Learning Collaborative for Higher Education Online Higher Education Custom Research Report December 2007

Catalog No. 62OHECRR1207

The Market for Online Degrees Key Questions in Liberal Arts How large is the national market for online degrees in liberal arts? Who are the existing players in this market? Data Type Key Sources What are the major points of positioning and differentiation among Institutional Web sites existing online liberal arts programs? In-house Eduventures data Secondary National Center for What opportunities exist for expansion Education Statistics into this market?

Inquiry Overview Table of Contents

Inquiry Overview 1 The inquiring member is interested in expanding their program offerings to include online courses and/or degrees from their Methodology 2 College of Arts & Sciences. Planning for the proposed online offerings is still in the exploratory phase. In following, the Findings 3 inquiring member seeks additional insight into existing online program offerings and their differentiation strategies in order to Analysis & identify opportunities for the penetration into the online liberal Recommendations 18 arts market. In addition to examining existing liberal arts offerings from selected providers, the inquiring member seeks Future Research Opportunities 19 information about the size of the existing online liberal arts market, in order to inform program development strategies. Appendix 20

Custom Research Reports - In-depth analysis of issues of concern to individual members. The OHE program maintains dedicated staff to support members' needs for detailed, quick-turnaround research. Requests may be prompted by issues raised in the OHE program's Collaborative Research investigations, may seek to leverage the collective experience of the OHE membership, or may take the form of small-scale primary research investigations or reviews of secondary literature. Requests are fulfilled on a first-come basis and generally take 10 weeks to complete subsequent to the receipt of an approved proposal. OHE staff work to deliver accurate, reliable data and information in all cases; however, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of data and information from all sources used.

Key Investigation Steps:

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5

Define scope Identify Collect data and Summarize key Recommend and objectives secondary test research findings with specific actions of inquiry, and and/or primary hypothesis reference to and areas for formulate sources to be supporting further hypothesis investigated evidence research, if needed • Interview •Scan of •Conduct • The online • Consider OHE member Competitor competitive market for combining core regarding Institutions’ scan of select, postsecondary liberal arts objectives Web sites major providers programs in elements with • Formulate •National of online and liberal arts is practical research Center for on-campus emerging professional skills hypothesis: Education liberal arts • The online in order to Market Statistics programming market for increase appeal to working opportunity •Existing in- •Conduct Bachelor’s professionals exists for house secondary degrees appears viable online Eduventures analysis of larger than for •If market entry is programming data existing in- any other desired, utilize in liberal arts. house credential effective Eduventures • Interest in differentiation data to provide online liberal strategies insight into the arts •Future market programming Research: •Conduct appears Consumer market sizing strongest for preferences for using degree consumers ages curriculum, conferment data 25-34 years pedagogy, from NCES & • To date, delivery mode, existing existing etc., among the Eduventures in- programs are target audience house resources not strongly for credentials in differentiated the liberal arts

Methodology

OHE staff conducted an initial environmental scan to identify major providers of online degrees in liberal arts. In collaboration with the inquiring member, OHE staff selected the following fifteen providers to include in the competitive scan:

Northeastern University St. John's University SUNY Stony Brook

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Boston University The New School Skidmore College SUNY Empire State College Syracuse University University of Oklahoma University of Toledo Harvard University Duquense University Drexel University Thomas Edison State University University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

OHE scanned selected providers’ institutional Web sites to uncover information regarding product offerings (B.S., B.A., M.S., M.A., program titles, etc.), pricing, accreditation, pedagogy, curriculum, delivery mode, and other major points of positioning and differentiation.

In order to provide additional insight into the online market for liberal arts, OHE staff collected degree conferment data pertaining to liberal arts from the National Center for Education Statistics. OHE staff triangulated potential online liberal arts market size utilizing the NCES data and existing in-house Eduventures data. OHE staff also conducted a review of in-house survey data to provide insight into the preferences of consumers interested in pursuing liberal arts degrees. Findings are outlined below.

Findings

Key Findings:

Overall, the U.S. online market for liberal arts degrees in emerging at best. Two separate arenas appear to exist, the market for online liberal arts courses, and the market for online liberal arts degrees. In theory, separate target audiences exist for each market.

The market for online degrees at the Bachelor’s level appears much more sizeable than does the market for online degrees at the Master’s level.

Existing in-house Eduventures survey data indicates that there exists some interest among consumers for online liberal arts and humanities programming. Interest for the totally online delivery mode is strongest among consumers ages 25-34.

Existing programs do not appear to be differentiated strongly. Most programs position themselves as providers of degrees for working adults, relying heavily on the ‘convenience & flexibility’ premise that oftentimes accompanies online education.

Most degrees currently offered, at least among this set of providers, are positioned as degrees unique to each student with individualized sets of curricula, with core courses focusing on traditional liberal arts themes, including critical thinking, math, analytical skills, writing skills, and the sciences.

3/40 Part I. Online Liberal Arts Market Sizing

In the 2004-2005 academic year (the most recent year for which data is available from the National Center for Education Statistics), 43,751 Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts were conferred in the U.S., a growth rate of about 4 percent over the previous year. Over the past ten years, on average, U.S. degree conferment at the Bachelor’s level for liberal arts has grown about 3.12 percent per year. Although this growth rate isn’t as explosive as for other disciplines, such as technology, the growth has been steady, and OHE staff predicts that this trend will most likely continue.

. Over the past ten years, on average, U.S. degree conferment at the Bachelor’s level for liberal arts has grown about 3.12 percent per year.

The online market for degrees in liberal arts is emerging; OHE staff has observed heightened levels of interest in online liberal arts degree programs or courses among institutions in recent years, though most interest has most commonly been at the exploratory level. Increased interest among postsecondary providers appears to fall into one of two realms: core online liberal arts courses online, and online liberal arts degrees. Theoretically, each one of these ‘realms’ targets a different audience, and so presents a separate market. Presumably, students interested in online liberal arts courses are most commonly traditional college-age students, studying in on-campus setting, who for reasons of scheduling convenience prefer to take one or two liberal arts courses online rather than on-campus. This market is explored more in-depth in the recent OHE Custom Research Report entitled Consumers Preferences for Online General Education Courses and the Ohio Regional Market (Eduventures catalog number 38OHECRR0607). Conversely, online degrees in liberal arts may appeal to a different type of learner.

Interestingly, there are little to no providers of online liberal arts degrees among for-profit schools, indicating that this market is dominated almost entirely by non-profit providers. The nature of the online liberal arts degree is inherently different than the nature of historically popular online degrees in fields such as business, technology, and education, that are targeted for a specific set of working adults looking for practical degrees to enhance their careers in a particular field. However, as the markets for such career-oriented postsecondary education near saturation, non- profit providers looking to enter the online market may seek alternate online programming targeted toward a learner looking to develop the types of analytical thinking skills that are common in liberal arts programs. Little is known about the target audience for this type of programming to date; it may be that online liberal arts programs may appeal to a younger audience than has been historically attracted to online education (the 25-54 age group comprised of working professionals). More research is necessary to uncover the demographics, preferences, and motivations of students interested in pursuing online postsecondary degrees in liberal arts.

Figure 1 below illustrates the trends among U.S. conferment in Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts over the past ten years. As cited above, liberal arts conferment at the Bachelor’s level has experienced slow but steady growth. Informed by data from the recent OHE collaborative 2006 Online Higher Education Market Update study, OHE staff has estimated total U.S. enrollments in Bachelor’s degree programs in liberal arts, as well as online enrollments (and the growth of the online market) at the Bachelor’s degree level in liberal arts.

