Drexel’s Online M.S. in Higher Education Named 21st Century Best Practices Award Winner
Philadelphia (April 24, 2008) –Drexel University Online’s Master of Science Degree in Higher Education won the 2008 21st Century Best Practice Award by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA). The award recognizes distance learning programs that are leading the field of education with their innovative use of technology.
Founded in 1987, the USDLA is the nation’s leading distance learning association. The USDLA presents awards annually that range from excellence in distance learning to individual achievement awards. The 2008 awards were presented on April 22, in five areas of distance education and training, including Pre-k – 12, higher education, corporate, government, and telehealth fields. The higher education program at Drexel University Online was ranked in the best practice category, leading this category of distance learning innovators.
Drexel’s School of Education, home of the higher education program, has been ranked among the top graduate schools by U.S.News & World Report: America’s Best Graduate Schools 2008. Since the online M.S. in Higher Education was launched in 2005, the program has more than tripled in size, and has attracted students from around the world. The program currently has students in more than 25 states, and students enrolled from Japan, Grenada, the Bahamas and Peru. “I have been working with the higher education program since its inception, and it is very satisfying to see the program’s tremendous growth and success recognized through such a prestigious award,” said Dr. William Lynch, dean of the Drexel School of Education.
“We are honored to have been chosen for this award. It is a testimony to the high caliber of faculty and staff who work for the program, and to the dedication of our students,” says Dr. Rebecca Clothey, director of the M.S. in Higher Education program.
The Sloan Survey of Online Learning, Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States 2006, shows tremendous growth in online learning in the U.S. There are nearly 3.2 million students taking at least one course online, up from 2.3 million just last year. The annual survey is a collaborative effort between the College Board and the Sloan Consortium. It is based upon responses from more than 2,200 colleges and universities nationwide and represents the state of online learning in U.S. higher education.
“This program reflects the strength and diversity of Drexel’s online degree programs. Its unique delivery methods and quality of the courses makes this program stand out among other online degrees,” said Reginald Smith III, USDLA board member.
Applications for Drexel’s online Master’s in Higher Education program are now being accepted for the fall term. For more information about this online program, visit Drexel’s online degree website, e-mail info@drexel.com or call (877) 215-0009.
###
About Drexel University Online
Drexel University Online, winner of the 2006 21st Century Best Practice Award for Distance Learning from the United States Distance Learning Association, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Drexel University, specializing in innovative, Internet-based distance education programs for working professionals and corporations in the United States and abroad. Drexel University is continually ranked one of the best national doctoral universities by U.S. News & World Report and enjoys regional accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges & Secondary Schools. A pioneer in online education, Drexel has offered programs online since 1996.
Media Contact:
Shawnee Brown
215-895-0513
Shawnee.Brown@drexel.edu
