process by providing access to internship and employment opportunities with local, national and global employers.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Financial aid—in the form of loans, grants, and employment—is offered for the specific purpose of helping a student meet educationally related expenses. If the student qualifies, he or she may be offered a combination of these types of aid based on financial need and the amount of funds available.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

Students enrolling in online courses will be expected to have moderate proficiency on a PC, be skilled in running an Internet browser, and be able to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). They should also be able to use File Manager/Windows Explorer. Without these skills, students will have difficulty participating in online courses. With them, students can enjoy success and benefit fully from the interactivity of online learning. At a minimum, students must have the following in order to participate in an online course: (1) personal computer, (2) internet service provider, (3) e-mail account, (4) internet browser, (5) Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), and (6) anti-virus software.

Thank you Lisa, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on the online criminal justice degree programs available at FIU Online, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including mba degrees, business schools, nursing schools, criminal justice schools and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Animation Mentor.

Animation Mentor is the only animation school in the world built by professional animators for people who want to become character animators. Our program teaches students the skills needed to succeed as a professional animator in the studio environment.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Our online animation program is 18 months. The curriculum is divided into six 12-week terms. Animation Mentor students come from various levels of experience with animation. Many of our students are learning 3D from the ground up, some have previously attended art schools, while others are working professionals in the industry who are looking to further their skills in character animation. Our approach is to create a real-world studio environment where students learn from mentors who are professional character animators. This approach is working.

What would you say makes Animation Mentor’s programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

I started Animation Mentor with two of my best friends Shawn Kelly and Carlos Baena. When Shawn, Carlos and I set out on this adventure we really wanted to create the most fulfilling learning experience on the planet – one that was focused 100% on character animation.

What makes Animation Mentor truly unique is that the 18-month online program is designed and taught “virtually” by some of the industry’s top professional animators from top studios. The mentors, who teach small groups of 10-14 students, are employed at leading studios. The cutting- edge technology Animation Mentor leverages enables mentors to view and critique student work within an online campus forum, and host Q&A sessions that are archived for future reference. In addition to being able to learn directly from top professional animators, students can download lectures on demand by key industry experts on all aspects of production, and socialize in an online campus environment in the same way they would on FaceBook. Best yet, students and graduates come from more than 86 countries, and within 12 months of graduation, Animation Mentor places 78% of graduates in jobs.

The studio that our mentors work at include Pixar Animation Studios, PDI/DreamWorks, Blue Sky Studios, DreamWorks Feature Animation, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Sony Pictures Imageworks.

I reinvented the way people got an animation education because traditional brick and mortar schools did not provide a model for passing on information from the top talent back to the people who were going to be the next super stars. That’s why we created a mentor apprenticeship model where students learn from professionals in a real-world environment.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

In the animation profession, a degree is not important. What is important is talent and what the animator can do. This can be clearly seen on a demo reel. That’s why Animation Mentor focuses on providing a comprehensive education in character animation and helps students develop their demo reels during the program. Animation Mentor is certified by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. Graduates hold a certified diploma of “Advanced Studies in Character Animation.”

We recently commissioned an industry survey of animation professionals on job satisfaction, career outlook and salary survey. You can check out the full report that reveals career trends in the animation industry, Behind the Characters: Professional Animators, visit here

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Animation Mentor take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

We like to say that our online school is open for business 24 hours a day and students can view lectures as many times as they like. In the bricks and mortar world, if you miss a class, you miss out. You don’t get a second chance to see the lecture and you’re lucky if you can get notes from a fellow student. On our online campus, you can not only view the lecture multiple times, but notes, assignments and learning tools are available for download to ensure students master the key concepts of every lesson.

In addition, every single student gets a professional critique of their work from a mentor every week. In most bricks and mortar schools, instructors only have time to do one or two critiques a week and other students must learn by observing another student’s critique. We’ve created a proprietary tool called the eCritique®, which allows mentors to critique each frame and draw directly on a student’s work to correct lines of action, blocking, and movement – it also provides visual direction for how to improve the animation.

Our students also participate in live, interactive, weekly Q&A sessions with their mentors and up to 15 other students. During these sessions, the students and mentors discuss the lecture/demos, their assignments, and other animation-related topics. Our assignments are structured like shot assignments animators would receive in the real-world with feedback and critiques much as they would get on the job. By the time they finish the program, they are ready to step into a production job.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

Our students receive more one-on-one time with their mentors than they would at a traditional brick and mortar school. At most universities and art schools, large classes mean you rarely get individual critiques and instruction on your assignments. At Animation Mentor, each student gets individual attention and feedback every week.

One of the things I love about our school is that we bring students together from around the world. Our students span the globe throughout New York and Wisconsin in the United States to the U.K., Brazil and France. We host several internal school events each year, including an annual barbecue, open houses, job fairs and graduation. It’s awesome and exciting to see so many students meet for the first time in person at these events!

The Animation Mentor community is tremendously inspiring. Our students, alumni and mentors keep connected through our online campus and social media like FaceBook, MySpace, and Twitter. Many of our students and graduates have developed life-long friendships and meet up at conferences and our events. The community is full of touching stories of people who love animation who have achieved their dreams of becoming a character animator.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Animation Mentor has a Career Services department that assists students in finding internships as well as jobs. We host internal job fairs a few times a year where recruiters from all over the U.S. meet and talk to Animation Mentor grads and check out their demo reels.

Does Animation Mentor offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

Our Career Services department helps Animation Mentor graduates find jobs in the industry. Career Services maintains an excellent working relationship with many of the animation studios and other companies within the animation industry. Before students graduate, they have an opportunity to meet with Career Services which works with them to prepare them for the job market. After graduation, Career Services will continue to work with graduates to help them find the right job.

Currently, we have graduates working at more than 220 studios around the world! Some of these studios include Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Sony Pictures Imageworks, Walt Disney Animation Studios, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Electronic Arts, Blue Sky Studios, and Tippett Studios.

Many of our graduates have worked on feature films and other big projects. Some of the movies our graduates have worked on include Horton Hears a Who!, Transformers, The Bee Movie, The Golden Compass, The Tale of Desperaux, Kung Fu Panda, Monsters vs. Aliens, and the upcoming Ice Age 3.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Because Animation Mentor is a non-accredited private post-secondary vocational school, we aren’t eligible to participate in Federal Student Aid programs. However, we offer private alternative student loans through SLM Financial, a Sallie Mae company, to provide our students with a superior loan product to finance their Animation Mentor education.

One loan that’s offered is the Career Training Loan, which is designed to help students finance their education or training – it can save students money compared with other financing options. This loan can be used for technical training or trade school, distance learning or other continuing education programs.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

Have fun on your journey learning animation! In addition to making sure you are enjoying the process, we recommend that you attend all your classes and you complete your assignments every week so your mentor can critique your work and give you feedback to improve your work.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Animation Mentor?

One of the things I most love about being the CEO of Animation Mentor is giving back what I call the “golden nuggets” of animation knowledge to the world. My calling is a marriage between animation and education. I love them both so much and seeing someone learn and “get it” is huge. No joke. It’s more magical to me that creating a great shot or having my name in the credits. It’s not that I don’t love animation — it’s that I feel so much life in seeing someone’s dreams come true.

My job is to make the best school for animators in the world. It’s my job to make sure that what we are teaching is relevant to what the industry needs and that our graduates are coming out with solid skills and an inspired attitude. This is an art in and of itself. I pride myself now more on learning how people learn, the tools they need to learn, the environment they need to learn in and that it all makes sense and is rewarding to them all — mentors, students and our staff. We want to keep Animation Mentor fresh and exciting so we’ll continue to push forward with new ideas. You can read more about my adventures with Animation Mentor and life at my blog

Thank you Bobby, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on the online animation degree programs available at Animation Mentor, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including graphic design degree, animation school, web design school, computer programming school and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Champlain College.

The Division of Continuing Professional Studies began offering fully online associate and bachelor’s degrees and professional certificates in 1993. The degrees in our division, which are designed for adults, follow Champlain College’s 130 year tradition of serving the professional and career development needs of students.

Our online degrees include:

• Accounting,
• Business Management,
• Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations,
• Computer & Information Systems,
• Networking and Information Security,
• Professional Studies,
• Software Development, and
• Website Development & Administration.

To view our online programs visit us here.

Next academic year, we’re also launching new undergraduate and graduate degrees and professional certificates in Healthcare Management, which include many healthcare-specific management courses as well as courses which look at the role of IT in performance improvement – in keeping with the changes the Obama administration is supporting.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Since we are a division that serves adult learners, our programs offer a lot of flexibility. Our online courses range in length from seven weeks to longer, depending on the nature of the course and the level. As long as a student remains enrolled, and in good standing, there is not a cut-off date for the completion of their degree.

What would you say makes Champlain College programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

The most important thing we do in our programs is offer students relevant content and learning opportunities. Students are asked to apply what they learn in our courses to real-world organizations and situations and integrate their studies with their professional work lives. Students often use their homework assignments to create projects for work and this enables them to practice new skills and advance their standing in their organization at the same time!

Our adult students benefit from our experience as a small, 130 year-old bricks and mortar college, where we know what their personal challenges are and we work creatively to assist them in staying enrolled until they graduate. We also offer what some of the much larger online universities offer including a fantastic online library, excellent teachers who are also successful professionally, a range of student services support, career advising and other resources you would find if you were a campus-based student. To summarize what makes us “different and better,” I’d say that our division combines what’s best about the old and the new in higher education for those who want to advance their careers.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation is extremely important. Given the enormous sacrifices adults make in time and money to get their degree, students should make very sure that their degree will have the respect of the marketplace over the life of their career. Accreditation indicates that the institution meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality which is periodically applied through a peer-review process. Champlain College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC).

Accreditation also means that a school or college has the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to have them in the foreseeable future.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Champlain College take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

First, all of our online courses and degrees offer the same content and curriculum offered in our campus-based programs. Everything we offer online has been peer-reviewed and approved by the Faculty Senate and the College’s administration and trustees.

We design our courses and programs in ways which ensure that students actually learn what we intend for them to learn. We train our faculty to be active and engaging teachers and we perform many activities which monitor course quality and student learning. The quality of our students’ experiences in their classes is our most important priority. Period.