4/40 Figure 1. U.S. Conferment, Estimated U.S. Enrollments, and Estimated U.S. Online Enrollments for Bachelor’s Degrees in Liberal Arts, 1995-2005

90000 U.S. Conferment 80000 Estimated U.S. Enrollments 70000 Estimated U.S. Online Enrollments

60000 1 6 5 0 1 7 3

50000 1 2 2 , 3 3 2 6 2 4 3 6 2 0 7 9 4 6 9 2 7 7 4 9 7 5 3 0 7 7 9 3 3

40000 2 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 30000

20000

10000

0

6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2

Figure 2 below illustrates trend data for U.S. conferment for Master’s degrees in liberal arts over the past ten years. Similarly, OHE staff has projected both U.S. enrollment and U.S. online enrollment in liberal arts Master’s degree programs from 1995-2005 (the most recent year for which conferment data was available from the National Center for Education Statistics). The market for Master’s degrees in liberal arts is considerably smaller than the market for Bachelor’s degrees. During the 2004-2005 academic year, only 3,680 Master’s degrees in liberal arts were awarded in the U.S.—a small fraction of those awarded for Bachelor’s degrees. Similar to the market for Bachelor’s degrees, the market for Master’s degrees has experienced steady growth (though slow). On average, conferment for U.S. Master’s degrees in liberal arts has increased by 5 percent over the previous year, a rate somewhat higher than for Bachelor’s degrees. The online market for Master’s degrees in liberal arts is estimated by OHE staff to be highly niche, with only a small number of enrollments during the 2004-2005 academic year—around 500 (based on existing Eduventures data and NCES conferment data). Figure 2 below illustrates these findings.

Over the past ten years, on average, U.S. degree conferment at the Master’s level for liberal arts has grown about 5 percent per year.

5/40 Figure 2. U.S. Conferment, Estimated U.S. Enrollments, and Estimated U.S. Online Enrollments for Master’s Degrees in Liberal Arts, 1995-2005

6000 U.S. Conferment Estimated U.S. Enrollments 5000 Estimated U.S. Online Enrollments 7 0 9 8 6 , 4000 6 2 3 3 3 1 1 9 3 0 1 3 1 1 8 3 4 3 1 0 7 5 5 6 8 7 7 6 6 3000 2 2 2 5 2 2

2000

1000

0

6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 -2 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 9 9 9 9 9 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2

Key Takeaways: Overall, the U.S. online market for liberal arts degrees in emerging at best. Two separate arenas exist, the market for online liberal arts courses, and the market for online liberal arts degrees. In theory, separate target audiences exist for each market. The market for online degrees at the Bachelor’s level appears much more sizeable than does the market for online degrees at the Master’s level.

Part II. Consumer Preferences for Online Liberal Arts Programming

In 2007, Eduventures completed a national survey of consumers interested in pursuing postsecondary education in the next three years. In total, over 2,100 consumers participated in the survey. Of those consumers, 167 indicated that they were interested in pursuing a degree in liberal arts or humanities. The largest group of consumers interested in liberal arts or humanities preferred to study on-campus, though over 14 percent of these consumers indicated that the online delivery mode was their first preference. This data is illustrated below, in Figure 3. When delivery mode preference was cross tabulated by aged, it is evident that the age group most receptive to online liberal arts programming appears to be between the ages of 25-34, with preference for the totally online modality declining as age increases past 34 years. These findings are illustrated below, in Figure 4.

6/40 Figure 3. Delivery Mode Preference of Consumers Indicating an Interest in Liberal Arts or Humanities Postsecondary Education

1.8% 0.6% A totally on-campus program

13.8% 26.3% A totally online program

A program that is primarily online but includes some campus-based courses or other activities A program that is primarily on- campus but includes some online courses or other activites A program that is balanced equally 29.3% between online and on-campus 13.2% Another form of distance learning (not online- such as correspondence, CD-ROM or video) 15.0% Other (Not sure)

Figure 3. Delivery Mode Preference of Consumers Indicating an Interest in Liberal Arts or Humanities Postsecondary Education, by Age

45.00% A totally on-campus program

40.00% A totally online program 35.00%

30.00% A program that is primarily online but includes some campus-based 25.00% courses or other activities A program that is primarily on- 20.00% campus but includes some online courses or other activites 15.00% A program that is balanced equally 10.00% between online and on-campus

5.00% Another form of distance learning (not online- such as 0.00% correspondence, CD-ROM or video) 16-17 years 18-24 years 25-34 years 35-44 years 45-54 years 55-64 years 65 years old Other [Please specify] old old old old old old and older

7/40 Among this sample of consumers, preference for a particular credential was not striking. However, the largest number of the consumers who had indicated an interest in studying liberal arts were interested in pursuing a Master’s degree. This data is illustrated below in Figure 4. These findings are interesting, given that the market for Master’s degrees in liberal arts remains small in comparison to the market for Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts. The reason for the conflict in findings is somewhat unclear, though it is possible that, as this survey did not target a particular age group, and the majority of respondents were above age 25 (Figure 5 below), most participants may already have completed their Bachelor’s degree, assuming that the market for Bachelor’s degrees in liberal arts is mostly comprised of consumers ages 18-24.

Figure 4. Preference for Liberal Arts Credentials Among Consumers

Other [Continued enrichment] 0.6%

Not sure 12.6%

A non-credit course or certificate 19.8%

Individual for-credit graduate courses 9.0%

Graduate certificate 1.2%

Doctoral degree 13.2%

Professional degree (e.g. MD, JD) 2.4%

Master’s degree (including an MBA) 20.4%

Individual for-credit undergraduate courses 1.2%

Bachelor’s degree 12.6%

Associate degree 2.4%

Undergraduate certificate 4.8%

0.0% 5.0% 10.0% 15.0% 20.0% 25.0%

Key Takeaways: Existing in-house Eduventures survey data indicates that there does exist some interest among consumers for online liberal arts and humanities programming. Interest for the totally online delivery mode is strongest among consumers ages 25-34, and interest in the online modality appears to decline as age increases over 34 years. Interest in online liberal arts programming, however, is not negligible for the 18-24 year age group.

8/40 Figure 5. Age of Respondents Indicating an Interest in Pursuing Liberal Arts

65 years old and older 13.20%

55-64 years old 17.40%

45-54 years old 13.80%

35-44 years old 16.20%

25-34 years old 24.60%

18-24 years old 14.40%

16-17 years old 0.60%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30%

Part III. Competitive Scan of Existing Institutional Providers of Liberal Arts Programs

In order to uncover existing trends in the market among providers of online liberal arts programs, OHE staff conducted a comprehensive scan of the institutional Web sites of fifteen schools, including Northeastern University, St. John's University, SUNY Stony Brook, Boston University, The New School, Skidmore College, SUNY Empire State College, Syracuse University, University of Oklahoma, University of Toledo, Harvard University, Duquense University, Drexel University, Thomas Edison State University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Data was collecting on various points of positioning and differentiation, and findings are presented below.

Product Offerings

Among the fifteen selected providers, a total of 25 degree programs in liberal arts were offered. Of those programs, four were at the Associate’s degree level (about 16 percent), fourteen were at the Bachelor’s degree level (about 56 percent), and seven were at the Master’s degree level (about 28 percent). Title of programs offered by each providers are listed below in Figure 6.

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Figure 6. Product Offerings of Selected Providers of Liberal Arts Programs Institution Credentials Offered Northeastern University Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts In Liberal Studies MA concentration in Global Development and Social Justice (Liberal Studies) St. John's University BA in Liberal Studies AA in Liberal Studies SUNY Stony Brook Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA/LS) Boston University Undergraduate Degree Completion Program Online The New School The Bachelor’s Program at The New School for General Studies (Completion Program) University Without Walls (UWW), the Skidmore College Skidmore College bachelor's degree completion program and individualized degree programs Individualized Undergraduate Degrees: Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science (A.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), SUNY Empire State College Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (Concentrations in University of Oklahoma Administrative Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences) Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Master of Liberal Studies Degree Program University of Toledo B.A. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies CSCC Partnership - Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Harvard University Master of Liberal Arts (Artium Liberalium Magister, or ALM) Duquesne University Master of Arts in Leadership and Liberal Studies Drexel University BS in General Studies - Individualized Studies Associate in Arts Thomas Edison State College BA in Liberal Studies University of Illinois - Urbana Bachelor's in Liberal Studies Champagne

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Pricing

Pricing was calculated by OHE staff by multiplying the listed cost per credit hour by the number of credit hours required to graduate. Therefore, for Bachelor’s degree completion programs, the price reflects the cost per credit hour of the provider multiplied by the total amount of credits required to graduate, rather than the total amount of credits that may be taken at that actual institution (prices are calculated in this way to provide a basis for comparison). In addition, it should be noted that the prices presented in this report reflect the prices that are listed on each provider’s institutional Web site. Oftentimes, tuition, or in some cases total price of a degree or the credits required to graduate, is not immediately transparent on the provider’s Web site. In these cases, OHE staff has denoted “not immediately transparent” in the tables provided below.

