Program Format
The Professional & Graduate Studies Division offers programs in a classroom setting, blended (combination of classroom and online) and the online format. In each format, the program is a series of accelerated courses designed to meet specific program objectives. New cohorts (generally 14-20 students) can begin at any time during the year and stay together until all of the courses in the program are completed. Students take only one course at a time, allowing them to focus on one subject.
In a classroom setting, students meet once a week for four hours. Typically, undergraduate courses meet for five weeks and graduate courses meet for six or seven weeks. When a course ends, the next course typically begins the following week. Each course in the program is a required component. This calendar structure means that students can finish their degree in a relatively short time as compared to a traditional college calendar.
Courses combine lecture and teacher/student interaction. Instructional methods in the programs integrate practical experience and theory through assignments, mini-lectures, seminars, case studies, simulations, small group discussions and projects related to the student's professional goals.
Online and blended programs use the Internet and Odyssey, an online course-management system to maximize learning. Students and instructors exchange assignments and feedback through discussion boards, e-mail and file attachments. Active links within the course material enable students to do additional research on topics, quizzes, exams and other assignments that are built into the materials to assess student understanding of the concepts being presented.