Category: Feature Stories

Student Spotlight: Counseling and Human Relations Student Answers All of Our Questions

Student Spotlight: Counseling and Human Relations Student Answers All of Our Questions

Meet Mike Clark! Mike is a UofL Online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning (BSOLL), student with a track focus in Counseling and Human Relations. We asked him some questions about his online BSOLL experience—let’s read his responses below!  

Why did you select the OLL program? 

I choose the OLL – Counseling and Human Relation track after realizing I could do no more for an unlucky situation I was in. I graduated from St. Catharine College right before it shutdown then found out I had a transcript discrepancy that made it tough to get into grad school. With the school shut down and nobody to talk to fix it (and only able to prove my associate’s not my bachelor’s) I had to bite the bullet and start my undergrad over; I even went out somewhere to wrestle again and became an All-American which gave me more confidence to pick this program up to help me forge a career in coaching student-athletes. OLL was really good for a guy like me, in that the program basically transferred almost all my school and work experience in through PLA and I don’t have much left to do outside of core classes to finish again but with something more tangible. It’s a very friendly and flexible program for adults that need another chance at college.  

What are you enjoying most about the program? 

I like the content that I am learning and how accessible the online modules are, being that you can do the work from just about any device from anywhere with other options for accommodations. I also am grateful to be in a counseling program so that I could apply it to my coaching in wrestling which makes more sense for me than what I finished in school with the first time being fine arts and early ed—thought I’d be a music teacher! 

Do you feel the program is providing the skills you need to be successful in your career?  

Each course teaches me more about different kinds of counseling and approaches to working with all kinds of people: emotional intelligence, human resources, management, leadership skills, the coaching process, running a program, ethics, and more. These and other topics involved in OLL are some of the very core skills needed to be a good coach in wrestling where, more and more these days, you need to have all the skills of a CEO to run a proficient program.  

Would you recommend the program? Why? 

I would recommend the program to adults who need a second chance at a degree or need to just finish. This program is made for them and there a several more tracks then when I first found out about it which makes it to where more people can find their niche in leadership be it counseling, early ed, or tech, etc. I’ve even recommended for my emphasis specifically, the HR Leadership certificate offered by the university that ties into the OLL counseling and HR track as a way for some to do school at an even lighter level while learning about the program. So, if they finish the cert and choose to continue then at least they already got a head start. 

Who is your current employer?  

I’m self-employed but… 

I do run the Cardinal Wrestling Club (CWC) at the University of Louisville (we wrestle collegiately in the NCWA) which takes up a good bit of my time. 

What is your current title?  

Self-employed outside of being the President of CWC at UofL.  

Thanks, Mike, for the great responses!  

If you’d like to learn more about UofL’s online BSOLL program, click here and get started today!  


UofL Offers Concurrent Enrollment Program For Partner School ADN Students

UofL Offers Concurrent Enrollment Program For Partner School ADN Students

UofL is proud to partner with KCTCS and Ivy Tech – Sellersburg to bring ADN students a unique opportunity – the RN-BSN Concurrent Enrollment Program! Now ADN students can complete up to 6 nursing classes online within UofL’s RN-BSN program while still enrolled at their home school, saving students both time and money as they further their nursing careers. 

Here are some quick benefits for KCTCS and Ivy Tech – Sellersburg students:  

  • ADN students can start working concurrently (at the same time) on RN-BSN online courses upon successfully completing their first semester at their home school.  
  • After completing their ADN requirements, students can take the RN license exam (NCLEX) and finish the remaining BSN courses 100% online at UofL.  
  • The Concurrent Enrollment Program will allow students to graduate with their RN-BSN degree months earlier than if they waited to complete the ADN first, or started working as a nurse and then enrolled in the standard online RN-BSN program. 

Our partner community colleges want their students to have a faster path to graduation, while still getting the benefits of a personalized program at a larger university. Here are just a few of our RN-BSN program benefits:  

The UofL Online RN-to-BSN Program Provides: 

  • Curriculum created by nurses, for nurses 
  • Reduced tuition (just $375 per credit hour) 
  • Savings of $11,250 with completed Nursing Portfolio (30 credit hours tuition-free) 
  • Accelerated 8-week courses that enable focused learning 
  • Full tuition remission for nurses employed by UofL Health (with deferred payment) 
  • Alignment with American Association of Colleges of Nursing, which recognizes the Bachelor of Science in Nursing as the standard in educational requirement for all nurses 

Don’t wait to accelerate your career growth and earning potential. You can take the next steps in your career, all from the comfort of your home school. Click here and learn more about our online Concurrent Enrollment Program!  


Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning at UofL

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Learning at UofL

The University of Louisville is proud to offer over 60+ degree programs completely online. The programs range from bachelor completion degrees, to master’s programs, a doctoral program, and a vast array of certificate options. One of the many benefits of pursuing a degree at the University of Louisville is the ability to take classes via a synchronous or asynchronous format.
What is Synchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning refers to instructors and students meeting at the same time (either in person or virtually) and place for the duration of the course. Synchronous learning is taught by professors, in person, or live via a virtual classroom. Teachers and students can interact with each other during the set period of weekly classes and are expected to be in attendance during the specific course day and time.
Benefits of Synchronous Learning
• Students get instant feedback and clarification from instructors.
• There are real-time discussions with classmates and instructors.
• This type of learning is a good fit for students who need structure.
What is Asynchronous Learning?
Asynchronous learning refers to students accessing coursework and materials during a time that is most convenient for them. For example, a student taking a course in biochemistry within an asynchronous format would have the ability to access their coursework any time of the day or night, at a time that best works with their schedule. There are no time-specific lectures and students are not bound to be on their computers during a specific time in an asynchronous format. Students have the flexibility to take courses at their own pace.
Benefits of Asynchronous Learning:
• This option is especially appealing to busy adults with other obligations, such as family or work restraints.
• With asynchronous learning students can learn at their own pace, therefore adapting the courses and materials to their specific needs and learning styles. This is helpful as it allows students the opportunity to move through the coursework at their own pace, by either taking longer to learn and retain the information or potentially moving faster through the information and finishing the coursework at a faster pace.
• Accessibility to a wide and diverse group of students – by offering asynchronous courses in many of UofL’s online programs, we can reach a wider range of students from various backgrounds and professions. This will in turn help to develop a more diverse population of students within a specific program, therefore, growing our student’s professional network connections around the US and potentially the world.
While there are advantages to both synchronous and asynchronous learning formats, understanding the differences between the two can help guide students toward their academic journey. Understanding your learning style and time commitments can help identify the best course of action when determining whether synchronous or asynchronous learning is the best for you. No matter where you are in the pursuit of your degree, UofL online is here to help. If you have questions about a particular major, need more information on the course structure or guidance on how to get started, feel free to contact our dedicated online enrollment counselors at 800.871.8635 or online@louisville.edu.  For a complete list of program offerings, click here

University of Louisville Recognized as a Military Friendly® Gold Seal School for 2023-2024 

University of Louisville Recognized as a Military Friendly® Gold Seal School for 2023-2024 

UofL is proud to announce that we have been recognized as a Military Friendly® Gold-Seal School for the 2023-2024 academic year! This is our second consecutive year in a row to receive the Goal-Seal designation and is another in a long line of honors and certifications for our commitment to military-affiliated students.  

As a Military Friendly® school, we pay special attention to the unique challenges and circumstances many military members experience when trying to acquire a college education. We work with our students to provide the flexibility and support mechanisms they need to succeed both in the classroom or in the field. Regardless of which stage of your military career you’re in, we bring the classroom to you, wherever you are in the world. In doing so we help you to accomplish your goals, advance your career, and better the lives of yourself and your family.  

Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. Our standards provide a benchmark that promotes positive outcomes and support services that better the educational landscape and provide opportunity for the Military Community. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently. Schools who achieve awards designation show true commitment in their efforts, going over and above that standard.” – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly® 

UofL has a long history of serving those who have served our country and their families. We offer a number of special discounts and benefits for military-affiliated students like:  

  • Waived Application Fee  
  • Priority Registration 
  • Special Reduced Rate: $250/credit hour* 
  • Ability to return to the program after deployment assignments without penalty 
  • The opportunity to earn credit toward your degree for military experience and leadership training 
  • Access to the same faculty as our on-campus students 
  • Flexible programs that fit into your busy work and life schedule 
  • Education you can take with you anywhere, anytime 
  • Career guidance and planning services; transition assistance 
  • Networking opportunities with peers in various fields and from across the globe 

*Special rate available for Active-Duty service members and qualifying members of the National Guard/Reserves. 

Don’t wait any longer to take the next step in your military or personal career. Click here and learn what UofL Online can do for you!