The cost of the selected providers’ Associate’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees are listed below in Figure 7, Figure 8, and Figure 9.

Figure 7. Cost of Selected Providers’ Associate’s Programs in Liberal Arts Institution Credential Price Details $873 per credit hour x 60 semester $52,380 St. John's University Associate's hours = $52,380 $181 per credit (1-11 Credits); $11,584 or $12,224 (Military $191 per credit (Military Personnel) x Personnel); x120 credits for 64 credits for associates = $11,584 or SUNY Empire State College bachelor's = $21,720 or $22,920 $12,224 (Military Personnel); x120 (Military Personnel) credits for bachelor's = $21,720 or Associate's $22,920 (Military Personnel) $550.00 per credit x 60 credits = Syracuse University $33,000 Associate's $33,000 $39.83 (in-state), $71.58 (out-of- $2,389.80 (in-state); $4,294.80 state),$ 97.50 (international) x 60 Thomas Edison State College (out-of-state); $5,850 credits = $2,389.80 (in-state); (international) $4,294.80 (out-of-state); $5,850 Associate's (international)

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Figure 8. Cost of Selected Providers’ Bachelor’s Programs in Liberal Arts Institution Credential Price Details $292 per quarter hour x 160 quarter Northeastern University $46,720 Bachelor's credit hours = $46,720 $873 or $955 per credit for Freshmen $109,998 or $120,330 entering Fall 2007 or Spring 2008 x 126 St. John's University Bachelor's credits =$109,998 or $120,330 $575 per credit x variable credits = Boston University Variable Bachelor's variable tuition $870 per credit x variable credits = The New School Variable Bachelor's variable tuition Full-Time Annual Tuition* 12-16 credits/semester $12,000 ¾ Time Annual Tuition* 9-11 credits/semester $10,250 Skidmore College Variable Half-Time Annual Tuition* 6-8 credits/semester $ 8,500 Less Than Half-Time Annual Tuition* Bachelor's less than 6 credits/semester $ 6,700 $181 per credit (1-11 Credits); $11,584 or $12,224 (Military $191 per credit (Military Personnel) x Personnel); x120 credits for 64 credits for associates = $11,584 or SUNY Empire State College bachelor's = $21,720 or $22,920 $12,224 (Military Personnel); x120 (Military Personnel) credits for bachelor's = $21,720 or Bachelor's $22,920 (Military Personnel) $550.00 per credit x 120 credits = Syracuse University $66,000 Bachelor's $66,000 $108.70 (resident); $412.50 (non- $13,696.20 (resident); $51,975 University of Oklahoma resident) x 126 credits = $13,696.20 (non-resident) Bachelor's (resident); $51,975 (non-resident) Fewer than 12 credit hours: $283.98/credit hour (residents); University of Toledo Variable $651.13/credit hour (non-residents) x Bachelor's variable credits = variable tuition Fewer than 12 credit hours: $283.98/credit hour (residents); University of Toledo Not transparent (variable?) $651.13/credit hour (non-residents). The number of required credits is not Bachelor's transparent. Fewer than 12 credit hours: $283.98/credit hour (residents); University of Toledo Variable $651.13/credit hour (non-residents) x Bachelor's variable credits = variable tuition $550 per credit x 180 quarter credits (120 semester credits) = $99,000 (You may transfer up to 135 quarter credits Drexel University From $24,750 to $99,000 (equivalent of 90 semester credits) from other college studies. Number of courses vary based on previous Bachelor's studies.) $38.50 (in-state), $69 (out-of-state), $4,620 (in-state), $8,280 (out-of- $93.91 (international) x 120 credits = Thomas Edison State College Bachelor's state), $11,269.20 (international) $4,620 (in-state), $8,280 (out-of-state), $11,269.20 (international) $212 (resident) $517 (non-resident) x $12,720 (resident); $31,020 (non- University of Illinois - Urbana 60 credit hours = $12,720 (resident); resident) Champagne Bachelor's $31,020 (non-resident)

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Figure 9. Cost of Selected Providers’ Master’s Programs in Liberal Arts Institution Credential Price Details Tuition, ranging from $650 to $1,975 for undergraduate- and graduate- Harvard University Not transparent (variable?) level courses, is listed with course Master's descriptions. $288.00 per credit (in-state); $455.00 $9,504 (in-state); $15,015 (out-of- per credit (out-of-state) x 33 credits = SUNY Stony Brook state) $9,504 (in-state); $15,015 (out-of- Master's state) SUNY Empire State College Master's $10,368 $288 per credit x 36 credits = $10,368 $143.80 (resident); $518.00 (non- $4745.40 (resident), $17,094 (non- University of Oklahoma resident) x 33 credit hours = $4745.40 resident) (resident), $17,094 (non-resident) Master's

Fewer than 12 credit hours: $409.50/credit hour (residents); $13513.50 (residents); $25,629.45 University of Toledo $776.65/credit hour (non-residents) x (non-residents) 33 credits = $13513.50 (residents); $25,629.45 (non-residents)

Master's Duquense University Master's $27,864 $774.00 per credit x 36 = $27,864 St. John's University Masters's $49,200 $820 per credit x 60 credits= $49,200

Delivery Mode

All providers, with the exception of Harvard University, offer totally online or primarily online degrees in liberal arts. In most cases, programs appear to be asynchronous. Notably, Harvard does not position their liberal arts degree as “online.” Rather, the degree is positioned as “distance education.” In contrast to the learning platform typically characteristic of online courses, students in Harvard’s program learn via streaming video of on-campus courses. Figure 10, Figure 11, and Figure 12 below list and describe the delivery modes of each selected provider.

Figure 10. Delivery Mode Among Selected Providers of Associate’s Programs in Liberal Arts Institution Degree & Title Delivery Mode

St. John's University AA in Liberal Studies Wholly Online, Asynchronous

Individualized Undergraduate Degrees: Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in SUNY Empire State College Science (A.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), On-Site, Hybrid, or Wholly Online Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.)

Hybrid (short residency required). There is no transparent Syracuse University Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts evidence to indicate that the online courses are anything but asynchronous.

Mixed-Mode (Thomas Edison State College has developed courses in a wide range of formats for adult learners to fit several types of learning styles. The College offers online courses; guided independent study programs; online e-Pack® Thomas Edison State College Associate in Arts courses; examination programs such as TECEP®; and Prior Learning Assessment courses that enable students to demonstrate they possess college-level knowledge that has been acquired outside a classroom. Learn more.)

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Figure 11. Delivery Mode Among Selected Providers of Bachelor’s Programs in Liberal Arts Institution Degree & Title Delivery Mode Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts In Northeastern University Online and Hybrid, Asynchronous Liberal Studies

St. John's University BA in Liberal Studies Wholly Online, Asynchronous Undergraduate Bachelor's Degree Boston University Wholly Online, Asynchronous Completion Program Online

The Bachelor’s Program at The New The New School School for General Studies (Completion Wholly Online (Asynchronous), or Wholly On-Site Program)

University Without Walls (UWW), the Skidmore College bachelor's degree Skidmore College Wholly Online, Asynchronous completion program and individualized degree programs Hybrid (short residency required). There is no transparent Syracuse University Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies evidence to indicate that the online courses are anything but asynchronous. Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (Concentrations in Administrative University of Oklahoma Wholly Online, Asynchronous Leadership, Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences)

Wholly Online; there is a scheduled start date and end date, but University of Toledo Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies no other evidence indicates that the courses are synchronous.

Wholly Online; there is a scheduled start date and end date, but University of Toledo B.A. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies no other evidence indicates that the courses are synchronous.

CSCC Partnership - Bachelor of Arts in Wholly Online; there is a scheduled start date and end date, but University of Toledo Liberal Studies no other evidence indicates that the courses are synchronous.

BS in General Studies - Individualized Drexel University Wholly Online (Also available as evening/part time On-Site) Studies

Mixed-Mode (Thomas Edison State College has developed courses in a wide range of formats for adult learners to fit several types of learning styles. The College offers online courses; guided independent study programs; online e-Pack® Thomas Edison State College BA in Liberal Studies courses; examination programs such as TECEP®; and Prior Learning Assessment courses that enable students to demonstrate they possess college-level knowledge that has been acquired outside a classroom. Learn more.)

Wholly Online, but some courses are available on-campus. The University of Illinois - Urbana Bachelor's in Liberal Studies synchronicity/asynchronicity of the courses vary from instructor Champagne to instructor.

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Figure 12. Delivery Mode Among Selected Providers of Master’s Programs in Liberal Arts Institution Degree & Title Delivery Mode Hybrid (students may choose to take a combination of on-site and distance courses. Some credits of the program are MA concentration in Global Development St. John's University required to be taken on-site). There is no transparent evidence and Social Justice (Liberal Studies) to indicate that the distance courses are anything other than asynchronous. SUNY Stony Brook Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA/LS) Wholly Online, Asynchronous SUNY Empire State College Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Hybrid, Asynchronous Hybrid (There are on campus seminars scheduled at different times during the year that are open to all options of the Master University of Oklahoma Master of Arts in Liberal Studies of Arts degree as well as to other students on campus), Asynchronous Wholly Online; there is a scheduled start date and end date, but University of Toledo Master of Liberal Studies Degree Program no other evidence indicates that the courses are synchronous. Some online courses are offered but the program itself is labeled as distance education; lectures are offered through streaming video. It seems that online lectures are not Master of Liberal Arts (Artium Liberalium considered part of the online delivery mode; the institution Harvard University Magister, or ALM) specifies that the ALM cannot be earned online. There are start dates and end dates, but the online lectures can be accessed anytime, starting at 48 hours after the actual on-site lecture is recorded.

Master of Arts in Leadership and Liberal Duquense University Wholly Online, Asynchronous Studies

Accreditation

All providers included in this scan were regionally accredited. Most schools positioned themselves as fully accredited providers of online education, and listed the regional accrediting body fairly prominently on Websites. No providers, however, positioned their online liberal arts programs as programmatically accredited by any specialized or professional accrediting body. Figure 13 lists the accrediting positioning utilized by each institution.

Figure 13. Reported Accreditation of Selected Online Liberal Arts Providers Regionally Online-Specific Institution Accredited Accreditation Details All Northeastern Online programs and courses are accredited by the New England Northeastern Association of Schools and Colleges. They are X Yes University coordinated through SPCS, and were established to serve the specific needs of SPCS students.

Middle States and New York State Education St. John's University X None specified Department; a member of the Sloan-C consortium

Approved by the New York State Education SUNY Stony Brook X None specified Department New England Association of Schools and Boston University X None specified Colleges (NEASC-CIHE), Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

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All degree programs at The New School are registered by the New York State Department of Education. The New School has been regionally accredited by Middle States The New School X None specified Commission on Higher Education since 1960. Additionally, professional curricula are accredited by the appropriate professional educational agency or board. The University Without Walls began in 1971 as an experiment in non-traditional education jointly funded by the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education, and has been granting Skidmore College degrees since 1975. Skidmore College X None specified Operating under the auspices of the Office of the Dean of Special Programs, UWW is registered with the State of New York. Skidmore College is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Empire State College is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104). Founded in 1971 as a part of the State University of New York, Empire State SUNY Empire State X None specified College was designed to meet the needs of College adult learners. The college was the first public nontraditional higher education institution to be accredited and is one of the 13 arts and sciences colleges in the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

Institutional Accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Syracuse University X None specified (MSA), Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

All Northeastern Online programs and courses are accredited by the New England University of Association of Schools and Colleges. They are X Yes Oklahoma coordinated through SPCS, and were established to serve the specific needs of SPCS students.

The University of Toledo is regionally accredited by the North Central Association University of Toledo X Yes (NCA) and is authorized to offer degrees online.

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Harvard Extension School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Extension School courses are approved each year by Harvard’s Faculty of Harvard University X Implied Arts and Sciences to count toward the Harvard degrees of Associate in Arts in Extension Studies, Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies, and Master of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies.

Middle States Association Commission on Duquense University X None specified Higher Education (MSCHE)

Drexel is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools (the same accreditation as Carnegie Drexel University X None specified Mellon, Columbia, Cornell, New York University, Princeton, Yale and the University of Pennsylvania).

Thomas Edison State College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. This prestigious Thomas Edison State accreditation is part of a national system of X None specified College quality assurance which requires colleges and universities to reach a common understanding and agreement as to the standards of quality for American higher education.

All three campuses of the University of Illinois are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, which is responsible for accrediting institutions in the North-Central region of the United States. In University of Illinois - X None specified addition, some programs are individually Urbana Champagne accredited by discipline-specific accrediting bodies. To find out more about the accreditation of a particular program, contact the program coordinator or visit the program Web site.

Pedagogy & Curriculum

Most programs positioned themselves as individualized programs of study that students could tailor to their individual needs and interests. For example, the University of Toledo writes:

The Individualized Degree Program is one based upon a student’s unique interests and goals, which would not be addressed by a traditional program of study. The degree awarded is either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science, depending upon the program. The designated major is Interdisciplinary Studies.

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Similarly, Empire State writes:

You will have the opportunity to tailor your undergraduate degree around a concentration of your choice. Listed here are examples of concentrations available through our areas of study: The Arts, Business, Management and Economics, Community and Human Services, etc.

Most programs appear to allow students a fair amount of flexibility to determine curriculum and focus, and stress “individualized programs of study.” For example, SUNY Stony Brook:

The Bachelor’s Program at The New School for General Studies is an individualized program of study in the liberal arts for students returning to college to complete their undergraduate degrees. While it is one of several bachelor’s degree programs offered at the university, it is the only one designed specifically for adults. We believe that the understanding of the individual, society, and the world around us that comes from the study of the liberal arts should be at the heart of undergraduate education. We also believe in a learning process that is active and experiential and that encourages free inquiry and self- responsibility for learning.

In terms of curriculum, most providers stressed the core liberal arts values such as critical thinking, rhetoric, writing skills, analysis skills, and mathematics and sciences. “Liberal Arts” appears to convey a certain standard of curriculum that appears fairly consistent across all programs. As most programs appear to allow students a great deal of flexibility, it is not surprising that many programs would have a great number of electives—in St. John’s program, for example, 27 credit hours of free electives are included in the curriculum. Additionally, St. John’s program allows students to study abroad in Rome, which was unique across the programs included in this competitive scan.

Key Takeaways: Across the providers selected for this scan, programs did not appear to be differentiated strongly. This may be due to the relative immaturity of the market at this point in time; programs’ marketing tends to become more sophisticated as competition rises, and there are relatively few players in the online liberal arts market to date. Most programs position themselves as providers of degrees for working adults, relying heavily on the ‘convenience & flexibility’ premise that oftentimes accompanies online education. Most degrees currently offered, at least among this set of providers, are positioned as degrees unique to each student with individualized sets of curricula, with core courses focusing on traditional liberal arts themes, including critical thinking, math, analytical skills, writing skills, and the sciences. Among this set of providers, much scope for differentiation exists.

Analysis and Recommendations

The market for online liberal arts is relatively immature at this point. A small number of providers exist in the U.S. at this point. Among the institutions included in this scan, considerable scope for differentiation exists. Programs across various levels tend to position themselves around the following centralized themes:

Online education makes this program flexible and convenient for working adults.

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This program can be individualized to the needs and interests of each student, in order to meet each student’s personal goals. Curriculum tends to include a variety of areas centered on the humanities, the social sciences, science and mathematics, and analytical thinking skills.

OHE staff speculates that positioning appears at this point to be so common across all providers due to the relative immaturity of this market. As the market matures and more institutions offer online programs in liberal arts, the increased competition will drive the need for increased differentiation in order to continue to attract a viable number of enrollments over time.

Most programs currently appear to stress the individualized curriculums for students. As online programming is typically attractive to working professionals, it may be lucrative for schools to combine traditional liberal arts programming with professional skills in order to create a differentiated curriculum. Data appears to indicate the age group of the liberal arts market most interested in the totally online modality is ages 25-34—presumably younger, working professionals interested in expanding their career options by either completing a degree begun in years past or by pursuing an additional degree. Thus, though the individualized study options may carry some appeal, the incorporation of practical professional skills, such as options for computer, budgeting, management, conflict resolution, or other skills, may carry some weight with the target audience. More research is needed to assess the preferences, demographics, and needs of the audience for online liberal arts degrees.

In terms of market growth, OHE staff predicts that the online market for liberal arts degrees will continue to expand, in particular among non-profit providers. As more non-profit insitutions, especially private schools with strong arts & science components, consider expansion into the market for online education, the presence of online programs in liberal arts will likely increase, fueling the need for additional differentiation and strong positioning techniques. Clearly, the market for online Bachelor’s degrees appears larger and more viable than for any other credential, both in terms of conferment and estimated enrollment, and within the sample of schools included in this competitive scan—over half of online liberal arts programs were at the Bachelor’s level. It may be appealing for new providers to consider offering a Bachelor’s degree that allows students to transfer in a number of prior credits, in order to make the program appealing to working professionals who may be looking to complete a Bachelor’s degree they had begun in past years. If the inquiring member is considering offering programs at the Master’s level, they should strongly consider combining professional elements with core liberal arts elements, in order to attract the working adult demographic.

Future Research

Should the inquiring member be interested in continuing research along similar lines of inquiry, OHE staff recommends they consider the following:

Survey alumnae/i of liberal arts programs in order to assess their openness to the online modality, and/or survey individuals interested in pursuing a degree in liberal arts to assess key trends: Preferences for particular program components and curricular elements Pricing Preferences Attitudes Professional training needs

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Appendix

Institution Northeastern University Location Boston, MA URL http://www.spcs.neu.edu/bs_liberal/

Product Offerings Bachelor of Science In Liberal Studies

Delivery Mode Online and Hybrid Price $292 per quarter hour x 160 quarter credit hours = $46,720 With the guidance of a Northeastern University faculty member, students will create a program that integrates liberal arts with a special concentration. Unlike traditional Pedagogy Bachelor degree programs, in which students major in a specific academic area, this program allows students to pursue an area of interest that is not pre-defined as a major concentration. 54 quarter hours of major courses, 48 quarter hours of non-business electives, 28 Curriculum quarter hours of open and specialization electives

Adult students have the maturity and experience to design a degree completion program that suits their personal interests, strengths, and goals. With the guidance of a Northeastern University faculty member, students will create a program that integrates Overall Marketing Message liberal arts with a special concentration. Unlike traditional Bachelor degree programs, in which students major in a specific academic area, this program allows students to pursue an area of interest that is not pre-defined as a major concentration.

Institution St. John's University Location Queens, NY URL http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/graduate/liberalarts/departments/ls/gdsj

Product Offerings MA concentration in Global Development and Social Justice (Liberal Studies)

Hybrid (students may choose to take a combination of on-site and online courses. Some Delivery Mode credits of the program are required to be taken on-site)

Price $820 per credit x 60 credits= $49,200 This new concentration at St. John’s is under the administrative auspices of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, an interdisciplinary degree program designed especially for Pedagogy working professionals, with special attention to the talents and experiences, the needs and learning styles of adult learners.

Six Credits (including the introductory seminar) in Rome, 24 courses by distance learning, final three credits (integrating seminar) in Rome. This combination of in- person instruction and distance learning, taking advantage of the unique resources Curriculum available in Rome and of the variety of resources available in students’ own local settings around the world, will shape an international learning community that will model the solidarity that is a foundational component of sustainable development and social justice. The Concentration in Global Development and Social Justice is among the innovative ways in which St. John’s is putting into practice the affirmation found in the University’s Overall Marketing Message Vision Statement: “As a Catholic and Vincentian university, we will be known worldwide for addressing issues of poverty and social justice.”

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Institution St. John's University Location Queens, NY http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/undergraduate/distancelearning/ugdegrees/undergrad URL uate/ba_ls.sju Product Offerings BA in Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online $873 or $955 per credit for Freshmen entering Fall 2007 or Spring 2008 x 126 credits Price =$109,998 or $120,330 The Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies is designed to provide an excellent, Pedagogy multidisciplinary education. Its flexible approach is geared especially to working adults pursuing a college degree while working full-time.

Core Courses in English, Math, Modern Foreign Language/Cultural Studies; Philosophy, Curriculum Science, Social Science, and others. Major area electives must be chosen from outside the core courses. Twenty-Seven credits of free electives are taken.

Instead of choosing the traditional single academic major area of study, the Liberal Studies major studies a variety of areas centered on the humanities, the social sciences, Overall Marketing Message science and mathematics and a minor area, including one of the many career areas offered such as administrative studies, business, computer science, criminal justice, health services, journalism, or paralegal studies.

Institution St. John's University Location Queens, NY http://www.stjohns.edu/academics/undergraduate/distancelearning/ugdegrees/undergrad URL uate/aa_ls.sju

Product Offerings AA in Liberal Studies

Delivery Mode Wholly Online Price $873 per credit hour x 60 semester hours = $52,380 The Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree is designed for the undecided major or the Pedagogy adult learner who seeks to build a foundation of liberal arts skills, as well as for those students who are committed to completing a bachelor's degree.

Curriculum Core Requirements (36); Liberal Arts Electives (9); General Electives (15)

The Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree is designed for the undecided major or the Overall Marketing Message adult learner who seeks to build a foundation of liberal arts skills, as well as for those students who are committed to completing a bachelor's degree.

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Institution SUNY Stony Brook Location Stony Brook, NY URL http://ws.cc.stonybrook.edu/spd/malsonline.html

Product Offerings Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MA/LS)

Delivery Mode Wholly Online $288.00 per credit (in-state); $455.00 per credit (out-of-state) = $9,504 (in-state); Price T$1h5e, 0M15A (/oLuSt- Oofn-lsintaet eis) a 33-credit interdisciplinary degree program that examines issues and themes in education, the arts and humanities, social and behavioral sciences, and natural and applied sciences. Through the SPD Online program, MA/LS Online students take the same courses, learn from the same distinguished faculty, and earn the same Pedagogy degree credit as their on-campus counterparts.

The MA/LS is also is a functionally-relevant master's degree for those teachers already holding an initial license Liberal Studies Core - 12 credits; Thematically-Related Cluster - 18 credits; MA/LS Curriculum Project Seminar (CED 595) - 3 credits; All degree requirements must be completed within five (5) years from the semester date of admission as a matriculated student. The advantages of taking the online version of the MA/LS program over the traditional (face-to-face) MA/LS are: priority registration for SPD's popular online courses, online students log into their Overall Marketing Message courses whenever and wherever they have Internet access, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, earn a master's degree without ever traveling to or setting foot on campus, on- campus University fees are waived

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Institution Boston University Location Boston, MA http://www.bu.edu/dbin/liberalstudies//?q=the_undergraduate_degree_completion_progr URL am_online

Product Offerings Undergraduate Degree Completion Program Online

Delivery Mode Wholly Online Price $575 per credit x variable credits = variable tuition Through the Boston University Online Undergraduate Degree Completion Program (UDCP), students who are prepared to complete a high-quality bachelor’s degree can Pedagogy do so alongside other accomplished, motivated, mature students—the program’s online format allows students to accomplish their goals without disrupting personal, family, and professional commitments. To apply for the UDCP, you should have completed 52-64 undergraduate credits from an accredited institution. The UDCP awards the Bachelor of Liberal Studies in Interdisciplinary Studies, a major that is has proven its value in both classical and Curriculum contemporary cultures. Once the basis of all learning through a collection of disciplines including both arts and science, liberal studies now emphasizes the interconnection of all knowledge along with personal and professional skills such as critical thinking, rhetorical acumen, active citizenship, and leadership.

The UDCP is an ambitious program designed for individuals who have busy schedules and professional commitments—it provides an education that is worthy of your personal Overall Marketing Message and professional goals. In as little as 30 months, you can earn a degree that will give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence you seek.

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Institution The New School Location New York, NY URL http://adultba.newschool.edu/online.aspx?s=5

Product Offerings The Bachelor’s Program at The New School for General Studies (Completion Program)

Delivery Mode Wholly Online or Wholly On-Site Price $870 per credit x variable credits = variable tuition The Bachelor’s Program at The New School for General Studies is an individualized program of study in the liberal arts for students returning to college to complete their undergraduate degrees. While it is one of several bachelor’s degree programs offered at the university, it is the only one designed specifically for adults. We believe that the Pedagogy understanding of the individual, society, and the world around us that comes from the study of the liberal arts should be at the heart of undergraduate education. We also believe in a learning process that is active and experiential and that encourages free inquiry and self-responsibility for learning.

The majority of your courses will be drawn from the liberal arts, in areas such as literature, philosophy, history, psychology, political science, gender studies, mathematics, foreign languages, creative writing, cinema and media studies. In addition, you can take Curriculum courses and workshops that develop practical and creative skills in such areas as digital design, global business and management, and the fine arts, as well as approved internships and courses of independent study with New School faculty.

The New School Bachelor's Program Online Degree is designed specifically for adults who are committed to completing their undergraduate education, either full or part time, Overall Marketing Message without interrupting their professional careers. You will learn "in class" through a state of the art asynchronous environment — available 24/7 from anywhere in the world where there's a computer, a browser, and an internet connection.

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Institution Skidmore College Location Saratoga Springs, NY URL http://www.skidmore.edu/uww/

Product Offerings Bachelor's degree completion program and individualized degree programs

Delivery Mode Wholly Online Full-Time Annual Tuition* 12-16 credits/semester $12,000 ¾ Time Annual Tuition* Price 9-11 credits/semester $10,250 Half-Time Annual Tuition* 6-8 credits/semester $ 8,500 Less Than Half-Time Annual Tuition* less than 6 credits/semester $ 6,700

You will be assigned an academic advisor from the UWW office and a Skidmore faculty advisor who can offer guidance in your area of academic focus as well. These two advisors review your interests and goals with you thoroughly before directing you in the initial stages of your program. As the student, you are at the center of this process. Pedagogy Many students design interdisciplinary programs, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or a variety of options in the social sciences. We've had programs in health studies, psychology and literature, and Arabic studies, as well as computer science, human behavior, and management information systems.

UWW students focus their study in areas that suit their interests and needs - often one Curriculum of these well-established fields: Biology, English, Government, and others. Fields can also be combined to create a concentration.

UWW offers some of the most engaging and challenging online liberal arts courses to Overall Marketing Message be found anywhere in the world. Our asynchronous distance learning program lets you complete your online courses whenever and wherever it's most convenient for you!

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Institution SUNY Empire State College Location Saratoga Springs, NY URL http://www.esc.edu/esconline/online2.nsf/html/undergraduatestudy.html Individualized Undergraduate Degrees: Associate in Arts (A.A.), Associate in Science Product Offerings (A.S.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Bachelor of Professional Studies (B.P.S.) Delivery Mode Blended or Wholly Online $181 per credit (1-11 Credits); Price $191 per credit (Military Personnel) x 64 credits for associates = $11,584 or $12,224 (Military Personnel); x120 credits for bachelor's = $21,720 or (Military Personnel)

You will have the opportunity to tailor your undergraduate degree around a concentration of your choice. Listed here are examples of concentrations available Pedagogy through our areas of study: The Arts, Business, Management and Economics, Community and Human Services, etc.

To earn an associate degree you must successfully complete 64 credits, with at least 24 credits earned at Empire State College. You may include up to 40 credits for learning that occurred before enrolling at Empire State College. To earn a bachelor’s degree Curriculum you must successfully complete 128 credits, with at least 32 credits earned at Empire State College. You may include up to 96 credits for learning that occurred before enrolling at Empire State College. With Empire State College’s Center for Distance Learning (CDL), you can take a few courses or earn your entire degree online. Busy, working adults are increasingly turning Overall Marketing Message to the web for quality education that fits into their lives. Whether you’re on the road or prefer to study from the comfort of your home, the Center for Distance Learning offers you the chance to reach your goals.

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Institution SUNY Empire State College Location Saratoga Springs, NY URL http://www.esc.edu/esconline/online2.nsf/html/mainliberalstudies.html Product Offerings Master of Arts in Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Hybrid Price $288 per credit x 36 credits = $10,368

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program at Empire State College is designed for educators, artists, writers, activists, lifelong learners and others who, in collaboration with their faculty mentor, want to create the design and focus of their graduate degree Pedagogy plan. These are people with experience, imagination and creativity – active learners who value an interdisciplinary sequence of studies focused on a central theme, concept or issue.

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is a 36-credit program that includes 12 three- credit courses. There are three required courses (early in the program), eight electives Curriculum that are developed in collaboration with your faculty mentor, and one concluding course focused on your final project.

You complete your work in the M.A in Liberal Studies program through online courses and independent study. This format provides great flexibility and interactivity, enabling you to engage with your instructor, faculty mentor, and fellow students at times that are most convenient for you. It also makes the full range of the course’s academic Overall Marketing Message resources available to you at any time of the day or week. This includes all course information, discussion spaces, access to fully online library resources, and “high end” enhancements including self-assessments, simulations and modeling where appropriate.

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Institution Syracuse University Location Syracuse, NY URL http://www.suce.syr.edu/students/current/courses/distance/isdp/aainls/index.htm Product Offerings Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts

Delivery Mode Hybrid (short residency required) Price $550.00 per credit x 60 credits = $33,000 The Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts degree (A.A.) provides an interim credential for students working toward the baccalaureate degree. Offered under the auspices of the Pedagogy College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University's founding college, the degree provides a sound general education in the liberal arts by combining coursework in the humanities, the natural and social sciences, and mathematics.

You must complete a minimum of 60 credits for the degree, meeting the specific requirements of the curriculum detailed in the table below. Up to 30 credits may be transferred from other institutions. You may complete the A.A. degree with a mix of Weekend College (short-residency courses) and online courses. Students within Curriculum commuting distance are also welcome to take evening and daytime classes. Because the average course load is six-to-nine credits per semester, you could conceivably complete the degree in three to four years, if you enroll on a regular basis. You must achieve a minimum 2.0 average to graduate from the program. The Associate in Arts in Liberal Arts degree (A.A.) provides an interim credential for students working toward the baccalaureate degree. Offered under the auspices of the Overall Marketing Message College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University's founding college, the degree provides a sound general education in the liberal arts by combining coursework in the humanities, the natural and social sciences, and mathematics.

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Institution Syracuse University Location Syracuse, NY URL http://www.suce.syr.edu/students/current/courses/distance/isdp/bainls/index.cfm Product Offerings Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Hybrid (short residency required) Price $550.00 per credit x 120 credits = $66,000 The B.A. in Liberal Studies provides a general education in the areas of humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. Offered under the auspices of the College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University's founding college, the degree provides the skills and resources that today's employers want. Pedagogy Learn how to: * Adapt to change * Communicate a vision of the future * Develop critical thinking and problem solving skills * Understand a diverse culture

This distance degree allows students to complete the degree requirements by taking a combination of online and Weekend College (short-residency courses). Students may Curriculum also have the option of taking on-campus classes during regular semesters. A minimum of 120 credits is required to complete the degree. Contact an academic advisor for questions regarding the courses and formats that suit your requirements and schedule.

The B.A. in Liberal Studies provides a general education in the areas of humanities, social sciences, mathematics, and natural sciences. Offered under the auspices of the Overall Marketing Message College of Arts and Sciences, Syracuse University's founding college, the degree provides the skills and resources that today's employers want.

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Institution University of Oklahoma Location Norman, OK URL http://www.ou.edu/cls/prospective Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (Concentrations in Administrative Leadership, Product Offerings Humanities, Social Sciences, or Natural Sciences) Delivery Mode Wholly Online $108.70 (resident); $412.50 (non-resident) x 126 credits = $13,696.20 (resident); Price $51,975 (non-resident)

By exploring the multiple approaches to leadership through readings, case studies, and research, you will come to understand, evaluate, and expand both your knowledge and Pedagogy your ability to perform as a leader of people and organizations. A BLS Degree will prepare you for any field, career, or job that requires you to function independently, to be self-motivated, and have the confidence to explore and implement new ideas.

Lower Division: There is not a set sequence you need to follow- if you need general education classes, refer to your graduation plan that details your requirements. If you need electives, refer to the advisor’s corner for course options and if desired, course descriptions. Upper Division: It is recommended to start with LSTD 3503 and 3953 and then finish your degree with Curriculum 4953. Other than this, there is not a set sequence you need to follow. If you need electives, refer to your graduation plan that details the hours of electives you need. Your electives can be either lower or upper division. You can take electives alongside the required 42 hours, or follow the sequence below and then take your remaining electives. For information on your area of concentration, please see the appropriate link on the advisor’s corner website.

*A competitively priced degree backed by the heritage and tradition of academic excellence at the University of Oklahoma *Taught by members of OU's outstanding, internationally recognized faculty *Strong staff support services for distance students, Overall Marketing Message *Financial Aid Services, VA, and TA, *No entrance exams *The BALS satisfies the baccalaureate degree requirement for admission to the Graduate College of the University of Oklahoma and other graduate institutions.

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Institution University of Oklahoma Location Norman, OK URL http://www.ou.edu/cls/mals/

Product Offerings Master of Arts in Liberal Studies

Hybrid (There are on campus seminars scheduled at different times during the year that Delivery Mode are open to all options of the Master of Arts degree as well as to other students on campus) $143.80 (resident); $518.00 (non-resident) x 33 credit hours = $4745.40 (resident), Price $17,094 (non-resident)

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program designed for older, nontraditional students who may or may not be working in the area of their Pedagogy baccalaureate education. They often have extensive work and personal experience and may be a number of years removed from their most recent academic experience.

The 33-credit hour MA LS degree is designed for completion in approximately two years... The College of Liberal Study requires that the first 15 hours of the program be completed within three years. The MA LS degree includes the following options: Integrated Studies, Administrative Leadership, Interprofessional Human and Health Services, and Museum Studies. The College of Liberal Studies offers the MA LS program in two delivery methods: An independent study format for Integrated Studies Curriculum (IS) students which requires them to complete the majority of their studies in an independent study format with a faculty member; The Administrative Leadership (AL), Museum Studies (MS), and Interprofessional Human and Health Services (IHHS) options are offered as completely online program options although three of the four completion options are in the form of independent study and research.

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies is an interdisciplinary degree for adult students. The program is based upon the assumption that adult students are self-directed learners with a high degree of self-discipline and prior knowledge gained outside the classroom. The program focuses on creating graduates, who are broadly educated, ready to engage Overall Marketing Message in the responsibilities and duties of active citizenship, effective critical thinkers, and who are adaptable to the changing demands of their workplace and society. The Liberal Studies degree program also emphasizes individual development, communication skills, writing, problem solving, community service, and interdisciplinary study in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.

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Institution University of Toledo Location Toledo, OH URL http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/programs/bachelors/bach_ls.html Product Offerings Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online Fewer than 12 credit hours: $283.98/credit hour (residents); $651.13/credit hour (non- Price residents) x variable credits = variable tuition By working closely with the faculty, as well as with their peers, students in this accelerated degree program enjoy exceptional opportunities to share knowledge as they continue to learn and pursue special interests of their own. Development of analytical Pedagogy and critical thinking skills is a major focus of UT’s adult liberal studies program, and students are encouraged to participate in a variety of independent study and faculty research projects.

Topical Seminars (Students are required to take three seminars in each discipline area in order to graduate and may take a tenth seminar as an elective), Electives (Students are to establish an emphasis area that ties together their educational interests and/or career aspirations), at least 9 hours of upper division courses for area of concentration. The Curriculum Senior Thesis is the capstone requirement of the adult liberal studies program. It is a 4 credit hour project undertaken with a faculty member as the thesis adviser. Students should seek the advice of an academic adviser and must turn in the appropriate paperwork before enrolling in this final requirement. Students are expected to integrate their thesis theme with their concentration courses.

In the Liberal Studies Program, you have a unique opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree integrating a unique combination of courses carefully crafted to meet the needs of busy professionals. Enthusiastic faculty members from a variety of disciplines, Overall Marketing Message including anthropology, art, drama, geography, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science and sociology, provide students with a broad range of educational perspectives.

Institution University of Toledo Location Toledo, OH URL http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/programs/masters/mls.html Product Offerings Master of Liberal Studies Degree Program Delivery Mode Wholly Online Fewer than 12 credit hours: $409.50/credit hour (residents); $776.65/credit hour (non- Price residents) x 33 credits = $13513.50 (residents); $25,629.45 (non-residents) Faculty serve students in the Master of Liberal Studies Program either as course instructors or as thesis/program advisors, or both. Often students enter the program with uncertain objectives and are enthused to pursue a particular line of inquiry through an exciting experience in an early course. Students come into the program with all sorts of Pedagogy backgrounds, although they must meet the usual graduate requirements for admission (2.7 or higher undergraduate GPA or adequate score on the GRE, three letters of recommendation). The program director is responsible for admission approval via the Graduate College procedure. The Master of Liberal Studies Program is a multi/interdisciplinary graduate program Curriculum offered by the University of Toledo. It consists of 33 hours of credit including a 12-hour breadth requirement and a master’s thesis or project. Often students enter the program with uncertain objectives and are enthused to pursue Overall Marketing Message a particular line of inquiry through an exciting experience in an early course.

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Institution University of Toledo Location Toledo, OH URL http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/programs/bachelors/bach_ind.html Product Offerings B.A. or B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online Fewer than 12 credit hours: $283.98/credit hour (residents); $651.13/credit hour (non- Price residents). The number of required credits is not transparent. The Individualized Degree Program is one based upon a student’s unique interests and goals, which would not be addressed by a traditional program of study. The degree Pedagogy awarded is either the Bachelor of Arts or the Bachelor of Science, depending upon the program. The designated major is Interdisciplinary Studies. Students contemplating an individualized program of study will receive assistance from an academic adviser in preparing an individualized program. Important considerations in the formulation of a program are: * The program must be interdisciplinary or intercollegiate in nature (broad in scope, Curriculum incorporating course work from more than one discipline). * The student’s objectives must be clearly stated and appropriate courses identified for achieving these objectives. * Students can gain valuable internship and field experience The Individualized Degree Program is one based upon a student’s unique interests and Overall Marketing Message goals, which would not be addressed by a traditional program of study.

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Institution University of Toledo Location Toledo, OH URL http://www.utoledo.edu/dl/programs/bachelors/bach_cscc.html Product Offerings CSCC Partnership - Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online Fewer than 12 credit hours: $283.98/credit hour (residents); $651.13/credit hour (non- Price residents) x variable credits = variable tuition Columbus State Community College and The University of Toledo have collaborated to combine two online degree programs. CSCC students who have/are completing an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Technical Communication may apply to the University of Toledo to complete an online Bachelor Pedagogy of Arts program in Liberal Studies. This bachelor degree completion program is offered completely online and is solely for Columbus State students. In this program, you have the opportunity to earn completely online a Bachelor of Arts degree integrating a unique combination of courses carefully crafted to meet the needs of busy professionals.

Topical Seminars (Students are required to take three seminars in each discipline area in order to graduate and may take a tenth seminar as an elective), Electives (Students are to establish an emphasis area that ties together their educational interests and/or career aspirations), at least 9 hours of upper division courses for area of concentration. The Curriculum Senior Thesis is the capstone requirement of the adult liberal studies program. It is a 4 credit hour project undertaken with a faculty member as the thesis adviser. Students should seek the advice of an academic adviser and must turn in the appropriate paperwork before enrolling in this final requirement. Students are expected to integrate their thesis theme with their concentration courses.

Why Liberal Studies at UT? Enthusiastic faculty members from a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, art, drama, geography, history, literature, music, philosophy, political science and sociology, provide students with a broad range of educational perspectives. By working closely with the faculty, as well as with their peers, students Overall Marketing Message in this accelerated degree program enjoy exceptional opportunities to share knowledge as they continue to learn and pursue special interests of their own. Development of analytical and critical thinking skills is a major focus of UT’s adult liberal studies program, and students are encouraged to participate in a variety of independent study and faculty research projects.

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Harvard University Location Cambridge, MA URL http://www.extension.harvard.edu/2007-08/programs/alm/overview/ Product Offerings Master of Liberal Arts (Artium Liberalium Magister, or ALM) Some online courses are offered but the program itself is labeled as distance education; Delivery Mode lectures are offered through streaming video. It seems that online lectures are not considered part of the online delivery mode. Tuition, ranging from $650 to $1,975 for undergraduate- and graduate-level courses, is Price listed with course descriptions. A variety of courses chosen from several different fields—including literature, art and Pedagogy architecture, philosophy, history of science, religion, history, and foreign languages—satisfy both field and elective requirements. The program offers 15 fields of study, including interdisciplinary fields. It is a rigorous graduate experience culminating in a thesis that is directed by a member of the Harvard faculty. To ensure they are adequately prepared for graduate study, students wishing to pursue a field of study that differs from their undergraduate major are urged to take at Curriculum least one introductory-level course in their intended field before attempting advanced courses for graduate credit. Degree candidates have access to libraries, computer labs, and many other resources that Harvard University has to offer, including courses at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences for those who obtain Special Student status.

