Reaching a world of learners just got easier. Andrews University recently received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Accreditation for two online graduate programs. The Department of Nursing and the Department of Leadership and Educational Administration Department received approval to offer several innovative degrees fully online.

At its meeting on April 28, 2008, the Institutional Actions Council voted to extend accreditation to include distance delivery of the Master of Arts (MA), Educational Specialist (EdS), Doctor of Education (EdD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in Educational Administration, and the Master of Science in Nursing (MS) with a Nursing Emphasis. The Commission Board of Trustees validated that action. Degrees in K-12 Educational Administration and Higher Education Administration—both at the MA and PhD levels—will be available completely online.

“We are excited about Higher Learning Commission’s acceptance of our application. This gives us more tools to serve Adventist school leaders worldwide. For years leaders have wanted to stay at their place of employment and learn online,” said Duane Covrig, professor of leadership in educational administration. “This allows that. They don’t have to come to campus or take their whole summer away from the family or schools to improve their leadership ability. They can learn online and integrate what they learn from class with what they do at work. Plus, they will be connected to a network of mentors.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for our department,” says Karen Allen, chair of the Department of Nursing and director of graduate programs. “We will now be able to provide a graduate degree in nursing education across the country and nationally if they have access to the Internet. For many nurses who work different shifts and can’t go back to school and sit in a classroom, they are able to continue their education and get their master’s degree online. It moves our department out to the cutting edge which is where education is at right now: online degrees in education.”
 
However, those who are interested in still having face-to-face experiences will still have that option. The Department of Leadership and Education Administration will offer certificate, MA, EdS, EdD and PhD programs on campus as well. “This gives our school leaders more options,” said Covrig. “It allows us to meet the needs of more individuals. That is what Andrews University is here for.”

“More and more grad students are looking for ways to get graduate degrees without leaving home and leaving their families,” said Shirley Freed, chair of Leadership and Educational Administration. “We are confident that this new program will help fill that need.”