University Offers Students the Convenience of Online Learning

In many ways, technology is changing the landscape of higher education. The convenience of online learning offers students the opportunity to pursue degree and non-degree programs on their own schedule.

Beginning in January 2008, Saint Joseph's University will introduce two nationally marketed graduate degree programs and a certificate program as part of a new initiative: Saint Joseph's University Online. The programs include a master's in business intelligence from the Erivan K. Haub School of Business and a master's in instructional technology and an online accelerated teaching certificate from the College of Arts and Sciences.

"Although Saint Joseph's has previously and successfully offered individual online graduate courses as well as a local online degree cohort program in pharmaceutical marketing, we are pleased and excited to offer these initial programs in our first nationally marketed online degree programs. Over the next several semesters, we will launch additional online graduate degree programs, as well as a series of not-for-credit courses, to a national market," said Paul DeVito, Ph.D., associate provost.

HSB's online graduate program will be offered through the Decision and System Sciences Department (DSS). The master of science degree in business intelligence is the only program of its kind in the area and will develop a student's analytical skills.

"The great thing about business intelligence is that it's not industry-specific," said Richard Herschel, Ph.D., chair of DSS. "For years, companies have been collecting all of this data. They're now realizing that they can do something with this information concerning customers, suppliers and competitors, and also make more tactical and strategic business decisions," he explained.

The online master of arts degree and certification in instructional technology will be offered through the Education Department. Saint Joseph's University is one of the few colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to offer an online program that can help students earn a master's degree and certification in this discipline. Through this program, students will learn the management and administration of emerging technologies in the classroom and their practical application in multimedia assignments.

"The education department is very excited to offer two of its programs online to a national market," said Jeanne Brady, Ph.D., chair of education. "Online programs provide a convenience, especially for working professionals, and allow opportunities for career change and advancement that can be difficult to achieve otherwise. We're proud to bring these great programs to a wider audience."

For more information about these programs or to register, visit https://online.sju.edu.

--Carolyn Steigleman