Now in its 28th year, the Master of Liberal Arts (Artium Liberalium Magister, or ALM) draws a diverse group of students with a variety of aspirations. Some students are seeking an affordable alternative to standard master’s degree programs, one that can be pursued in the evening and on a part-time basis. Others hope to use the ALM as a Overall Marketing Message stepping stone toward further graduate work (ALM graduates have gone on to doctoral and professional programs at schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago). Still others choose the ALM to earn their teacher recertification, for career advancement, or simply as a means of personal enrichment.

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Institution Duquense University Location Pittsburgh, PA URL http://www.leadership.duq.edu/home/main.cfm?SID=95 Product Offerings Master of Arts in Leadership and Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online Price $774.00 per credit x 36 = $27,864 While cultivating the ability to lead is the focus of the program, you will also develop and refine your critical thinking and problem solving abilities, your skills to motivate and empower others and your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively. You will also expand your intellectual horizons through the study of how the great thinkers of the Pedagogy past have understood and explained leadership and how contemporary thinkers react to their ideas. Finally, in the electives, you will have the opportunity to explore in depth some of the most important forces that shape today's world. The knowledge and skills you will master in this program will help you to become a productive and ethical leader. Liberal Studies Core Curriculum - 9 Credits; Leadership Core Curriculum - 18 Credits; Curriculum Electives - 9 Credits The Master of Arts in Leadership and Liberal Studies (MLLS) is designed to enhance your leadership capabilities and your understanding of the world in which today's leaders Overall Marketing Message must function. The knowledge and skills that you will attain through the study of leadership in the context of the liberal arts and social sciences can help you advance in your career.

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Institution Drexel University Location Philadelphia, PA URL http://www.drexel.com/online-degrees/bachelors-degrees/bs-gs-indiv/index.aspx Product Offerings BS in General Studies - Individualized Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online (Also available as evening/part time On-Site) $550 per credit x 180 quarter credits (120 semester credits) = $99,000 (You may Price transfer up to 135 quarter credits (equivalent of 90 semester credits) from other college studies. Number of courses vary based on previous studies.) The Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies at Goodwin College provides students with a broadly based curriculum designed to encourage an understanding of the forces and concepts that shape the contemporary world. The General Studies curriculum offers the option of creating an individualized concentration tailored to each student’s specific needs. In consultation with their academic advisor, students select a specialization within the concentration according to Pedagogy their interests and professional goals. This program is designed for students who wish to gain a breadth of knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences fields. The BS in General Studies - Individualized Studies is a transfer-friendly program - perfect for students who have a large number of credits from prior studies at other universities or colleges. Apply today and have your transcripts evaluated by an academic advisor to determine how many credits are eligible for transfer. English (12 Credits); Mathematics & Computers (12 Credits); Natural Science (9 Curriculum Credits); Liberal Studies (36 Credits); Specialization (45 Credits); Free Electives (66 Credits)

* Quality: Fully accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools – add the Drexel name to your resume. * Flexible: Totally online – you’ll never have to come to campus, you can complete it at your own pace. Electives can be customized to meet individual needs and interests. * Career-oriented: Provides a solid foundation in critical functional areas that employers Overall Marketing Message value. * Affordable: Special tuition for online students. Special tuition rates apply for employees of partnering corporations and members of partner professional associations. * Attainable: You may be closer to a degree than you think: the BS in General Studies – Individualized Studies is transfer-friendly, allowing you to earn credit for prior studies, or even for knowledge gained outside the classroom.

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Institution Thomas Edison State College Location Trenton, NJ URL http://www.tesc.edu/1731.php Product Offerings Associate in Arts Mixed-Mode (Thomas Edison State College has developed courses in a wide range of formats for adult learners to fit several types of learning styles. The College offers online courses; guided independent study programs; online e-Pack® courses; Delivery Mode examination programs such as TECEP®; and Prior Learning Assessment courses that enable students to demonstrate they possess college-level knowledge that has been acquired outside a classroom. Learn more.) $39.83 (in-state), $71.58 (out-of-state),$ 97.50 (international) x 60 credits = $2,389.80 Price (in-state); $4,294.80 (out-of-state); $5,850 (international) The Associate in Arts (AA) degree is a broad degree emphasizing general education. Students may satisfy many basic requirements traditionally associated with freshman Pedagogy and sophomore years, enabling them a smooth transition into a baccalaureate program. The Associate in Arts degree is a 60-credit program. I. General Education (48 total credits): A. English Composition (6) B. Humanities (must include two subject areas) (12) C. Social Sciences (must include two subject areas) (12) D. Natural Sciences (9) * One college-level mathematics course (required) Curriculum * One computer science course (recommended) * Other natural sciences/mathematics E. General Education Electives (9 total credits) II. Free Electives (12 total credits) Because serving you—a busy, motivated adult—is the only thing Thomas Edison State Overall Marketing Message College does. Because you’ll benefit from our experience. Because the value is exceptional. Because you want to earn your achievement.

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Institution Thomas Edison State College Location Trenton, NJ URL http://www.tesc.edu/1960.php Product Offerings BA in Liberal Studies Mixed-Mode (Thomas Edison State College has developed courses in a wide range of formats for adult learners to fit several types of learning styles. The College offers online courses; guided independent study programs; online e-Pack® courses; Delivery Mode examination programs such as TECEP®; and Prior Learning Assessment courses that enable students to demonstrate they possess college-level knowledge that has been acquired outside a classroom. Learn more.) $38.50 (in-state), $69 (out-of-state), $93.91 (international) x 120 credits = $4,620 (in- Price state), $8,280 (out-of-state), $11,269.20 (international) The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree program in Liberal Studies prepares adults for career change, advancement or graduate education, while providing personal Pedagogy enrichment. The program is designed for students interested in combining coursework in two or more disciplines within Liberal Arts subject areas to create a multidisciplinary degree. I. General Education Requirements (60 total credits): A. English Composition (6) B. Humanities (12) Must include at least two subject areas: C. Social Sciences (12) Must include at least two subject areas: D. Natural Sciences and Mathematics (12) One college-level mathematics course required (3) One computer science course recommended (3) Other natural sciences/mathematics (6) E. General Education Electives (18) Curriculum II. Area of Study: Liberal Studies (33) A. REQUIREMENTS 1. Students complete 33 credits in the liberal studies concentration 2. At least two or more different subjects must be included to provide breadth of knowledge in the liberal studies concentration. 3.Courses transferred to Thomas Edison State College are equated to the following levels: 100, 200, 300 or 400. A maximum of two college-level courses equating to the 100 level can be applied toward the liberal studies area of study. A deeper knowledge of subjects is provided by requiring the remaining liberal studies concentration college- Because serving you—a busy, motivated adult—is the only thing Thomas Edison State Overall Marketing Message College does. Because you’ll benefit from our experience. Because the value is exceptional. Because you want to earn your achievement.

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Institution University of Illinois - Champagne-Urbana Location Champagne-Urbana, IL URL http://www.online.uillinois.edu/catalog/ProgramDetail.asp?ProgramID=25 Product Offerings Bachelor's in Liberal Studies Delivery Mode Wholly Online, but some courses are available on-campus. $212 (resident) $517 (non-resident) x 60 credit hours = $12,720 (resident); $31,020 (non- Price resident) The program integrates eight areas of learning with a variety of instructional methods to form a well-rounded and individual learning experience which assists students in deepening their understandings of the values, meaning, concerns, choices, and commitments that are basic to the quality of life. Liberal studies learners design individualized degree plans in the entry course LIS 301 Self-directed Learning based Pedagogy upon their particular interests, goals, and needs, although these plans must be broad enough to meet the program’s interdisciplinary goal. Learners may also incorporate a thematic focus within their degree plan, for example, cultural studies. Students are not limited to a specific list of themes and can incorporate ideas based upon their personal goals.

The Liberal Studies program requires the following structure for all degree plans: * 10 hours Liberal Studies core courses Curriculum * 38 hours focused elective coursework * Freshmen/Transfer Course Requirements 38 hours of focused elective coursework Students must choose 38 hours of elective courses that focus on the Boyer Categories. Built on 30 years of experience, our program helps learners design individualized Overall Marketing Message academic experiences that meet their unique educational interests and goals

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