South Carolina residents who have successfully completed at least 60 college credits can now complete their Bachelor’s degrees from anywhere thanks to a new online college launching this spring. Palmetto College, part of the University of South Carolina, offers degrees in liberal arts, organizational leadership, nursing, business administration, criminal justice, elementary education and human services. Enrollment is open to both in-state and out-of-state students, as long as they meet the University of South Carolina’s enrollment requirements and have at least 60 college credits earned at any accredited institution. Students who do not reside in South Carolina can take the online courses, but will pay a higher tuition rate.
The new online college, according to university president Harris Pastides, will bring college to the students. Palmetto College enables students to complete their degrees even if they move out of the state or have obligations that preclude them from attending traditional courses during the day. The university states on its website that the move is intended to improve education among the workforce and prepare more residents for better-paying jobs.
A 2010 study published by the U.S. Department of Education highlights the fact that online learning can be equal to, or in some cases, better than traditional learning. The report, entitled Evaluation of Evidence-Based Practices in Online Learning: A Meta-Analysis and Review of Online Learning Studies, examined numerous online college situations and related data, as well as K–12 online learning solutions, to conclude that students in online learning situations performed modestly better or equal to students in traditional learning situations.
According to the Community College Research Center at Teachers College Columbia University, 30 percent of college students enrolled in at least one online course as of 2009. Contrast that increase with the 2 percent increase in overall enrollment and it becomes clear that interest in online college courses and degrees is increasing. Institutions such as the University of South Carolina, and other large higher education systems, sensing growing demand for online learning, are actively investigating and implementing new online college courses and degrees. These courses open opportunities for students to attain degrees and pursue new career paths or job opportunities.
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