U.S. News Recognizes Distance Learning Programs; WIU Makes the Grade

January 11, 2012


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MACOMB, IL -- For seven years, Western Illinois University has been ranked among the top tier of best regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's annual college rankings, currently ranking 14th as a top public school among Midwestern Regional Universities. On Jan. 10, Western added a new honor from U.S. News and World Report after securing a spot on the U.S. News 2012 Top Online Education Programs - Bachelor's Programs.

Western is ranked 76th out of 172 colleges from across the U.S. in the "Teaching Practices and Student Engagement" category and is one of two Illinois public universities in the top 80. While WIU offers numerous online classes, one program, the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (originally called the Board of Governors program and later the Board of Trustees Bachelor of Arts degree) offers its majors the option of obtaining their degrees entirely via distance learning opportunities, or a combination of on-campus and distance learning classes.

According to Richard Carter, executive director of the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach, the General Studies program was created to serve those who were unable to attend a traditional college program due to family, work or community obligations. Rather than requiring a specific major, the program has allowed the student to design her or his program to meet individual educational goals. Students are also eligible for academic credit for college-level learning that was done in a non-collegiate setting, such as the military or on-the-job training.

"We are continually enhancing our distance learning efforts to better serve the needs of individuals who must tailor and balance their academics with other responsibilities. While our Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS) degree program is fitting for those who work full-time or have other responsibilities outside of school, traditional college students also have the opportunity to obtain this degree and take advantage of the many distance learning course options that WIU offers," said WIU President Jack Thomas. "The University has a long history with, and a deep commitment to, distance learning and outreach programs such as the BGS degree program."

In addition to the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, firefighters earning a BGS degree from Western also have the opportunity to obtain a certificate in fire administration and management and a certificate in fire prevention technology. Western's General Studies program is just one of seven bachelor's degree programs in the U.S. endorsed by the National Fire Academy (NFA), and it serves every fire station in an eight-state region, which extends as far as Texas and New Mexico. Western's nontraditional programs initially started its Open Learning Fire Services program in 1979, designed solely for fire professionals. Today, experienced fire personnel can enroll in the general studies degree program with an emphasis on fire science and obtain the certification.

"Western's degree program, coupled with the certificate programs, allows firefighters from across the United States to earn their bachelor's degrees online and receive certification from the NFA without leaving their jobs or their communities," Carter added.

While Western has been offering courses via distance learning since the 1970s, the University continues to expand its online and distance learning offerings to reach more individuals who may be placebound, Carter noted. In Summer 2011, 3,187 students enrolled in 126 WIU courses offered via distance learning, compared to 2,711 enrolled in 98 courses in Summer 2010. The University currently offers 230 courses via distance learning.

"As online enrollment at Western continues to increase, we are building more fully online courses," Carter explained. "We are extending the walls of WIU beyond our Macomb and Quad Cities campuses."

For more information on the BGS program, visit wiu.edu/distance_learning or contact Carter at (309) 298-1929 or R-Carter@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing