Tag: "CSU OnlinePlus"

CSU online programs ranked among best for veterans

June 10, 2015

Colorado State University’s online bachelor’s, MBA, and graduate-level education programs were recently ranked among the best in the nation for veterans by U.S. News and World Report. “Like other students, veterans and active-duty service members gain most from distance education that is [caption id="attachment_17630" align="alignright" width="300"]Stock Photo by Sean Locke www.digitalplanetdesign.com More veterans than ever are seeking higher education.[/caption] affordable, accessible and reputable,” the rankings report stated.  CSU’s programs, earning slots in the top 35, 50, and 70 respectively, were selected for their reputation, faculty credentials, retention rates, and graduate debt loads, according to the ranking methodology. Ranking factors were considered in addition to the financial benefits made available by the institution to people with military experience. Tuition for CSU’s online programs is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students, meaning veterans’ tuition is eligible to be covered by the G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program. Increasing demand and expanding options As a result of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill and improved battlefield survival rates, more veterans than ever are enrolling in higher education institutions. Additionally, according to U.S. News and World Report, on average, 11.2 percent of students enrolled in online bachelor’s programs are either veterans or active military members. Why are veterans and military members choosing online programs? According to Col. Gregory Marzolf, CSU aerospace science professor and Air Force ROTC cadet supervisor, the University’s online programs are necessary for many military members because, “we don’t have time to go to class during the day, we have other things we have to be doing… with the online programs, you can do it at your own pace, at night, on the weekend.” CSU’s online programs also offer flexibility in geographic location. Military members who tend to move frequently can enroll in an online program and earn their degree from CSU, regardless of where they are living. Consistent with CSU’s military-friendly rankings These latest rankings add to the list of the many accolades CSU has received in regard to military and veteran education. For six years in a row, G.I. Jobs magazine has ranked CSU among the top military-friendly schools in the nation, and Military Advanced Education’s 2015 Guide to College & Universities also designated CSU as a top school. View the complete reports:

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Online Master of Social Work ranked No. 9 in nation

May 28, 2015

The Colorado State University School of Social Work online Master of Social Work program was recently named as a top 10 program by BestColleges.com. “We are honored to be ranked as one the top ten online masters programs in the U.S.,” said Audrey Shillington, director and professor, CSU School of Social Work. “We are dedicated to breaking boundaries to bring the best of online and face-to-face in an innovative format.” [caption id="attachment_17107" align="alignright" width="150"]Audrey M Shillington Interactive coursework within the distance Master of Social Work program earned it a top 10 spot in the nation.[/caption] The online Master of Social Work is offered through OnlinePlus at CSU and the program began in 1998 and is a part-time degree program designed for working professionals. Students from across the country participate in the program, which is primarily online with some face-to-face classroom work in Colorado Springs and Denver to assure that students have contact with faculty. There are between 50 and 100 students in the program at any given time. “Students in CSU’s online MSW learn the same high quality, research-based curriculum as the on-campus program but have the flexibility to go through the majority of the degree in their own communities,” said Karima Bounini, director of program development and administration for CSU OnlinePlus. “OnlinePlus is proud support the University's land-grant mission of expanding access to education and have its program recognized.” Bestcolleges.com evaluated programs by acceptance, retention, graduation and enrollment rates. CSU’s distance Master of Social Work was identified as the No. 9 in the country and is the only Colorado program to be ranked. The CSU program focuses on practice and policy work in the context of the larger community, where students are taught and mentored by faculty who are experts in their fields. Students utilize their training by working in community organizations and have the opportunity to learn in real-world settings. The projections of the job market for social work during the next decade put it at one of the highest growing professions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment of healthcare social workers projected to grow 27 percent by 2022. Social workers are employed in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, hospitals and private practices. For more information about the Master of Social Work offered through OnlinePlus visit http://www.online.colostate.edu/degrees/social-work/. The School of Social Work is part of the College of Health and Human Sciences at CSU, http://www.ssw.chhs.colostate.edu/.  

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