McKendree University Expands its Online Degree Programs
BSN, BBA Will Be Available Via ‘McKendree Online’ This Fall
Lebanon, Ill. — McKendree University will offer its entire undergraduate nursing and
business administration degree programs online this fall, following recent approval by the Higher Learning Commission. The
flexible format enables students to pursue a nursing or business bachelor’s degree
completely online.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree is a RN-to-BSN completion program; only registered nurses may enroll. The Bachelor of Business Administration
degree offers four majors: business administration, human resource management, marketing
and management.
“McKendree Online allows us to bring the same quality and rigor of the traditional
on-campus experience to those who are unable to attend our various locations in Illinois
and Kentucky,” said Dr. Joe Cipfl, executive director of online and external programs.
Online study, also known as distance education or e-learning, is beneficial for those
whose family or work commitments make it difficult to attend classes on campus. A
student might be an adult with a full-time job; a swing shift employee; one looking
to advance his or her career; or one who must stay close to home to care for a child,
ailing parent or spouse.
“We are trying to accommodate the place-bound learner,” explained Melissa Meeker,
assistant dean for student services for online and external programs. “Even though
we are a private institution, we want students to know that a high quality McKendree
education is still affordable and within reach.”
Online courses are “asynchronous,’ meaning that students do not have to log in at
a specified class time. Instead, they pace their studies throughout the week according
to their schedule.
Students who prefer to interact with their professors but like the convenience of
online study may choose a blend of both formats. “The ability to mix and match is
really valuable for a number of reasons,” said Dr. Frank Spreng, who directs the university’s
MBA program. A McKendree student forced to relocate due to a military or company transfer,
for example, can finish his or her degree online, he explained.
University officials assure a seamless transition from the online BSN and BBA programs
to McKendree’s MSN and MBA programs.
McKendree has offered an accredited RN-to-BSN program since 1978. “While we will continue
to offer face-to-face cohorts, our new online opportunity offers the same high quality
program,” noted Dr. Richelle Rennegarbe, nursing division chair. “We’ve been very
successful offering our MSN program online. Our nursing programs meet the needs of
a working professional nurse.”
For more information about McKendree Online, call (618) 537-6576 or visit the website
www.mckendree.edu/online.
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