From Georgia to South Carolina
Posted on January 20, 2010 in News, Newsletter
First Online Graduate at Anderson University
In December 2009, Sheila Day successfully graduated with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree from Anderson University. She became the university’s first online graduate who had never set foot on campus.
Two years ago, after researching several universities, Day realized that the closest university campus was three hours away round-trip from her hometown, Trion, GA. Knowing that she was unable to commute to a campus so far away, she needed to find an alternative way to continue her education. Day received a brochure in the mail about Anderson University, located in South Carolina, and learned that its online programs were suited to meet the needs of busy, working adults like herself. Anderson University had the educational tools online to allow Day to complete a degree without interruptions. In addition, since Day had graduated from a technical college with an Associate in Criminal Justice, she was able to apply those credits toward her bachelor’s degree.
When she first started her online education experience, Day quickly discovered the benefits of Anderson’s online classes, which provided her with all convenience and flexibility she needed. “No travel back and forth, no rushing to get home to change clothes and get ready for school, no eating on the run,” said Day. “I could sit there eating supper and in my PJs and be in class, all at the same time.”
The flexible online program structure allowed Day to work full-time while completing her degree online and even taking a term off when she needed. Many have mistakenly believed that taking online classes is effortless and the classes are of lower quality, but Day will be the first to correct them.
“A lot of people assume that an online class is easy,” said Day. “Not true. It is a positive challenge but you must stay on top of your assignments and test schedules at all times. I had speeches that I had to video and turn in, I had presentations to do online, and it was like being in class, except I was sitting in my living room or lying in my bed working. It was great.”
Although a distance learner by definition, Day felt very close to her classroom network. She received substantial assistance from the professors in the Criminal Justice program as well as valuable support from online classmates. “All the teachers were great; they were easy to contact if needed, and they replied quickly to e-mails,” said Day. The encouragement extended past the academic and into her personal and professional challenges.
Having completed her degree online from Anderson University, Day believes that online classes are perfect for working adults who have numerous personal, professional and social commitments and may not have the time to commute to a traditional campus on a daily basis. “It was an awesome experience, and I would advise everyone that thinks they don’t have the time to go back to school to look into it. It is worth it,” said Day.
Anderson University acknowledged the need for online education in the local and regional area and partnered with Learning House in 2004 to offer online classes and programs. Anderson first offered a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree online for its students and now offers three other online degree programs: a Bachelor of Human Services, a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Ministry. Anderson continues to meet the demand for online programs and is currently developing a Bachelor of Business Administration online degree that should be available in the near future.
Looking forward, Anderson University strives to enroll many students like Sheila Day who will say, “Thank you, Anderson University, for what you have done for me.” With hard work, dedication, and a group of knowledgeable professors and administrators, the school continues to attract more students every year as it develops quality online programs that are in high demand while providing high value to graduates and the community. Learning House will stay true to its mission and continue as Anderson’s partner in this expansion endeavor, providing support at every step of the way.
To learn more about Anderson University’s online programs, visit http://au.educampusonline.com or call 800-542-3594.
