Online ADCP—Finishing a College Degree can be a (Virtual) Reality
Marking a first for Geneva College, the Adult Degree Completion Program (ADCP) has joined the growing higher education Internet movement and is now accepting applications for a fully online format of its bachelor of science in human resources degree. Now, adults have the option of completing an accredited, rigorous and Christ-centered degree in just 17 months without leaving home.
 The ADCP human resources major explores employee and labor relations, training and development, group dynamics, styles of communication, ethics and decision making, effective supervision techniques and organizational behavior. The program also focuses on the importance of broad perspectives to help prepare effective, understanding and ethical workplace leaders.
While this is Geneva′s first fully online offering, it isn′t the ADCP′s first foray into cyberspace. A number of the program′s courses have been offered in a hybrid format, which combine in-class meetings with online discussions. However, the ADCP perceived a need for an increased online presence, so they applied to the Middles States for accreditation of the online human resources program. Online classes were also added to the Bridge Program schedule this fall, which helps students who have earned fewer than the 64 credits required to enter the ADCP and those who need additional credits to complete their degree requirements.
“This enables us to expand our mission to provide quality Christian education to busy adults who don't have the time or means to go to a classroom,” explains Dr. Ralph Phillips, Director of the ADCP.
With 11 locations, the program′s brick-and-mortar classes remain a convenient option for many adults; however, some students simply have not been able to coordinate life with school. Dr. Phillips mentions that students who benefit from the online format include people who work shifts, travel frequently or have to stay home to care for family members.
Nora Sheller, who will be starting the online human resources program when classes begin March 4, 2013, previously explored the ADCP′s classroom offerings, but wasn′t able to enroll until online learning became an option.
“My work schedule can become demanding at different times of the year due to different circumstances. The online program allows me to get started when I have the time, instead of waiting for my work schedule to change.”
And the HR degree is just the beginning of cyber-learning through the ADCP. Their first fully online Christian ministry leadership cohort is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2013.
Adults with some previous college credits and work experience can find out more and apply online at online.geneva.edu.
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