Inspire, Spring 2012

M.Ed. Moves Fully Online This Summer “It’s exciting to see God open doors when you commit your big dreams to Him.” With these words, Cedarville’s president, Dr. Bill Brown, captured the essence of what is happening on campus right now as Cedarville pursues its strategic plan. Cedarville is adding graduate and online degree programs, building its national reputation, and expanding campus diversity with the goal of broadening its ministry influence for the cause of Christ. A big door opened in December when the Higher Learning Commission (the University’s regional accreditor) gave Cedarville approval to offer up to four degree programs fully online. The first, an online Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree, launches this summer. Cedarville’s M.Ed. is designed for Christian teachers who are serious about leading in their profession and living out their faith every day in the classroom. Cedarville has offered an M.Ed. on campus for more than 10 years, but the transition to online brings changes far beyond the delivery method (see inset at left). The online program has been redesigned, from prerequisites to students’ final projects. What surprises some is the affordability of Cedarville’s graduate programs. At just $386 per credit hour, the M.Ed. is among the lowest-cost options available, and scholarships are available for Cedarville alumni as well as teachers at Christian schools. How does a Cedarville online class compare with its on-site counterpart? Future M.Ed. students will be amazed at the level of collaboration that takes place online with professors and peers. The Web resources, videos and lectures, online assignments, and virtual campus community are engaging and easy to use. Integration of biblical principles and a quality academic experience with a focus on practical application are what students expect from any program that Cedarville delivers. “We can now reach a more diverse population of students, which makes our M.Ed. online program a richer experience,” said Dr. Stephen Gruber, associate professor of education and chair of the department of education. “The opportunity to share professional perspectives with other students around the world should be very appealing to those who realize we live in a global village.” So, what other big dreams lie ahead? The University’s Master of Science in Nursing degree program will be moving to online delivery, making its unique global health ministries track accessible to nurses serving in ministries around the world. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree program continues to outperform its enrollment goals, has achieved pre- candidacy accreditation status, and will enroll its first professional-year students this fall. Online Master of Business Administration and Registered Nurse-to- Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree programs are being explored along with site-based Master of Ministry and Master of Occupational Therapy degree programs (to name a few). Big dreams? Yes. But we have a big God! M.Ed. On-site to Online Transition: • Courses are offered in convenient eight- week modules. • No campus residency is required. • Full-time students graduate in just two years. • Students choose between a thesis and final project. • An online student success team advises students to help them achieve their educational goals. online “At just $386 per credit hour, the M.Ed. is among the lowest-cost options available, and scholarships are available for Cedarville alumni as well as teachers at Christian schools.” Learn more and apply: cedarville.edu/MEd CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY 3 campus news