Dr. Tom Green, Provost and the Interim Dean of the School of Health and Human Services at National University, joins us today to discuss their distance education program.
Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at National University.

National University offers more than 26 degrees completely online with a total inventory of over 800 online classes. Most of the courses utilize the same four-week format as our onsite classes. Courses are taught by full-time or part-time faculty, all of whom have been trained in the online format. Online classes typically include threaded discussions, readings and other assignments, exams, and may include synchronous chats.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Undergraduate programs typically have 14-15 classes; graduate programs 12 classes (some variation exists at both degree levels). Theoretically, a student could take his or her classes in 14 or 15 months for an undergraduate degree, or in 12 months for a graduate degree. But in reality, the average time to degree is usually between two to three years.

What would you say makes National University programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

There are several factors. First, instructors have four levels of training available that include both technical aspects of teaching online as well as instructional best practices. Second, courses are well designed and easy to navigate; many courses include some of the latest technologies, including streaming audio and visual. Third, many of our online courses include live, synchronous chats, which provide real-time contact with instructors. Moreover, many synchronous chats utilize VOIP with robust instructional tools. Fourth, National University’s online courses have 24/7/365 technical support. Fifth, online students have 24/7/365 access to one of the largest online libraries of any university in the country. Sixth, all of our online programs are thoroughly reviewed annually for currency and relevancy with input from annual assessment data, boards of advisors, and external reviewers.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation is very important in selecting an online college for three very important reasons. The first reason is quality control: accreditation insures a certain level of program quality and infrastructure, i.e. the capacity to support the programs. Second, students who take a few courses at one university may well want to transfer those credits to another university; accreditation makes that process virtually seamless. Third, federal financial aid is available to students who attend an accredited university.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does National University take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

This is an important question. First, all onsite and online classes have the same standardized course syllabus, including course description and learning outcomes. Second, student learning in online and onsite courses are assessed in the same manner against the same standards. Analysis of those data has shown that year after year, online students are at least as successful as onsite students in mastering course and program learning outcomes. Third, full-time faculty members closely monitor online classes to insure that the courses are as rigorous and thorough as onsite classes.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

The biggest benefit is access: students who do not live within geographical proximity to a university now have the same opportunities to earn advanced degrees. There are other access issues that are important to note, e.g. students whose work schedule does not allow attendance in onsite classes and students who have physical disabilities that restrict travel. Another benefit is the opportunity to learn and utilize current technologies to access and use information in meaningful ways.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have any means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

We currently have arrangements with organizations and agencies in many states to support student interns. There are a number of ways in which these are established: through relationships our administration and faculty have developed over the years, though personal contacts by the student, through professional organizations.

Does National University offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

We have a fairly small placement office. The overwhelming majority of our students are currently employed full-time.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes. Students are eligible for financial aid through a number of sources.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

I would recommend that prospective students check accreditation; ask to speak directly with faculty who teach online courses; take advantage on online tutorials; and ask to sample an online course. Students should also have their own computer – it is possible to use computers at public libraries or come to one of our 28 campuses and use the computer labs, but it is far easier if students have their own - that meet the published standards for online courses. Of course, having a broadband internet connection is very important. Some students still use dial-up connections, but that number is dwindling.

What do you enjoy most about your position at National University?

I truly enjoy the working with bright and talented people who share a common vision. Someone is always doing something new, pushing the envelope. People are always willing to help and we have phenomenal resources. We are expected to perform at a very high level and are given the resources and support to succeed.

For more information on distance learning programs available at National University, go here to visit them online.

Thank you Dr. Green, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview!