University of Louisville Adds New Online Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Degrees

By admin | February 28, 2018

A decade ago, the prevailing wisdom was that you needed a degree specifically aligned with a career field, like business or engineering. But the thinking has shifted, largely fueled by demand in the tech sector for people with well-rounded and sharp critical-thinking skills. Daniel Rosensweig, CEO of education startup Chegg, was quoted in Forbes as saying, “Congrats, liberal arts majors. You’re the most desirable employees.”

What makes liberal arts and social sciences degrees so attractive?

By drawing on a broad range of disciplines, from art and literature to history and scientific research, a the versatile curriculum equips students with the skill to make connections between different schools of thought which can fuel creativity and develop the analytical skills that have a proven track record of success in all aspects of the marketplace.

The College of Arts and Sciences at University of Louisville is proud to offer five 100% online social sciences bachelor’s degree programs. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Communication have long been pioneering online education along with the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and those programs are now joined by the:

All of UofL’s Arts and Sciences online degree programs are rooted in the liberal arts and social sciences, combining scientific research and analysis skills with effective communication, so that our students emerge ready to make and influence data-driven decisions.

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Communication

With an online Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science option, UofL’s communication degrees equip students with the skills they need to analyze, interpret, and critique communication issues in a diverse range of career fields including TV and radio, print publications, public relations, and more. From public speaking to effective written communication, graduates are prepared by expert faculty to excel in their chosen field.

Additionally, internship opportunities offer students an exceptional pathway to entering the job market running with real-world experience on their resumes.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares graduates with a working knowledge of the entire criminal justice process for both adults and juveniles. From law enforcement to court proceedings and corrections, our graduates are prepared to make connections between theory and policy development as they understand and apply their knowledge to a broad range of legal issues.

For those already employed in the criminal justice field, a bachelor’s degree can go a long way to increasing job performance and opening doors to leadership roles.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

UofL’s online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology blends the study of psychological concepts with scientific research and analysis methods to equip students with the skills to make evidence-based decisions in solving personal, professional, and societal problems. In the online psychology program, you will be led by research-active faculty and gain scientific insights into brain-behavior relationships, abnormal psychology and cognition, and human development.

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

The online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology transforms how you approach your role in society by developing insights into how social structures shape everyday attitudes, actions, and opportunities. This pairs with a rigorous social sciences curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and persuasive communication to equip students with the ability to make evidence-based decisions as they approach social issues in business, nonprofits, government institutions and daily life.

Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies

Our Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies offers an interdisciplinary curriculum committed to diversity and social justice that is simultaneously rooted in the critical thinking, communication, and research skills of the liberal arts. Students study how ideas and schools of thought intersect, and learn how gender disparities connect with poverty, racism and other forms of inequality. Our students prepare to become part of the solution.

Get Started Today

Given the flexible, 100% online learning format, these online social sciences and liberal arts degrees offer both working professionals and college freshmen alike an excellent opportunity to propel themselves forward with a college education. Apply today to join our community of online learners.

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

Be The Change! UofL Launches Online Bachelor of Social Work Degree

By admin | February 27, 2018

In a time characterized by heightened social activism, growing interest in social justice, and tension surrounding controversial topics like intolerance and economic inequality, the 21^st-century social worker’s role is more important than ever. For those longing to make the world a better place, the University of Louisville and Kent School of Social Work are proud to unveil our 100% online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) starting in fall 2018.

The Bachelor of Social Work prepares students as social work generalists with special attention to issues of social justice. The knowledge and skills gained in the social work program have a broad range of applications in professional settings such as school systems, hospitals, nonprofits, law enforcement, the legal system and government agencies.

Is Social Work a Fit For You?

Think of times of crisis. On the news, you will see first responders, court officials, and lawyers. But less often seen are those important professionals who work in the background supporting those affected. These are the practitioners helping victims cope with tragedy and advocating for those without a voice.

These are social workers – deeply engaged in the most trying issues we face on a daily basis. It’s a role for the strong-hearted, for those who want to spend their career making genuine, tangible changes in the world. If that sounds like you, then social work is worthy of your consideration.

A Primer on the Social Work Industry

“What’s the industry outlook?” you ask.

Great question!

While many complex factors influence the industry, there are a couple significant trends driving much of the demand for social workers.

1) Aging Baby Boomer Population

By 2030, one out of five Americans will be over the age of 65 and it’s estimated the U.S. will need 70,000 social workers who specialize in geriatric care by 2020 – both in-home care and senior living communities. This includes handling cases of age discrimination, loss and end-of-life concerns, substance abuse, depression, and living with physical challenges.

2) Rising Substance Abuse

As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our towns and cities, there is growing demand for professionals skilled in areas of drug and alcohol addiction counseling. This is in part due to the Affordable Care Act requiring more health insurance plans to cover substance abuse treatment, as well as courts more frequently sentencing participation in a rehabilitation program as opposed to prison.

UofL’s Bachelor of Social Work program offers a Drug and Alcohol Counseling track for students who have been impacted by the struggles associated with addiction and who have a desire help others win their battles with substance abuse.

Employment Outlook as a Social Worker

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Services, employment of social workers is expected to grow 12% by 2024 – the national average across all industries is 7%. The median annual salary in 2016 was $46,890.

