Want to further your education but just can't find a college or university that fits your busy lifestyle? Will uprooting your family or taking night classes three times a week cause too much disruption? With the wealth of technology available today, students can pursue a degree in the comfort of their own home and on their own schedule by learning online. Online learning is becoming an increasingly popular education option because of the benefits and flexibility it offers. Though a new concept for many universities, online learning, or what was once called distance learning, has in fact, existed for many years. Liberty University, with current online enrollment of 28,000, was a pioneer in this field and today is a recognized industry leader.
"Liberty University strives to continue to set itself apart from other online learning programs," says Ronald Kennedy, executive director, distance learning and graduate studies. "We're the world's largest evangelical university and because our school is based on a solid Christian foundation, students not only get top-notch educational and technical support, but spiritual support as well. This is what we call our 360 Degree Approach to Student Success. We are not only addressing a student's need for a top quality, nationally recognized online degree program, but we are also caring for them as an individual. And that's important when dealing with busy adult learners who are trying to juggle family, work, civic, church and school responsibilities"
The high standards that Liberty University sets for its online learning program are the same as its ground campus in Lynchburg, VA. In fact, many of the faculty members who teach courses at the brick and mortar campus also teach online courses. "Students studying online are guaranteed the same quality education as those students who attend classes on our ground campus," says Shaun Redgate, senior associate for online programs, "Several research studies show that online learners perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts."
One might think that this high educational standard comes at a high price. However, online learning can be both convenient and affordable. By pursuing a degree through an online program, students are able to study at their own pace and complete all tests and assignments online. This is especially helpful for students who want to go back to school but whose schedules don't permit attending classes at a traditional campus. Twilla Metz is one of these non-traditional students. Pursuing her Masters in Education at Liberty University, Metz says, "Going back to school after almost 20 years was a difficult decision, but being an online student helped me to organize my studies around my job and family."
Chris De Man of Rockford, MI, was attracted to the convenience of Liberty University's distance learning program as well as its affordability. "I'm fanatic about stewardship and wanted to ease the sacrifices my family would need to make for me. I was pleased to see that Liberty accepts financial aid and provides flexible payment options as well."
To learn more about Liberty University and their distance education program, visit www.onlineatliberty.com/distance_learning.php. For more information on online and distance learning, please visit www.ronaldkennedy.com and www.shaunredgate.com. Copyright © 2008, ARAnet, Inc.
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