I’ve taught in the face-to-face and online classroom and, personally, I’m more excited about the student growth and learning I observe in the online classroom. Online classes necessarily require a heavy amount of reading and writing and because writing and thinking are so inextricably linked, online students see huge improvements in their critical thinking and writing skills in addition to the subject matter content they master.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

The convenience of online education cannot be overstated when your students are adults as ours are. Our students have jobs, families, children, elderly parents, community responsibilities and all sorts of other obligations in addition to their class work. With online courses, class is in session for them whenever their schedule permits. Late at night, early in the day or during lunch – students regularly interact with their instructors and fellow students. It’s just not “real time” unless the instructor has synchronous “office hours” or “live chats,” which for the most part are optional.

The other huge benefit is the professional networking opportunity. Students get insights in the practices of organizations other than their own. They get an opportunity to study with students across the country and they forge personal and professional friendships. Believe me, in an online class, people get to know each other and their views and experiences.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

We do work with students interested in internship opportunities, depending on the program. Since we work with adult students who typically can’t do internships because of their employment or other obligations, as I mentioned earlier, we make sure our programs include a significant amount of work-based learning.

Does Champlain College offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

All Champlain students have lifetime access to the college’s nationally-recognized Career Services staff, cited by Kaplan/Newsweek College Catalog as “one of the best career services by a U.S. college.” The services we offer students include self-assessment tools, individual career advising, résumé development assistance, and help with successful job search and interviewing strategies. We want to help all our students achieve their goals not only as students, but as Champlain alumni.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes. Financial aid awards are made upon registration. The Federal Stafford Loan Program requires that students be enrolled at least half-time (six credits per semester). Even if a student is enrolled less than half-time, financial aid may be available. Our counselors are very knowledgeable in this area, and can provide guidance on available options for financial aid.

We also offer flexible payment options and we work with students whose employers offer tuition benefits by deferring a substantial amount of their tuition until their grades are in.

Champlain College is also approved for veterans by the State Board of Education. Eligible veterans should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to registration. Champlain is also a DANTES affiliate and can be found in the DANTES External Degree Catalog in print or online. We encourage students in the military to call us to pursue education options, and benefit from the convenience of our online programs.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

First, do all the things you would do to check out any school. Be sure it is accredited. Learn as much as you can about the program you are interested in and the nature of the instructors. Be sure that the professional content of the program is “up to date” and relevant in the real world and that the general education component of the program is thoughtfully constructed to support you over your lifetime and the life of your career.

Next, consider whether online delivery matches your strengths. Successful online students are self-motivated to graduate! They are committed to meeting course requirements, can manage their time to make sure that their coursework and other responsibilities get accomplished. They are comfortable with reading and writing as the main mode of communication and they are willing to be highly interactive with their instructors and fellow students.

While it’s very flexible, online learning is not easier or less time-consuming than on-campus learning. I think the total time investment is about the same. Students should be willing to dedicate several hours per week to “attending” class online and completing course assignments. The good news is because students can often make the assignments in their professional courses at Champlain relevant to their workplace, “attending class” can also help them make progress at work.

Another helpful hint for online students is to plan the course out ahead of time with respect to its workload. Giving yourself a two-day buffer when assignments are due is a good strategy. It comes in handy when “life happens” and there is an assignment due that day!

What do you enjoy most about your position at Champlain College?

I’ve spent my whole career in the adult education field and I’ve had opportunities to leave it, but no other work means as much to me. Educating adults profoundly changes them, their families, their organizations and their communities. People come to Champlain for career advancement and to learn new knowledge and skills. They graduate amazed at how truly transformed they are in ways they never expected.

When you are the dean of a unit like Champlain’s Division of Continuing Professional Studies, you have the indescribable opportunity to imagine “what could be” for your adult learners. And in my case, I work with a team of top notch professionals who share the same values and passions – the most important one being that students come first. We work tirelessly to “make it happen” for our students and give them the best we can. While it is exciting and fulfilling for adults to be students, it can also be tough. Our students make enormous sacrifices in their personal lives and in time away from their families, not to mention financially, too. Believe me, there’s nothing better than seeing our students graduate and recognizing their achievements!

Thank you Lynne, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on the art programs available at Champlain College, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including mba degrees, business schools, nursing schools and more.

Tell us about the programs offered at Center For Advanced Legal Studies

The Center specializes in paralegal education. We offer a Paralegal Certificate Program for College Graduates and an AAS Degree for Undergraduates. Students may attend in the morning or in the evening. Morning classes are taught in the traditional manner. The evening classes are provided in a ‘blended’ format where students ultimately attend class only one night a week. This summer, we anticipate that students may begin attending class in a live, interactive, online format as well. This will be something more than a typical distance education class. Students will be able to see the instructor, and the instructor will see the students via webcam and the Wimba learning system. Students and instructor will have the ability to discuss topics, issues, and assignments in real-time. It’s exciting.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Students in the Certificate program may complete their paralegal education in as little as 7 months. AAS Degree students may graduate in only 15 months. The programs are accelerated but in-depth.

What would you say makes Center For Advanced Legal Studies programs different and better than other comparable programs?

