Deb Gearhart, PhD, Director of Troy University eCampus joins us today to discuss their distance education programs.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Troy University eCampus. 

Troy University’s eCampus currently offers 17 degree programs in 2-year, 4-year and graduate degrees, listed below:

Undergraduate degrees offered:

Associate of Science in Business Administration

Associate of Science in General Education

• Business Administration
• Applied Computer Science
• Political Science
• Criminal Justice
• History
• Physical Fitness
• Psychology
• Sociology

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

• General Business
• Management

Bachelor of Science in Applied Science and Resource and Technology Management

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science in Fitness Management

Bachelor of Science in Political Science

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Social Science

Graduate degrees offered:

Master of Business Administration

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Master of Science in Human Resource Management

Master of Science in International Relations

Master of Science in Post Secondary Education

Master of Science in Management

• Human Resource Management
• Leadership and Organization Affairs
• International Management
• Healthcare Management
• Information Systems

Master of Public Administration

Skip to their program section.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

This would depend on the student’s goals.  If a student attends as a full-time student then the programs can be finished in the same time as most University programs, 4-5 years for undergraduate and 2 years for masters.  As a part time student, the pace will be set by the students.  The eCampus runs on five 9-week terms a year.

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

I would say that eCampus provides flexibility to students.  With the five terms a year a student can get admitted and enrolled at any time. Also the nine week terms provides concentrated courses where students can stay focused move through a program quickly.   Some of the eCampus programs have been recognized as “best buys” by GetEducated.com.  The criminal justice program ranked 3rd and the psychology program ranked 7th.  The Troy University programs provided by eCampus are a real value.  That is an important point.  These are the Troy University programs taught by Troy University faculty.

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

Accreditation is a major issue.  I have worked a long time at helping identify “diploma mills” and read this morning where Congress was going to be taking aim at diploma mills.  It is important for students to carefully review the accreditation of the institutions they are looking at.  As pointed out in the article this morning, many diploma mills create their own accreditation lists and put institutions on them as examples.  There are regional accrediting agencies.  Become aware of them and look for their accreditation when reviewing institutions.

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

At Troy University students are enrolled in Troy degree programs taught by Troy University faculty and adjuncts approved by the colleges.  The programs are the same as if the students were attending one of the Troy campuses or regional sites.

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

It boils down to time, flexibility and convenience.  Many students would like to come to campus but cannot, for whatever reason.  Doing a degree online provide access to an educational experience that students might not have otherwise.  Fro graduate students it is very hard to give up a good position and family responsibilities to return to school.  Online degrees provide the opportunity to pursue and further one’s education.

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?

Currently none of the Troy University programs delivered by eCampus require internships.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes, financial aid is available to the students who chose eCampus as their delivery method.

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

I always tell students to start out with a course they think would be fun.  It can be a little overwhelming to start out with an online course when you have never done one before.  You will find that you must be very motivated and self-directed.  You have to like to work on your won, even when you will have discussion with the students in your course.  You will be working with technology you may not have used before, so pick something that would be fun.  Don’t try to go for courses that you think might be a little hard for you, English and Math come to mind when I think about adult learners.  Also if you plan on going full time, consider only two courses the first time around.  Time management is one of the toughest things for adults to manage.  Online courses take more time than classroom courses.  You will have your job and your family to consider so don’t overload yourself.  If you do well with two courses you can increase in later terms/semesters.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Troy University eCampus?

I have only been with the Troy University eCampus for a short time but I can tell you I enjoy working with the eCampus and Troy staff.  They are a great bunch of folks here.  Also I enjoy seeing students’ accomplish their educational goals.  I was able to participate in the graduation reception for summer graduation.  I was so nice to see the student’s and their families.  We work with these students day-in and day-out and usually don’t have a chance to meet face-to-face.  This is one of the times that staff get too meet the students.  It’s a great feeling to know you had a small part in helping students’ reach their goals.

To Request more information about the distance learning programs available through Troy University eCampus, Go here to visit them online.

Thank you Deb, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview!