The Andrews University Nursing department is very excited about the new, completely online Master of Science in Nursing Education degree program. The M.S.in Nursing Education degree has been available as an on-site degree for about three years, but effective in the fall of 2004, the degree program is now also available totally online.

The decision to put the program online was in response to requests, from students across the country and around the world, who would like to continue their education at Andrews but cannot come physically to the campus because they work full-time. Requests were coming from as far as India, Korea, and the West Indies. “Our goal is to reach out, be mission-minded in providing education, moving beyond the borders of the Andrews University campus,” stated Karen Allen, Nursing department chair.

Classes are taught through the webCT program, and students can interact with their professors and classmates through chat rooms, e-mail, a discussion board, and phone conferences. An online course provides students the opportunity to access lectures and assignments as often as they like, whenever they like.

This venue is great for the working parent who can only devote time for eduction in the evening or on weekends. The program is designed in an intensive format. Students take one class per month, completing a new class every five weeks. The program can be finished in a minimum of five semesters.

The first year consists of core classes; the second year focuses on more advanced, specific courses. The third year is a practicum, which can be completed in the student’s selected setting.

The program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission. For more information about Andrews’ M.S. in Nursing Education online degree program, call (800) 253-2874, email nursing@andrews.edu, or log onto their website at nursing@andrews.edu, or log onto their website at www.andrews.edu/nursing .

Beverly Stout, University Relations Lake Union Herald correspondent