About UofL’s Online Bachelor of Social Work

The online Bachelor of Social Work comprises 120-121 credit hours. Admission requirements to the BSW program differ depending on whether you’re entering the bachelor’s program as a Lower Division or Upper Division student. BSW graduates potentially qualify to enter the Master of Science in Social Work program with advanced standing which reduces the graduation requirements by half.

Transfer opportunities are available. Up to 60 credit hours may be transferred from a regionally-accredited 2-year college and up to 90 hours from a 4-year college. Your academic history can prepare you to move directly into the Upper Division curriculum.

Kent School is accepting applications now, so apply today to start making a genuine difference in your community!

“The Kent School of Social Work is dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of social workers by preparing them to be the change they want to see.” – Armon R. Perry, Ph.D., MSW and BSW Director

About UofL Online Learning

How U.S. Employers Are Investing in Employees’ Education

By admin | May 18, 2017

How US Employers Are Investing in Employees' Education

Tuition reimbursement is a growing trend in the U.S. job market. Some companies, like Louisville’s own UPS, use tuition reimbursement as a powerful recruiting tool.

Others see such programs as a long-sighted opportunity to build the knowledge base within their company, and also as an opportunity to build a lasting relationship with the people they hire. One study found that employees who took advantage of tuition reimbursement programs were more likely to receive a promotion and stay with the company.

With measurable benefits for all parties, it’s clear that employers increasingly find it valuable to invest in their employees’ education.

Higher Education: An Investment Opportunity

The 2007 BLS Employee Benefit Survey indicated that 73% of professional and technical full-time employees had access to a tuition reimbursement program where they worked. And while it may still be rare to find an employer who will cover every last dime of all expenses associated with furthering your education, the vast majority will cover a significant portion.

The range of employers who offer tuition reimbursement is also growing. At one time, only employers in highly specialized fields, such as engineering, saw the benefit of funding their employees’ education. Now, the trend has spread across the marketplace.

From banking and financial organizations like Bank of America and Wells Fargo to retail giants like Starbucks and Home Depot, companies across the map are developing competitive tuition reimbursement programs to help them recruit and retain talented employees.

EdAssist’s 2012 review of employer tuition assistance programs includes this breakdown of tuition reimbursement by industry.

These figures are from 2012 and all trends indicate that tuition assistance programs are only growing across the board.

7 Questions to Ask About Tuition Assistance

As you consider available opportunities to further your education, here are seven questions to ask your HR representative about tuition assistance:

Does my workplace offer this benefit and if so, is there an annual limit or a fixed percentage of expenses covered?
Is there a cap to my lifetime education expenses?
What is the GPA requirement to receive the full benefit?
What types of degrees or certificates and what areas of study are covered?
How long do I have to commit to working for the company after I finish my degree to avoid having to pay back the benefit?
How long do I have to be with the company in order to start using this benefit?
Can I also pursue scholarships and grants in addition to my employer-provided assistance?

UofL Online Offers Education Pathways that Bring the Finish Line Closer

Of course, managing the costs of your education is only half the battle as a working professional. You must also find the time to study and attend class amongst the demands of family, work, and other commitments. UofL Online broadens access to the type of rigorous, research-based education traditionally only available on campus.

Our online programs offer innovative, flexible learning opportunities that address the needs and desires of working professionals pursuing higher education. For instance, the J.B. Speed School of Engineering has a longstanding reputation for excellence and now offers a master’s in engineering management and a master’s in civil engineering 100% online as well as two graduate certificates in structural or transportation engineering.

In addition, our newly-launched Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting program is designed for those with a non-accounting bachelor’s degree who want to pursue an accounting career, but are not interested in earning another undergraduate degree. This program offers students a marketable accounting credential, as well as enough accounting coursework to sit for the Kentucky CPA exam.

Our Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning, our B.S. in Healthcare Leadership, and our R.N. to B.S.N. programs offer course credit based on real-world professional experience and knowledge to help bring the finish line closer. We know how valuable education is in the 21^st century marketplace and we’re here to help you earn a degree in a way that suits your schedule.

CFDC Program at UofL Featured on U.S. Army Website

By Laura Dorman | April 2, 2017

U.S. Army Cadet Command has recently partnered with the University of Louisville to design and implement the first Cadre & Faculty Development Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Through this program, graduate students earn 12 master’s level credit hours for the residence phase and an additional 12 credits for the clinicals at their respective campuses. Undergraduate students earn 15 credit hours for the residence portion and 12 credits for clinicals.

cfdc-rotc-course The U.S. Army website features the University of Louisville – Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development through an article about the Cadre Faculty Development Course (CFDC) at Fort Knox. The article discusses details about curriculum and outcomes of the program. The fall 2016 issue of the UofL Magazine also featured the program and other options the University offers for military service personnel.

Active duty military have a wide array of educational choices throught UofL Online and benefit from a Tuition Assistance (TA) rate of $250 per credit hours for most of the programs. Professional degrees (i.e., Master of Engineering in Engineering Management) also offer a special tuition rate.

UofL Online programs include bachelor’s, master’s, graduate certificates and teaching endorsements. View all online offerings and select a program that best fits your background, professional goals and interest.

Category: News