Missouri University of Science and Technology will offer new distance education programs in environmental engineering and business administration (MBA) in 2009.
The graduate degree program in environmental engineering requires 30 credit hours of approved coursework and focuses on the challenges of sustainability, carbon emissions and limited water supply. Protecting human health and minimizing human impact on the local, regional and global environment is the foundation of the degree.
The graduate degree program in business administration is offered in three parts: an 18-credit-hour management core; a six-credit-hour internship, practicum or research project; and a 12-credit-hour specialization or elective area. The internship, practicum or research project follows completion of the core classes. Students can choose from marketing, enterprise resource planning, human computer interaction, supply chain management, project management and information technology management for specialization or electives.
Courses are taught via streaming video, WebEx and interactive communication. WebEx and similar systems permit professors and students to interact with each other at any time, so students will have direct real-time access to professors and other students. Courses are archived for later access and review.
"Students know that our programs reflect the commitment to academic quality Missouri S&T is known for," says Henry Wiebe, vice provost of global learning. "We provide that education in an environment that is convenient and accessible. It's education that fits."
Registration for the spring semester at Missouri S&T ends Jan. 5, 2009. For more information, visit dce.mst.edu or email dce@mst.edu or call toll free 1-877-678-1870.
Is this really the time to be introducing new programs? With the impending budget cuts wouldn't the money be better spent retaining students that could other wise not be enrolled?
Yes, even with impending budget cuts, it is wise to add more distance learning option for more graduate degrees.
Firstly, most all of these courses are already being taught on campus.
Secondly, distance learning credit hours are typically charged to the student (working and often their company is paying) at a much higher rate per credit hour than on campus. So, while you don't say distance learning "makes money for the university", it certainly pays for more than it's share of the costs.
Thirdly, this is right in line with the university's strategic enrollment plans; increasing distance learning graduate students.
Finally, most of these students would not have enrolled as graduate students on campus. In this day and age, they have the option of other campus' distance learning courses in which to enroll.
My knowledge in this area is as the former chair of the Distance Learning team of the Corporate Development Council; alumni who directly provide advise and planning to the vice-provost of global learning and the faculty who teach distance learning courses.
We have been strong supporters of increasing distance learning. The only limitations were the number of distance learning classrooms and the efforts of faculty to develop effective visual aids for teaching in this environment (i.e. the professor can't just go to the blackboard and "wing it".)