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Bachelor of Art vs. Bachelor of Science in Communications at UofL Online

By Gillian Sclafani | January 31, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

The University of Louisville’s Online Learning division offers prospective students the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree in Communications. Offered as a BA or BS, both communication degrees are effective in preparing online students for a wide range of career opportunities. However, deciding which degree path to pursue can be a personal choice based on your individual career goals.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) focuses on the overall enhancement of oral and written communication skills, as well as developing your understanding of how we as humans communicate with one another, combined with courses in liberal arts and a variety of additional elective options. The (BS) in Communications deepens your knowledge of skills in such areas as copywriting, public speaking and focuses more on a student’s targeted career path within the communications field.

Highlighted below is a breakdown of the two communication degree options offered at UofL, along with career outcomes and potential internship opportunities.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication:

The BA in Communication is offered in a 121 credit-hour format. The BA requires 18 hours in core communication disciplines and 18 hours in communication electives, focusing on delivering a wider breath of knowledge in areas like foreign language and liberal arts. Students interested in pursuing their BA in communications gain a broader understanding of how we communicate with one another with additional core requirements in a foreign language and other social science areas (such as sociology, psychology or women’s, gender and sexuality studies).

Graduates from the B.A. in Communication have a broader understanding of the communication field as a whole and the option to pursue multiple career paths. Some options of potential career opportunities for graduate from this degree include; TV and cable companies, radio stations, advertising agencies, news organizations, print publishing companies, event firms and many more.

Bachelor of Science in Communication:

The BS in Communication is offered in a 121 credit-hour format as well. However, the BS option requires 27 hours in core communication disciplines and 21 hours in communication electives. This degree option focuses more on applied communication with core requirements in areas like copywriting, newswriting, public speaking, debate and more. In addition to a more targeted track option within the communication field of study, students are also required to complete an internship (3 credits) in order to graduate. By requiring a mandatory internship, students will gain hands-on experience within their chosen field of interest. Along with the internship requirement, additional core communication courses are required in the following classes:

Comm 302 – Advanced Speech Communication or 319 Debate (3 credits) – Advanced principals of public speaking
Comm 320, 323, or 344 (3 credits) – Study and practice of news-writing and reporting techniques for routine news stories, including story organization, writing story leads, and the elements of hard news and feature journalism.

The University’s communication and advising departments work with online students in the BS Communications track to find internships that are best suited for their professional goals. Several examples of current internship opportunities for communication majors include:

Emma Bowen Foundation – The Emma Bowen Foundation promotes a more diverse industry by recruiting promising students of color and placing them in multi-year paid summer internships at some of the nation’s leading media and tech companies, such as FOX Television Stations, Hearst Television, The Financial Times, NFL, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Whether you’re interested in being a producer, a journalist, a web developer, an engineer, a business executive, a PR agent, a sales representative, or any other career in media or tech, the EBF Internship is here to help you get your start.

Sports Radio America – SRA is seeking a Sports Writer intern. The intern will work under the supervision of the Managing Editor. Provide game notes, reports, and recaps for the university attendees. If accessible, provide news and insights to high school sports in the surrounding area. If approved for media credentials by the Sports Information Department, cover post-game press conferences, provide pictures, videos, and sounds from games covered.

Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana – Assist the team with the planning of fundraising events, stewardship of donors, and administrative support of fundraisers including Walk for Wishes, Gala and many more.

Signature Inspire Foundation – Social Media Intern to manage the social media of Signature Inspire Foundation. Utilizing all social media platforms to support Signature Inspire Foundation’s programs & services and increase awareness of the foundation.

For a complete list of available internship opportunities for communication majors, click here.

Earning a degree in communication opens the doors to ample career opportunities. No matter which communications degree path you choose, a BS or a BA, the expertise you develop in analyzing and implementing communication methods will afford graduates the opportunity to increase their portfolio within the communications field.

Our graduates go on to succeed in a variety of careers—from producer to technical writer to HR manager to podcast personality and so much more. Many career paths chosen by communication graduates increase their annual salary as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, if you chose a career as an editor, the median annual salary is $63,400. Or an advertising or marketing manager with minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree, the median annual salary is $141,490 with the expected growth rate in the U.S. to be an above average 6% between 2019 and 2029 (bls.gov).

