People who love to connect go into communications. Now, the portal to these careers can open at your own computer. Starting this January, Northern Kentucky University will offer an all-online BACS (Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies) - its twelfth program to offer no on-campus classes.
“Our new online communication studies program will allow students a high-quality, flexible and convenient option to complete a bachelor’s degree with communication competence and many career opportunities as their ending rewards,” said Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, chair of NKU’s Department of Communication.
Students in the 60-hour, two-year program gain expertise in person-to-person interactions. Communications graduates find jobs in an array of fields - business management, human resources, public relations, and marketing.
Short-Thompson reflected on NKU’s goal of creating more online programs. “[They] meet the needs of our students, increasing our accessibility to a wider population of students and improving our graduation rates. Furthermore, online programs do not increase the strain or physical demands of hosting an in-person program on our already underbuilt campus.” Currently, classroom space at NKU’s brick-and-mortar location hovers near maximum capacity.
Increasing and honing online offerings is key for the Highland Heights-based state university; these programs could make up 20% of all enrollment by 2015. NKU’s goals reflect a national trend. A fall 2007 study showed 3.9 million Americans enrolled in online classes - a 12 percent increase over 2006 enrollment.
NKU is currently accepting applications for BACS, with classes beginning January 11, 2010. For more information, contact NKU Educational Outreach at (859) 392-2400 or e-mail [email protected].
Writer: Elena Stevenson
Source: Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, Chair, Department of Communication, NKU; Christopher Cole, J.D, Director of Media Relations and Communications, NKU
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