PARK UNIVERSITY

College for Distance Learning
Parkville, Missouri

Park University was founded in 1875 and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Park's College for Distance Learning offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and Master of Science (M.S.) degrees. Numerous undergraduate courses and degrees are offered through the Internet. Graduate programs in public affairs, education, and business administration are also offered.

Park University is a nonprofit entrepreneurial institution of learning that is devoted to providing access to academic excellence to prepare learners to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage in lifelong learning while serving a global community.

Distance Learning Program

Hectic schedules are the biggest reason most adults fail to complete their college education. With busy schedules, family responsibilities, and travel obligations, it is often impossible for many adults to attend regularly scheduled classes.

The Online learning environment at Park University allows course participants to go to class when and where their schedule permits. Commuting time disappears, travel conflicts no longer matter, and childcare issues disappear.

The Online learning programs offered by Park University represent more than thirty years of experience in extended learning—experience honed through operating forty-one satellite "campus centers" on military bases where course work needs to be compact and mobile. As a result of this experience, Park developed, and now offers, accelerated eight-week courses as well as standard sixteen-week offerings. Online courses, first developed in 1996, now number 200 different courses. Virtually all in-person courses that are taught at Park University are also taught Online, along with other unique course offerings that were developed specifically for Online delivery or a combination of on-ground activities with online interaction.

Surveys of Online students indicate a higher degree of satisfaction for the general learning experience. In traditional classroom settings, people are often treated according to others' preconceived perceptions of age, gender, ethnicity, and even income level. In Park University's Online learning program, students are judged only by the caliber of their thoughts and the quality of their contributions. This learning environment is active and student-centered. Some students find the online format particularly effective for certain types of courses. In fact, the level of interactivity is actually higher in Park University's Online courses. Online learning requires extensive work—including much reading and writing—but the majority of Online students actually learn better through the Online format than they do in traditional, face-to-face classes.

Delivery Media

Park University offers 200 Online courses at five entry points—terms—during each year. Most courses are in accelerated eight-week format. Some courses follow nine- and sixteen-week formats. All courses require minimum computer-system capabilities.

To ensure the highest degree of success, prospective Online students need a basic level of computer literacy. Learners will be asked to open and transfer files and have a working knowledge of the use of e-mail within a course environment. Online students will do well if they have access to a Windows-capable computer with at least a 56.6 kbps modem; Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, or an equivalent, reliable Internet browser. Students should not borrow someone else's account, use a public-access account (such as a public library terminal), or use a temporary free account when taking the Online courses.

Courses are offered in a variety of subject areas, and learners can take many courses without enrolling in a degree program.

Each undergraduate course is concluded with a proctored exam.

Program of Study

Park University has provided degree completion programs via distance learning for more than thirty years. The goal of Park's degree completion program is to provide students with the opportunity and assistance to enable them to complete the last two years of their undergraduate degrees. Current fields of study include the Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems, criminal justice, human resources, management, marketing, and social psychology.

Graduate Online degree programs include the Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in entrepreneurship, health care/health services management, international business, or management of information services; Master of Public Affairs with an emphasis in government/business relations, health care, management of information services, nonprofit and community services management, and public management; and Master of Education with an emphasis in arts in teaching, educational administration, and special education.

Online learning is a dynamic, growing program at Park University. New courses continue to be developed on an on-going basis.

Special Programs

Online students have access to a bookstore and library and such services as registration, financial aid, and advising.

Credit Options

Park University Online courses are transferable to programs at other regionally accredited institutions. In turn, Park accepts credit from other regionally accredited institutions. Specifically, the University accepts up to 84 hours of course completion with a grade of C or better from two-year schools. Official transcripts from previous colleges or universities; official test reports or transcripts from CLEP, USAFI, or DANTES; and ACT/PEP documentation can accompany an application. Up to 24 hours of credit may be awarded for military service and for Validated Learning Equivalency.

Faculty

Park University has hundreds of Internet faculty instructors, all of whom have advanced degrees and have taught previously. In addition, each Online instructor has completed an intensive eight-week training program to develop the skills necessary for meeting the challenges of teaching Online. This course, which is taught Online, of course, enables instructors to learn firsthand the challenges of being an Online student.

Admission

Park's Online undergraduate programs are open to students who have earned a high school diploma, a GED certificate, or the equivalent; have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in all previous college study; have completed the online Application for Admission; and have paid the application fee. To receive a degree from Park University, students must complete at least 30 semester hours through the University, with 12 hours in their major.

For admission to graduate programs, students must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution of higher learning or four years of equivalent full-time college work from an accredited foreign institution. They must also have a 2.75 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale. Individual programs may require appropriate entrance test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT. Although entrance test scores, by themselves, do not constitute the sole or final criterion for granting or denying admission to any student, each program that uses test scores will consider them, in combination with other criteria, as an essential part of the requirements for granting full admission.

Students are required to meet course and program standards to remain in the Online program.

Tuition and Fees

For the 2006–07 academic year, undergraduate Online tuition is $242 per credit hour, plus an Internet fee of $14 per credit hour. Graduate Online tuition is $336 per credit hour, with a $16 per credit hour Internet fee.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance may be awarded to full-time and part-time students who qualify.

Applying

Degree-seeking students must meet all admission standards for Park University and pay a one-time $25 application fee.

For more information, students should contact Park University at the telephone number listed below or visit the Web site at the address listed below.

CONTACT

Office of Admissions
Park University
8700 N.W. River Park Drive
Parkville, Missouri 64152-3795
Phone: 800-745-7275 (toll-free)
E-mail: admissions@park.edu
Web site: http://www.park.edu