Some people raised their eyebrows when they realized online education allows students to earn a degree without stepping foot on a college campus. But a new program at Indiana University is causing others to raise their voices in complaint.
The program allows students to get a bachelor’s degree from Indiana with three years of courses from a community college and one year of online study from the university, according to the IndyStar. The resulting diploma is largely indistinguishable from one earned through four years of living on campus.
Despite calls for flexibility and convenience, some critics wonder whether such a program may devalue the Indiana University degree. And what’s most unusual about the program is that it is not open to Indiana students, just those in Arizona, California, and Illinois. —Dan Carnevale
Developing online and blended learning programs requires research and collaboration. Learn how top technology companies are partnering with campuses across the country to advance online learning as it becomes an increasingly important aspect of higher education.