Secular university increases online degree options
Posted on 9/3/2010
Many religiously-affiliated degree programs are increasing their web-based offerings in an effort to access more students. Adults who wish to pursue a secular education can now do so online.
Schools such as Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) are providing students with new degree options. The university recently announced that it will offer two online master's degrees in pastoral studies and religious education. The degree programs, which are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, provide a theological foundation and give learners the opportunity to specialize in areas such as youth ministry, parish life and administration, Hispanic ministry, spirituality, religion and ecology.
"These are professionally oriented graduate programs in which students create online learning communities," said Tom Ryan, director of LIM. "They develop theological and ministerial competencies through the integration of academic study with theological reflection on their ministerial practice and experience as people of faith."
Ryan added that the online programs provide great flexibility for students who may not have access to courses in a traditional setting.
More than 4.6 million students nationwide were enrolled in online courses during the 2008 academic year, according to a recent report by the Babson Survey Research Group and the Sloan Consortium.
Schools such as Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM) are providing students with new degree options. The university recently announced that it will offer two online master's degrees in pastoral studies and religious education. The degree programs, which are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, provide a theological foundation and give learners the opportunity to specialize in areas such as youth ministry, parish life and administration, Hispanic ministry, spirituality, religion and ecology.
"These are professionally oriented graduate programs in which students create online learning communities," said Tom Ryan, director of LIM. "They develop theological and ministerial competencies through the integration of academic study with theological reflection on their ministerial practice and experience as people of faith."
Ryan added that the online programs provide great flexibility for students who may not have access to courses in a traditional setting.
More than 4.6 million students nationwide were enrolled in online courses during the 2008 academic year, according to a recent report by the Babson Survey Research Group and the Sloan Consortium.
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