Cal U’s Global Online Grads Find Success Through Technology
The December 2005 graduating class of California University of Pennsylvania’s Global Online has done more than earn their master’s degrees. They have become members of an elite international group of students who, through technology, changed the course of their careers and their lives.Cal U’s Global Online is a worldwide learning community based solely on the Internet. Students meet, complete lessons, discuss topics and interact with their professors and each other online, thereby eliminating the need for classroom meeting time. Because the coursework is online, it provides the unique opportunity for students to complete their work from nearly anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Many students find that it’s the perfect way to reach their educational goals while maintaining a normal work and home life.
To Angel Fidler, an Exercise Science and Health Promotion graduate from Brigham City, Utah, the flexibility of schedule offered by Global Online programs was extremely important. “The (Exercise Science and Health Promotion) program was provided in a format that allowed me to continue my education while raising five children. It was very important to me to be able to have a lot of flexibility in my schedule with my husband, who is in the military, being deployed.”
The innovative programs offered through Global Online allow students to earn master’s degrees in very specialized areas. The programs offered are available at few schools. Even less of these schools offer their programs online and many of those that do, have an on-campus requirement to supplement online learning. Cal U’s Global Online offers these innovative and in-demand programs entirely through the Internet, making them easily accessible and highly desirable to English-speaking students in both the US and abroad.
Vanessa Herbin-Smith, a Legal Studies/ Law and Public Policy/ Homeland Security graduate from Philadelphia, PA, found that the coursework was a great compliment to her existing undergraduate degree. “I was looking for a legal studies master’s program to complement my bachelor’s degree in Paralegal Studies…this program was a great compliment to my undergrad degree.”
Because Global Online programs are designed for the busy schedule of today’s working professional, coursework is delivered completely over the Internet. Classes are provided in an asynchronous format, allowing students the freedom to fit classes into their busy lifestyle. Students can work from anywhere their laptop computer takes them…home, coffee shop, even vacation; in the early morning or late at night; wherever and whenever they want. It is the perfect way for students to reach their educational goals while maintaining a normal work and home life.
Tracie VanHook, an Exercise Science graduate from Oakland, California, found that the online coursework fit neatly into her busy schedule.
“For a long time I’ve wanted to continue my education in exercise science. As a single mom, it was very difficult to find a program where I did not have to take time off of work to attend classes full-time or part-time while I support my children. When this program came out, I knew that this was absolutely the program for me.”
VanHook was the first of her colleagues to enroll in Global Online; “I’m really excited about this program. My colleagues and I all talked about pursuing our master’s degrees through Cal U, but I was the first to actually step up and do it. After hearing about my experiences through Global Online, my colleagues are now applying. It’s a good feeling to know that I led the way.”
Many of the Global Online grads found that they not only gained more knowledge in their field, they gained the insight to see their professions in an entirely new light.
Jennifer Rohr, a graduate of the Exercise Science and Health Promotion program, completed her degree from her home in Neuchatel, Switzerland. An athletic trainer by profession, Rohr credits her study through Global Online with taking her work in a new direction.
“I used to be a high-performance tennis coach, focusing primarily on professional athletes. My courses through Cal U have changed the way I look at my profession— I now train people 35 and older and children. I’ll never see (my profession) in the same light again.”
Cal U’s Global Online provides a high-quality, online educational experience for busy professionals worldwide and can do the same for you. Become a Cal U Global Online student today. For more information on Global Online, including a complete listing of all Global Online programs of study and financial aid opportunities, visit www.cup.edu/go or call 724-938-5958.