Logan Now Offering Online Degree

If a rigid work schedule, family responsibilities, or a lack of transportation is keeping you from attending college, you may want to consider distance learning at John A. Logan College. If you have Internet access on your personal computer, you can now earn an Associate in Arts degree from Logan without ever leaving home.

"We've been offering online classes at Logan since 1999, and we recently received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to extend accreditation to degree programs offered through distance learning," said Tom Bell, associate dean for media services and telecommunications. "Now students can complete an entire Associate in Arts degree without ever coming to campus."

Bell cites student demand as one reason that Logan sought permission to offer an accredited online degree.

"Students want online classes and online degrees," he said. "They like the convenience and flexibility they present. The popularity of our online classes has grown each semester. As the students and faculty have become more familiar with the technology, we've seen rapid increases in enrollment. We have 1,147 students enrolled in online classes this spring, the largest number ever and a 22 percent increase in online enrollment from the spring of 2007, and we expect this trend to continue."

Dr. Julia Schroeder, vice-president for instruction at the College, says offering an online degree is a way to make education at Logan more accessible.

"We want to be responsive to the needs of our students," she said. "Those students who are unable to come to campus for face-to-face instruction can now earn a degree by taking online classes on their home computers. They will now have the same access to education as every other student who attends Logan. We realize that not all programs or all students are suited to doing classes online, but I'm pleased we have this option available for those who need it."

For more information about distance learning at John A. Logan College, contact Tom Bell at 618-985-2828 or 618-457-7676, Ext. 8270.