The Center specializes in paralegal education; we are accredited, and approved by the American Bar Association. This means we have met the highest standards of paralegal education that an institution can receive. Employers like that.

Another important service available to students is our life-time Placement Assistance for program graduates. This is a free service to graduates and employers. Our Placement Director prepares graduates for interviews, helps with resumes, and screens applicants for employers. The State reports that in 2008, 86% of our graduates were successfully employed. Of the 14% of graduates that this report assumes are unemployed, a good percentage of them continued their education, remained at a current job, or were international students that went back to their home country. In a nutshell, the Center’s placement services are very successful.

Another thing that makes us different is that we believe in not wasting students’ time. Our desire is to prepare a student for paralegal employment in the shortest period of time possible. This, however, is not to be confused with short-term paralegal programs housed in the continuing education departments of prominent colleges and universities where programs are completed in short order due to the lack of content. At the Center, classes are accelerated because of scheduling and because we concentrate solely on what graduates need to know.
Another important aspect to note about the Center is that every student, faculty, and staff member at the Center works toward the same goal focusing on the same profession. Paralegal education is all we do and students appreciate the personal attention that comes with this specialization.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a college or university?

Accreditation is an important topic of discussion for anyone looking to attend a college or university. Accreditation reveals an institution’s ability to meet certain standards. Students should be aware that continuing education paralegal programs are not accredited although they are taught at an accredited institution.

Other approvals are also important to the stability and excellence of an institution. For paralegal programs, approval by the American Bar Association (ABA) is the highest among these achievements. Attorneys who employ paralegals have invested many years and thousands of dollars in their education. This approval is a standard that they understand and respect from their days in an ABA approved law school. They like the validity that comes with students who have received an ABA approved education.

What qualities or accomplishments do you look for when admitting students to your program?

As far as admission requirements go, all Certificate students must have earned a bachelor’s degree prior to being admitted. AAS Degree candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Beyond that, there are innate qualities that are very significant. Maturity, organization skills, integrity, communication skills are all important. However, in order to truly be successful, students must come to us with an interest in the law. In our 22 years of experience, we see that as students complete their studies with our experienced faculty, this interest develops into a passion for the law. It’s that passion that makes our graduates so successful.

Given the growing popularity of online degrees, what would you say are some of the benefits of a traditional classroom setting?

This is an interesting question based on the fact that we are getting ready to provide classes online. Still, our foundation is the traditional classroom and we know this setting is important to some students. Traditional students are the people that believe they may have more one-on-one communication with their instructors and their classmates. They may prefer the brick and mortar surroundings and perhaps be better able to concentrate and understand in such a setting. Even in this electronic age there will always be a place for traditional education. However, the Center has found a way to provide live, interactive education that mirrors traditional methods of teaching except for the location of the seat in which the student sits.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Students enrolled in our programs have every opportunity to gain experience as a paralegal through an internship. In fact, our AAS Degree students are required to complete an internship as part of their program. The Certificate students do not have this requirement but we recommend that they participate in this service as well.

Our Placement Director assists students in acquiring their internship. It is a tremendous opportunity to learn and apply newly acquired skills. In fact, it often happens that the internship turns into full-time employment. Even if it doesn’t, the student now has paralegal experience and a reference to include on their resume.

Does Center For Advanced Legal Studies offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

The Center offers free life-time placement services to our graduates. This means that from the time students graduate through any and all job changes, they can come to our Placement Director and request assistance at no charge.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes. The Center offers a variety of payment options to our students. Financial Aid is among these options and it is available to students who qualify. In addition, we are here to help students navigate the often confusing application process. The Center’s staff includes an experienced Financial Aid Director who guides students through the application and assists in any way she can.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling at a college or university for the first time?

Yes. Your education is the key to so many aspects of your life. Search out the best possible options that provide the service and outcomes you should expect from an educational institution. Quality education can create an enjoyable life for you by allowing you to grow, learn, apply your talents, and reach and exceed your personal and professional goals. Take it seriously. Apply yourself. Be determined to succeed and if you start, make sure you finish. An incomplete education will most likely not get you where you want to be.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Center For Advanced Legal Studies?

As co-founder and administrator of the Center, what I enjoy most is two-fold. First, I enjoy watching our staff and faculty push themselves to excel and provide the highest quality of education and service to our students and their employers. I enjoy the creativity and excitement that is part of this opportunity. Secondly, the satisfaction I receive in watching students graduate while having the privilege of shaking their hands and saying ‘job well done’ cannot be compared. Students who complete their paralegal program go on to do many great things in both big and small ways. As a graduate, they enter a field where they have the opportunity to help others through their skills and knowledge. They make a difference, and I am grateful to be a part of their success.

Thank you Gail, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on the paralegal programs available at Center for Advanced Legal Studies, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including mba degrees, business schools, paralegal schools, criminal justice schools and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at University of Illinois at Springfield.

UIS has been offering online courses since the late 1990’s and was among the first “brick and mortar” institutions to offer degree and certificate programs online. We currently offer nine undergraduate degrees, eight graduate degrees, and nine certificates online.

