Global Campus offers degree programs, pursues independent accreditation

Global Campus, the University's ambitious online virtual campus, is launching five new highly affordable, career-oriented degree programs in the fall of 2009.

President B. Joseph White said, "We can deliver high-quality University of Illinois degrees for $30,000-$40,000, less than one-half the cost of residential degrees. Students, whose circumstances don’t allow them to join us on our campuses, can complete these degrees while remaining in their home towns, taking care of their family responsibilities and maintaining their employment."

Two 60-credit hour bachelor's degree programs in psychology and environmental sustainability will go online in September, together with master's degrees in education, e-learning, teacher leadership and an executive degree in public administration. Programs already online include a bachelor's degree in business administration, a bachelor's completion degree in nursing for registered nurses and a master's degree in recreation, sport and tourism.

In 2008, Global Campus established partnerships with Parkland College and Kankakee Community College so their students can make a seamless transition to Global Campus' bachelor's degree-completion programs. The effort is expanding to include all 48 Illinois community colleges for the nursing and business administration completion degrees. Global Campus is adding offices at each community college to assist their students with advising, admissions and matriculation into Global Campus programs.

In November 2008, the Board of Trustees charged Global Campus with seeking independent accreditation, and in December the Illinois Board of Higher Education confirmed the authority of Global Campus as a degree-granting entity. Final Higher Learning Commission accreditation is expected in fall 2010.

View all in the sampling of the articles in the 2008-09 Annual Report.