CLARION – Clarion University officials unveiled a new Virtual Campus, spotlighting online education opportunities. Along with the new name, a tagline of “Clarion University Virtual Campus: Accredited. Accessible. Anywhere” was introduced at the Eagle Commons ceremony.
“Our online classes have shown tremendous growth in recent years and the designation of a virtual campus at Clarion University reflects our commitment to providing the same level of excellence in these classes that we are known for in traditional classrooms,” said President Joseph Grunenwald.
“Clarion University Virtual Campus and other extended program options allows us to offer our nationally recognized programs anywhere in the world,” continued Grunenwald. “We haven’t scrimped on the quality of these programs and that is what differentiates out online programs with other schools.”
At Clarion University, students can complete a degree or certificate online while working full-time, without having to come to campus. Online study can be an ideal choice for people who are unable to travel to campus due to distance, job commitments or family responsibilities. Fall enrollment is now under way and financial aid is available. Clarion University is approved for the G.I. Bill, and offers competitive tuition to active-duty military personnel.
The Virtual Campus is part of a new university co-brand that resulted from focus group and survey research conducted during 2008-09 by EMG, Inc., an Aurora, Colo.-based educational consultant. Clarion’s Virtual Campus was formerly known as the Office of Distance Education.
“The name ‘Virtual Campus’ coveys the concept that Clarion University, through the virtual world of the Internet, now extends beyond the traditional geographic confines of our core campus,” said Dr. Art Acton, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. “At the same time this new ‘campus’ has grown from the historic traditions and quality of a real university. These days, there are so many competitors out there offering online programs, but Clarion is a real brick-and-mortar institution with full-time faculty, accreditations and credibility that distinguish us from the others.”
Enrollment in online classes at Clarion University has grown from four percent of total enrollment in 2003 to 1,178 students in the 2008-09 academic year, or 17 percent of overall enrollment.
Online programs at Clarion
At Clarion, students can pursue the following online programs:
Undergraduate Programs
•Associate of Arts Degree
•Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies Degree
•Early Childhood Associate of Science Degree
•Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree Completion
•Radiologic Sciences and Sonography Prerequisite Program
Graduate Programs
•Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA)
•Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS)
•Master of Science in Mass Media Arts and Journalism (MSMMAJ)
•Master of Science in Rehabilitative Sciences (MSRS)
Postgraduate Programs
•CPA Exam Eligibility Program
•Pennsylvania Secondary Teacher Certification
•The Early Childhood Directors Credential
•Instructional Technology Specialist Certificate (ITSC) Program
Clarion professors draw upon a broad mix of academic expertise and field experience in their teaching and research. Most faculty hold doctorates, and have worked extensively in their fields.
For more information on the Virtual Campus dedication or online programs at Clarion University, call 1-866-272-5612, send e-mail to virtualcampus@clarion.edu or go online at www.clarion.edu/virtualcampus/