In 2007, we received an award from the Sloan Consortium for Excellence in Institution-Wide Online Teaching & Learning. In 2008, the University was awarded the Ralph E. Gomery Award for Quality Online Education, also from the Sloan Consortium.

U.S. News & World Report’s 2009 Edition of America’s Best Colleges ranks UIS as the best public university, Master’s category, in Illinois - and the fourth best public university in that category in the entire Midwest.

The Computer Science Department is certified by the Committee of National Security Systems and the National Security Agency.

The University began offering the B.S. in Computer Science online in Fall 2003, and the M.S. in Computer Science online in Fall 2005. Degree requirements are the same as those for our on campus programs and both degrees can be completed online without the need to visit campus.

Students enrolled in the undergraduate program have the opportunity to emphasize either Software Engineering or Systems Security & Information Assurance. Students enrolled in the graduate program may choose their coursework to provide depth of knowledge in selected computing areas.

Students enrolled in both programs are taught by the same award-winning computer science faculty who also teach on campus. Our programs have an excellent reputation, the direct result of the excellence of our faculty, the rigor of our programs, and the competence of our graduates.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

The Bachelor’s is a degree-completion program. Students typically satisfy lower division General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) Requirements at other institutions, completing the B.S. in Computer Science Degree Requirements at UIS in less than three years, usually in two years. Our Online Program Coordinator, Barbara Selvaggio, assists applicants to find online coursework to satisfy the GECC Requirement and program entrance requirements prior to coming to UIS.

Our Master’s students typically graduate in less than two years, usually one and one-half years. Classes are kept small, with about 25 students per section. Each of our Computer Science students is assigned a member of our Computer Science Faculty to provide Academic Advice.

What would you say makes University of Illinois at Springfield’s programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

UIS is known for our “Global Reach, Personal Touch.” We pride ourselves on building relationships with our students; we are particularly dedicated to promoting a sense of community among our online and on campus students. For example, Computer Science Club membership is open to online and on campus students. For the last two years, the Computer Science Club has hosted the ACM International Computing Contest.

Our faculty members are nationally known experts in their specializations: They know the subjects they teach and how to convey that knowledge in an online environment. Small class sizes provide lots of opportunity for student-instructor and student-student interaction.

Tuition and fees for students enrolled in online degree and certificate programs at UIS are affordable, in many cases much less than the out-of-state tuition and fees charged by other institutions.

For each online degree program, there is an Online Program Coordinator dedicated to assisting students and faculty members. From the student’s first inquiry about the Online Computer Science Program until the student successfully earns his/her degree, the Online Coordinator assumes a partnership role with the student, ensuring the student enjoys the same access to information and services that is enjoyed by students enrolled in traditional degree programs.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission is extraordinarily important. Students with coursework taken from non-regionally-accredited institutions will find those courses may not transfer to UIS or to other regionally-accredited institutions. The UIS Office of Admissions evaluates international credentials to determine transfer credits.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does University of Illinois at Springfield take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

Degree requirements for the online programs are the same as those for the on campus programs. Computer Science faculty who teach online also teach the same courses on campus. Many of our courses require proctored exams. Incoming students for both programs are assessed when they enter the program and again during their last term.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

Our online degree and certificate programs make it possible for non-traditional students to pursue their educational goals. Students can “attend” their classes from anywhere at any time, which allows them to fulfill their commitments to family and work while earning their degree/certificate.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

The UIS Office of Experiential & Service Learning offers students opportunities to earn credit and, at the same time, gain practical work experience. In many cases, employers have hired our students as a result of their Applied Study Term appointment.

Does University of Illinois at Springfield offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

UIS has a strong Alumni Association, comprised of graduates and current students from all over the world. Our Career Development Center offers career counseling and job search assistance for students and alumni and sponsors Career Fairs. Both the Alumni Association and the Career Development Center specifically serve distant students.

For those who live close enough to drive to campus or a State Agency in Springfield, Illinois, UIS offers a number of graduate assistantship and paid internship opportunities, which are awarded through a competitive selection process.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes, through our Office of Financial Assistance.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

Though it may seem counterintuitive, online classes require more personal interaction with faculty and students. Online computer science courses are every bit as rigorous as our on campuses courses. Courses are not self-paced at UIS. They follow the same academic schedule set forth for the on campus courses. Students will devote on average from 10-16 hours per week to coursework for each computer science course.

What do you enjoy most about your position at University of Illinois at Springfield?

In my role as department chair, I enjoy working with our faculty members and support staff. They are enthusiastic and committed to making our degree programs the best. As a faculty member, I enjoy teaching the students. It is such a pleasure to have high quality students that are often employed and already working with cutting edge technologies. It is amazing to me to hear about complex projects the students have worked on in the past and those they are currently involved in. In addition, it is a delight to learn about the student’s families and non-work related activities.

As Online Program Coordinator, I enjoy assisting our students to achieve their educational goals. From the time I first meet these potential applicants, through graduation and beyond, I like to discuss with them their aspirations and ideas, their challenges and triumphs. Many of our current students are already working in computing fields. It is my pleasure to assist them in documenting their experience for the application process. Some who inquire about the undergraduate program have little or no computing experience. I am most pleased to discuss the computing disciplines with them and to assist them in finding online courses to satisfy program entrance requirements. But what I most enjoy is watching our students graduate, knowing the value of their credentials will be recognized and will serve them well.

