Nebraska's First College Offering Online Master and Bachelor Degrees

Peru State College is among the first Nebraska institutions to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees via the internet. Peru State will offer several online degrees including six bachelors degrees and one masters degree. Classes for most of the degree programs will be offered in an accelerated eight week format. These online degrees include School of Professional Studies disciplines such as Bachelor of Applied Science in Management--a degree geared towards persons who have previously earned technical associates degrees or the equivalent; Bachelor of Science in Management; Bachelor of Science in Marketing; Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

PERU, NE (PRWEB) May 26, 2005

Peru State College is among the first Nebraska institutions to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees via the internet.

“Peru State is known for its commitment to removing obstacles to a quality education, and this is another example of this philosophy,” said Ben E. Johnson, Ph.D., President of Peru State College. “We strive to find ways to best serve Nebraskans and the world with the finest education services delivered face-to-face or online.”

Peru State will offer several online degrees including six bachelors degrees and one masters degree. Classes for most of the degree programs will be offered in an accelerated eight week format. These online degrees include School of Professional Studies disciplines such as Bachelor of Applied Science in Management--a degree geared towards persons who have previously earned technical associates degrees or the equivalent; Bachelor of Science in Management; Bachelor of Science in Marketing; Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

“Online degree programs make sense,” Dr. Johnson said. “People want to get a better job or to advance at their present job—that takes education. Getting a college education can be challenging, especially if you are working full time or have other time or geographic constraints. Online degrees are proven to be more flexible and affordable. These degrees really help people get a quality education that better meets the needs of their schedules.”

Peru State’s School of Arts and Sciences offers the online Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree, which features concentrations in psychology/sociology/anthropology, history/political science and English/journalism. This degree can open numerous career opportunities in a wide variety of professions.

Peru State’s School of Education and Graduate Studies offers innovative choices for the prospective graduate student, including the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. Students may enroll in one of two options in this 36-credit hour program, Teaching and Learning and Instructional Technology. Both programs are aimed at classroom teachers seeking to improve their skills.

Some online students will be interested in the track that exists within the Teaching and Learning option. The track is aimed at those who work with adults in other learning situations outside the P-12 school environment.

“Faculty from the School of Education and School of Professional Studies have worked collaboratively to enhance our existing program to reach a broader audience,” said Dr. Korinne Tande, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Peru State. “For example, people working in the area of corporate training or student affairs can now benefit from this option as it combines the best of the existing program with the addition of courses aimed at the adult learner.”

Adult learners like the flexibility of online classes, and think online degrees are the best possible option.

“With online classes, I added a couple of endorsements to my degree later on in my education which if I had taken them face-to-face would have required another semester to complete my classes. With the online classes being offered this summer I am able to conclude my studies in order to start student teaching in the fall,” said Norva Edwards of Humboldt, NE. “Naturally I think the new online degrees are a great idea. The online option helps me spend time with my family, attend ball games, enjoy some of my hobbies and still have time to learn and share dialogue with the instructors and classmates through the online classes offered through Peru State College.”

New Cohort Masters Degree Begins This Fall

The School of Education and Graduate Studies is expanding its outreach this Fall by offering both options in the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction in an accelerated cohort format. This approach allows students to start and complete this degree program in a scheduled sequence of courses as a community of learners. A cohort is a group of students who stay together as one class throughout the required courses leading to a degree. Students gain from the networking and bonding with colleagues in the class and have a chance to focus on the real school issues from a practical as well as a theoretical point of view.

“The students will benefit from being able to complete their masters degree in a 15-month timeframe by enrolling in courses that will meet face-to-face once per month. The remaining coursework will be completed online,” Dr. Tande said. “The success of cohort groups can often be traced to the camaraderie and support system that exists as a group of students move through a program of study together from beginning to end.”

Mr. Ken Boxley attended Peru State College in the 1940's. He believes that, "education is the key to making the world a better place", and has funded a limited number of full tuition scholarships to assist qualified students in the new graduate program. Contact Peru State’s Office of Financial Aid for details.

Lowest-Cost Online Rates in Nebraska and Region    

Peru State College’s online tuition for resident and non-resident students is $110 per credit hour for undergraduate students, $138 per credit hour for graduate students. Peru State’s online rates are among the least expensive in the nation.

“Our rates have a significant cost advantage over other sources of online education in Nebraska and the nation,” said Dr. Tande.

Classes begin in the Fall 2005 semester. Graduate program and application materials are available by contacting Jennifer Newcomb at 402-595-1866. Undergraduate program and application materials are available by calling the Office of Admissions at 800-742-4412 or 402-872-2221. The application for undergraduate programs is available online under the “Apply for Admission” button on the homepage located at http://www.Peru.edu.

Peru State College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has continuing accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Full membership is maintained in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the American Council on Education. The College also is a charter member of the Nebraska Council on Teacher Education.

Peru State College’s “Campus of a Thousand Oaks” is nestled in historic Southeastern Nebraska. The state’s first college, Peru State offers Bachelors degree programs in arts and sciences, pre-professional fields, professional studies and teaching. The School of Education and Graduate Studies offers a Master of Science in Education degree with a major in curriculum and instruction. Peru State is a member institution of the Nebraska State College System. For more information, visit Peru State on the web at http://www.peru.edu or call 1-800-742-4412.

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