You Asked for It, Geneva Delivers:
More Quality Fully Online Programs

Geneva heard the request for more good quality Christian online higher education and responded. This fall, Geneva is adding three new majors to the fully online offerings in the Graduate and Adult Degree Programs.

Geneva’s MBA program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), is now being offered fully online.  The online professors, true to Geneva’s reputation for excellence, possess real-world business experience and teach from a "learn it tonight, apply it tomorrow" perspective.

The Adult Degree Programs are adding two new fully online bachelor’s degrees to their offerings. One is a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Public Relations, which prepares graduates to creatively manage channels of communication, build relationships and foster a positive public image for organizations and individuals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics identifies this field as an area of growth through 2024. Some specific job opportunities include communication manager, social media strategist, public information director, special events planner and web marketing executive.

The other new fully online addition to the Adult Degree Programs is the Bachelor of Professional Studies in Aging Services. Graduates will be prepared to be highly competent managers who help provide for the well-being and safety of individuals who need support while living in residential care and community-based settings. Social and community service management is classified as a high priority occupation in Pennsylvania, with a projected growth of 11.5% by 2022. Career opportunities include, but are not limited to, assisted living or personal care manager, home health manager, nursing home director and adult day center director.

Tracy Auell (far right) was on a recent KDKA-TV “Showcase Pittsburgh” show to share her experience as a Geneva College online student with Educational Outreach Specialist Alice Price and host John Cline.

Tracy Auell, who is nearing completion of her Master’s in Leadership Studies degree in a fully online format, experiences the benefit of Geneva’s online classes. “The online program has many advantages and the most valuable for me has been the flexible schedule. I don’t need to travel to and from a physical classroom each week, so the time I would be traveling allows me to have more study time. I can do my homework and assignments within the timeframe that best suits my week’s schedule, but still be mindful of the deadlines required.” 

She remembers that there was an adjustment at first. “There was definitely a learning curve to going back to school after many years, especially in a new format, the online program. If I ran into any type of issue, helpful staff helped me walk through it or directed me to the person who could best assist. With any challenge that occurred, I was able to rely on the supportive staff in Geneva’s Department of Professional & Online Graduate Studies. Without that level of personal support in the beginning, I don’t know if I would have been able to stick with the program.”

A focus for the online classes from the very beginning at Geneva is time management – which pays big dividends throughout the program in helping to equip students handle the academic workload. Geneva has an academic coach, Jenna Bieber, who helps students learn strategies for success with a major focus on helping student to prioritize and manage their time. This is something that many faculty are cognizant of as well.

Geneva commercials now running on television show the impact of a Geneva education as often being the relationship between faculty and students. Tracy says this is true, and that her professors have been committed to her success.  “They have been wonderful. The professors have been very generous with offering extra assistance via email or phone when anyone is in need of clarification or guidance. I personally experienced extra support and understanding from my professors during a couple of significant life events last year.”

All education at Geneva is centered on the foundation of Jesus Christ and the truth of scripture. Online classes are no different. Tracy notes, “I have appreciated the biblical views of leadership and that I can apply these principles to my work every day, even while I am still learning and moving through the Leadership Studies program.  I also have appreciated being supported by likeminded professors and the freedom that it allows so that I can express myself in an atmosphere of acceptance and understanding.”  

Tracy’s experience with online education at Geneva is about to come to a close. She will be graduating in May of 2017, but it won’t be alone. She will graduate with oldest daughter, Lynsey, who is also graduating with a Master’s in Leadership at Geneva, and with her middle daughter, Natalie, who will graduate with a Music Business undergraduate degree from Geneva. “We are truly blessed!” Tracy summarizes.

For more information on Geneva’s online Adult Degree Programs, go to http://www.geneva.edu/adult-degree.

For more information on Geneva’s Graduate Programs (including MBA and Master’s in Leadership) go to http://www.geneva.edu/graduate.