Thank you Ted & Barbara, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information about the computer science distance education programs at University of Illinois at Springfield, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education & online degree program destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including mba degree, business school, nursing school, criminal justice school and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at National University.

National University offers more than 60 degree programs and 10 teaching credential programs completely online. Since 1996, the University has made a conscious effort to develop those programs that are appropriate for online delivery; we currently have an inventory of 1200 courses available online. The University has five schools and one college; each month, nearly 60% of our students are in online classes.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Baccalaureate programs are a minimum of 180 quarter units. The requirements for the major are typically 15-16 courses (4.5 quarter units each) and take about a year and one-half to complete. Master’s degrees average about 12-14 courses and take approximately one year to complete.

What would you say makes National University programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

There are four aspects to National University’s online programs that can be considered differentiators. First, the overwhelming majority of courses are four weeks long, the same as our onsite classes. Students take one class at a time, allowing them to focus their attention and energy. Second, the University has implemented a continuous improvement process to regularly review and upgrade all online courses so they remain current and relevant. In order to take advantage of rapidly changing technologies the University has invested in our own in-house instructional designers to support faculty to continually upgrade their course designs and instructional skills. Third, the University hosts and manages all online courses internally. An affiliate of the National University System, Spectrum Pacific Learning Company, provides course delivery support plus 24/7/365 technical support. Fourth, all online instructors are well versed in online instructional strategies and bring to each class strong academic credentials and real-world experience. By utilizing practitioner-scholars to teach our courses, online students are able to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Online education has become commonplace in higher education; that said, it is important for students to be intelligent consumers. Regional accreditation is an important factor to consider in selecting an online program. First, it guarantees a certain standard. In the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), accreditation indicates that the institution is appropriately focused on student learning and program quality. Accreditation is also important if students think they may want to transfer their credits to another regionally accredited institution.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does National University take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

The dynamic between online and onsite education has changed dramatically in the past 10 years. Ten years ago, most online programs were informed by their onsite counterparts, i.e. the onsite experience was replicated as closely as possible online. Now the reverse is true. We know that online students learn as well as onsite students because of our rigorous, robust assessment program. All courses use the same standardized course syllabus with the same student learning outcomes regardless of location or delivery mode. Student mastery of course and program learning outcomes are assessed each year through the Program Annual Review process. Exams, projects, and signature assignments with scoring rubrics are used to ensure that students are receiving a comparable education independent of location and delivery mode.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

There are three very distinct benefits to earning a degree online. First and foremost is convenience. One of the greatest values to online education is that it expands access to higher education to those who would not otherwise benefit. This is especially true of working adults, who must balance work, family, and school: they can work online at times that are convenient to them. Second, students may find themselves in classes with students from all around the world. Students can be literally any place in the world that has internet access. This opportunity is part of a larger movement that includes on-demand education and training, virtual and social networking, and the ability to access and utilize information from anywhere in the world. Third, online students are using emerging technologies that will benefit them in all aspects of their personal and professional lives. Many of the skills obtained by online students are transferable.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

National University has used “courtesy placements” very successfully. It is not uncommon for University faculty to work with individuals all over the world to supervise interns or practicum students. Faculty and local hosts develop a contract for student learning and support systems. Virtual meetings between the faculty, student, and supervisor are utilized to approximate what would otherwise be face-to-face or phone meetings.

Does National University offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

National University’s Career Center provides a variety of services to onsite and online students. The online resources include counseling, career assessments, and résumé writing assistance. The University maintains a number of employer partnerships and affiliations to assist students with finding the right career.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships. Financial aid counselors are available at our physical locations and online.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

For first time online students I would recommend a “test drive”: ask for access to a sample course to see if it is appealing. Make sure online classes match your learning style; if you are a visual learner, are there written “lectures”? If you are an auditory learner, are there voice-over lectures or videos? If you are a kinesthetic learner, are there hands-on activities? In addition, take a tutorial if one is available; make sure you know how to access the online resources. Is there an online library that will meet your needs? Is there technical support? Are all the courses you need to complete your degree available online?

My final advice is to be disciplined. To be successful in online classes, students must be self-directed and motivated. It is important to engage in the class early and often.

What do you enjoy most about your position at National University?

I most enjoy the opportunity to be involved in shaping the direction of many initiatives that focus on student learning. I get to work with some very intelligent people who are committed to making educational opportunities accessible, relevant, and of the highest quality possible. I am able to support over 500 online classes each month while designing the shape of National University’s educational future. There are enough constantly moving parts that I will never be without a challenge!

Thank you Thomas, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on the distance education programs available at National University, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online degrees & online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including best mba, business school, nursing school, criminal justice school and more.

Tell us about the programs offered at Laguna College of Art & Design.

We offer five different BFA programs of study: Fine Art, Illustration, Animation, Graphic Design, and our newest program, Game Art. Additionally, we offer an MFA degree in Representational Painting.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

All five of our BFA programs are structured so that they can be completed within a four-year period. Our MFA program in Representational Painting is a two-year program of study.

