University Center of Lake County adds a new member, programs
The University Center of Lake County entered the new year with an additional member institution and four new programs after action taken by the University Center's Governing Board Dec. 10.
Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, joined the consortium, which now totals 20 members and offers more than 120 programs leading to bachelor's degrees, graduate degrees, or professional certificates.
SIUE has added three programs: a master of science in education in instructional technology, a certificate in Web-based learning, and an accelerated RN to BS.
The 36-hour graduate degree includes a choice among three areas of emphasis: The educational technologies emphasis serves K-12 teachers; the instructional design and performance improvement emphasis is for those who work in corporate or higher education settings; and the library information specialist emphasis prepares candidates for state licensure to work in school libraries.
The 18-hour Web-based learning certificate consists of courses that can also be applied to the graduate degree. The nursing program consists of 22 credit hours and runs on an accelerated calendar of eight-week terms so that RNs can complete it within 12 months.
"We are very pleased to welcome Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, into membership," said G. Gary Grace, executive director and dean. "Because their initial offerings are fully online, they are immediately available to the region. This enables SIUE to be of service even as we continue the discussion about additional programs that can be offered on-site."
"The University Center of Lake County offers SIUE an opportunity to expand our presence in northern Illinois and to help meet the educational needs of the greater Chicago area," said Parviz Ansari, SIUE provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "Over time, we anticipate that we will offer several programs in select fields.
"Initially, we will partner with the UCLC to offer online educational options only. As we gain more experience with the center and the region, we will examine the feasibility of offering hybrid and face-to-face degree programs that meet the needs of adult learners and employers in that area."
In addition to the SIUE membership and programs, the governing board also approved the addition of a master of organizational leadership from North Park University, which will launch in fall of 2015. This degree may be pursued in a blended format, with the courses that also apply to North Park's MBA available via classroom study in Grayslake, and the remaining MOL courses available in a fully online format.
The University Center offers programs from Illinois colleges and universities designed to enable adult students to further their education without a lengthy or costly commute. Most classes meet in the evening and on weekends at the University Center facility in Grayslake.
Some meet at the University Center facility in Waukegan, or at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago. Other classes meet via online study, eliminating any commute and providing maximum scheduling flexibility.
Visit www.ucenter.org for information about all of the programs offered through the University Center. Free pre-admission advising appointments are available for those who have questions or who want help reviewing options. For details, call (847) 665-4000.