What would you say makes Laguna College of Art & Design programs different and better than other comparable programs?

One thing that sets us apart from other art colleges is our belief in the importance of having a strong foundation program. This idea of teaching from the ground up serves to strengthen core artistic principles which enable our students to advance through our unique programs of study with efficiency, resulting in better artists. These results are evidenced by the high success rate of our graduates who find employment in their chosen fields with a large number finding work before they graduate.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing a college or university?

The right kind of accreditation is extremely important, especially if you decide to continue on to graduate school. You want your degree to be recognized by art colleges and universities that offer accredited MA and MFA graduate programs. Accreditation insures that the highest standards are met and verified through formal reviews that examine documented evidence. On site inspections are performed along with extensive interviews with faculty, administration and students.

Laguna College of Art & Design (LCAD) is accredited by The Western Association of Schools Colleges and Universities (WASC), and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). LCAD is one of only six art colleges on the west coast that are dual accredited. Additionally, LCAD is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD).

We are proud of our latest WASC accreditation review where their report stated that LCAD should be held as a model to other art schools. Reference was made to the college being more of a “community” as opposed to just an institution. They saw strong evidence that students “find themselves” through the dedication of the faculty. Emphasis was put on the integration of the liberal arts in all we do, creating “good citizens as well as good artists and designers.”

What qualities or accomplishments do you look for when admitting students to your program?

Our admissions team looks for students who have raw inherent artistic skills and a passion for creating images and solving visual problems.

We like to see a variety of work in the portfolio including basic observational drawing, figurative, design and digital work that shows creative potential.

Given the growing popularity of online degrees, what would you say are some of the benefits of a traditional classroom setting?

While distant learning programs serve important purposes in terms of convenience when communicating academic studies such as business and science, it does have some drawbacks in terms of delivering essential hands-on training important in teaching the studio arts.

At LCAD we have an average student-to-teacher ratio of about 1 to 10. This allows for more individual attention and the opportunity for understanding each student’s particular challenges, strengths and progress.

LCAD currently has a total enrollment of fewer than four hundred students where faculty serve as mentors and know most of their students by name. These important relationships are difficult to develop and nurture with on-line teaching programs.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

With major entertainment companies including animation, film, game and design studios located close by, several of our notable faculty work at these companies and bring real world experience and advise on entering these fields. Additionally, we have established industry relationships with local companies who offer internships to our students. Our Director of Career Services organizes internships to help students earn credit towards their degree while helping them acquire important on-the-job experience.

Does Laguna College of Art & Design offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

Our Director of Career Services lists weekly job opportunities and organizes an annual Industry Open House where students in their senior year meet with industry leaders who review their portfolios. This is a full day of interaction where jobs, networking and industry relationships are developed. To prepare for interviews, students take a professional studies class where they learn how to function in the professional world. Additionally we partner and collaborate with local community organizations to expose our students to a wide range of professional practices and academic experiences to better prepare them for their careers.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

LCAD participates in three federally funded grant programs: the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) programs. 
A grant is gift aid that does not have to be repaid as long as the student continues to meet all of the eligibility requirements. California State Grants 
LCAD is eligible to participate in the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B programs that are funded by the state of California and administrated by the California Student Aid Commission. All financial aid applicants who are California residents and U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens are encouraged to apply for one of the Cal Grant programs.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling at a college or university for the first time?

Students entering college must be prepared to work hard and focus on their area of study. It’s a competitive world and talent and good grades alone will not guarantee success in any field. Hard work, persistence and more importantly, commitment for their chosen field will pay off in the long run.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Laguna College of Art & Design?

As Dean of Visual Communication and Chair of the Illustration programs, I most enjoy dealing with the students. Seeing them grow intellectually and artistically is like seeing magic. I enjoy the smaller community spirit here where my door is always open. We are located in a wooded canyon cove just a few miles from the ocean and downtown Laguna Beach, and the environment couldn’t be more ideal for creativity and inspiration.

Thank you Michael, for sharing and participating in this piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on the art programs available at Laguna College of Art & Design, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including mba degrees, business schools, nursing schools, criminal justice schools and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Troy University eCampus.

Troy University started offering programs online in the mid 1990s. eCampus was stood up in the fall of 2006 as planned in the merger to Troy University. The approved programs that were being offered by the various distance programs within Troy State University were being merged into one program, eCampus. Fall of 2006 brought together the programs form Global Campus. Fall of 2007 brought together the distance programs form the Alabama Campuses. Fall of 2008 the GoArmyEd program, including eArmyU completed the transition.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Undergraduate programs are at least 120 credit hours and graduate programs at least 30 credit hours. We operate on five nine-week terms a year. Students can work through a program in an accelerated time frame or work at their own pace.

What would you say makes Troy University eCampus programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

Two things we hear from students are that the entire program is online and they do not have to come to campus and the term system helps meet individual needs as to the pace of the program.

We offer Associate of Science Degrees in Business Administration and General Education as well as Bachelor of Applied Science in Resource and Technology Management and Business Administration. Other Bachelor degree programs offered include: Applied Computer Science, Criminal Justice, History, Political Science, Psychology, Social Science, Sport and Fitness Management and more. Click here to view our Undergraduate programs. Click here to View our Graduate programs

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation is extremely important. Students should always take courses from accredited institutions. We find that many students have courses from numerous institutions and we are happy to take transfer credit but students need to know that the only courses that transfer at Troy or other institutions are from accredited institutions.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Troy University eCampus take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

We deliver the same program online that is delivered on campus. We have a quality assurance process in place to make sure that happens. I can go into more detail if you need it.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

Most online learners are adult learners and are balancing home, job and school. The greatest advantages to online education is its flexibility to be able to that. Online education provides the adult learner access to an education they may not have otherwise been able to obtain.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Most of our undergraduate programs have capstone courses where students can make those types of arrangements, depending on the program.

Does Troy University eCampus offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

Students have access to the University placement office and that office is working to place more services like resume writing, etc. online for all Troy students.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes and most students use financial aid and tuition assistance.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

If there is an orientation to the online programs be sure to go through that first. The biggest issues students run into deal with being prepared to learn online. DO you know how to use the course management system? Also time management skills. Online learning is used by busy adults and they need to be able to manage their time so that they have about 12 hours a week to work on a class. That is important for the Troy University eCampus and we work on a compressed term.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Troy University eCampus?

I have been working in distance education for over 22 years and I love it because of helping students gain access to an education they might not otherwise be able to do. At Troy we work hard to be a premier institution in distance education with our 19 degree programs fully online. We serve students worldwide.

Thank you Deb, for sharing and participating in this featured piece.

That concludes our interview!

For more information on distance learning programs available at Troy University, visit them online.

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education & online school destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including best mba, business school, nursing school, criminal justice degrees & schools and more.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at the Graham School of Management.

Currently, we are offering the Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Service Management. Over 80% of employment opportunities in the United States are in the service sector. The ability to delivery service excellence, both within and organization as well as to external customers and constituencies, is an essential skill in today’s work environment. Our program has three starts per year in January, April, and August. While this is a new delivery model for us, we believe that it will enable us to offer a quality degree program to geographically diverse student body.

What is the typical duration of your program?

It is a 26 month program. Students in the program take one course every 8 weeks. If someone entering the program doesn’t have an undergraduate degree in business, they will need to take one hour foundation courses as prerequisites to the program. This may extend their completion time.

What would you say makes the Graham School of Management programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

There are many online programs that might seem to be attractive because students can complete them in less time and for less money. The value of our program begins with our faculty. The majority of the courses are taught by faculty who not only stay current in their fields but are constantly working to advance the body of knowledge in their area of expertise through academic research and regular publication. Many of the faculty are also practitioners in their field and bring real world experiences into the virtual classroom. There is also an intrinsic value to earning a degree from Saint Xavier University, the quality reputation of Chicago’s oldest Catholic university.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation is extremely important. Accreditation challenges a school maintain a level of excellence that is measured though peer reviews and against national standards. We are accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does the Graham School of Management take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

The courses in our online program are taught by the same faculty who teach those classes in our classroom based programs. By using state of the art technology, our instructors have the ability to provide course instruction in effective and engaging ways. In addition, our academic programs, both on-campus and on-line, are assessed using the same criteria for academic excellence.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

The main difference is convenience. Students have the flexibility of doing their coursework at time that is convenient for them day or night. Since there isn’t a designated class time, students must be disciplined in scheduling time to work through the material to ensure their success. Another difference between our online and in classroom programs is the length of each individual course. The online format is based upon an 8 week term, whereas our in classroom programs are on a 10 week schedule. The online program requires students to be disciplined to move through the material at a quicker pace.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Internships are not required for our program. However if a student would like to seek an internship opportunity assistance is available through the university’s Office of Counseling and Career Services.

Does the Graham School of Management offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

The majority of the students in the graduate program are adults who are already actively working in their fields. However, the university’s Office of Counseling and Career Services is available to assist students who are actively seeking employment.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Students in this program do qualify for enough loans through the Federal Stafford Loan Program to cover the cost in its entirety. While many people are concerned about taking out money that they will have to pay back, it is important to keep in mind that earning an advanced degree is a true investment that doesn’t depreciate in value. Plus, when you do repay student loans though the Stafford Loan Program there are tax benefits on the interest similar to a home mortgage. Education is always a worthwhile investment.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

Be disciplined. Schedule regular time to work through the material each week. Make it an appointment on your calendar just as if you were attending class. If you have the discipline, you will be successful.

What do you enjoy most about your position at the Graham School of Management?

Being dean of a vibrant, future-directed school of business gives me the opportunity to provide students an education that meets their immediate and future career needs. I work with a highly skilled faculty and staff who are dedicated to providing the best educational experience to our students. We are constantly striving to meet our student needs for quality education in a timeframe and format that meets their needs.

For more information about this Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Service Management program at Saint Xavier University (SXU) Graham School of Management, visit them online.

Thank you James, for sharing and participating in our featured piece.

That concludes our interview!

About Get Degrees

Get Degrees® is one of the most comprehensive online education destinations on the web today. Check out our entire selection of accredited degree programs including best mba degrees, business school, nursing school, criminal justice online and more.