No matter where you are in your pursuit of your degree, the University of Louisville’s Online Learning department is here to help you succeed. With three application deadline options, rolling admissions and three term start dates – the options for incoming or transferring students are plentiful. To begin or continue your degree in this field – start your application today, by clicking here. For a complete list of all programs offered online, view the program finder for more information.

online student submitting college transcript request at computer

UOFL RECOGNIZED AGAIN BY U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT FOR TOP ONLINE PROGRAMS

By Caitlin Horsley | January 24, 2023

For a seventh consecutive year, the University of Louisville has been ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

Of our fully online programs, the following were recognized as some of the top U.S. programs in 2023:

Online Bachelor’s
Online Undergraduate Business
Online Undergraduate Psychology
Online Criminal Justice
Online Computer IT
Online Engineering
Online Graduate Education
Online Master’s in Business Administration

UofL is also ranked as Best Online Programs for Veterans across all of the same categories.

Notably, our Undergraduate Business ranking is among the top 30 programs in the country, with Undergraduate Psychology and Criminal Justice ranking in the top 20!

UofL has almost 60 fully online programs across the graduate and undergraduate level available including bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and a wide variety of certificate programs. As part of the University’s commitment to online learning, more programs are added regularly to ensure UofL’s place among the top Online Programs in the country. We are committed to helping others advance their education on a schedule that works with them to promote their success.

Click here and learn how you can advance your education with and online degree from UofL today!

An Inclusive Education for All – Resources and Programs for Online Students

By Gillian Sclafani | January 11, 2023 | Comments 0 Comment

The University of Louisville takes pride in offering over 50 degree and certificate options, 100% online. With online bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and certificate programs across various industries and disciplines, our students can achieve their educational and professional goals with the flexibility to learn and study at a time that is most convenient for them.

In addition to the wide array of degree options and the flexibility of online course work, UofL also prides itself on providing an inclusive, diverse learning environment for our online community. Whether you are returning to school to complete your degree or taking your first college course, we want to make sure you have the tools and resources necessary to succeed in a diverse and ever-changing landscape. Some of the many benefits available to our on-campus and online students include:

The Office of Diversity and Equity – The Office of Diversity and Equity offers a wide array of departments and programs to make sure all voices are understood, heard, and appreciated. The goal of this office is to foster and sustain an educational community that offers a nurturing and challenging intellectual climate, respect for the spectrum of human diversity and an understanding of the many differences – including race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. Some of the departments and programs available for our students include:

Arts & Sciences International, Diversity and Engagement Programs – The Office of Diversity, Engagement, Culture & Climate (DECC) supports the College of Arts and Sciences in its effort to transform the teaching, learning, and working environment into one of full inclusion and equity for all. The DECC Student Council offers various series and forums to the UofL community on topics including the Yearlings Club Series, West Louisville Economic Development Forum, and the Louisville Downtown Civil Rights Markers Project. Students interested in becoming a member of the DECC Student Council are encouraged to contact Cherie Dawson at dawson@louisville.edu.

Disability Resource Center – In recognition of those with a disability as an important part of the diverse community at UofL, the Disability Resource Center fosters an inclusive environment through education, service, collaboration, and outreach. The Center provides support services for students with a documented disability and promotes equal access to all programs and services.

Health Sciences Center Office of Diversity and Inclusion (HSC) – The HSC Office of Diversity and Inclusion offers a wide array of educational and programmatic resources including Diversity Lunch & Learns, Poverty Simulation, Everyday Bias Workshop for the Health Professions, Culturally Effective Care Resources, 2022 LGBTQ+ and Cancer CARE SCHO Invitation, and much more. Students interested in learning more can contact the HSC Office for Diversity and Inclusion at HSCODI@louisville.edu.

Office of Admissions-Diversity Recruitment – The mission of the Office of Admissions-Diversity Recruitment is to foster an environment that reflects the spectrum of human differences, so that all students can grow, develop and immerse themselves in a diverse and ever-changing society. Some of the many benefits offered by the Office of Admissions-Diversity Recruitment include scholarship opportunities, such as the Brown Fellows Program, Grawemeyer Scholarship, McConnell Scholars, Martin Luther King Scholars Program, and the Woodford R. Porter Scholarship. For more information on the scholarship opportunities available through the Office of Admissions-Diversity Recruitment, students are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions at admitme@louisvill.edu. Please note, some of the scholarships listed above are offered for traditional on-campus students only.

PEACC Program – PEACC provides confidential advocacy for students, faculty and staff who have been impacted by interpersonal violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The PEACC program also provides prevention education courses and programs available to the UofL community. In addition, PEACC also offers events through the GREEN DOT organization including – yoga, pizza, scavenger hunts, and more.

TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) – The TRIO SSS is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the University of Louisville. TRIO is committed to helping low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities, achieve a bachelor’s degree. The program’s mission is to increase retention and graduation rates by offering academic, financial, and support services. During the academic year, TRIO students receive individual and group advising to foster positive study habits and academic success. Some of the benefits of joining TRIO include study skills development, academic workshops, one-on-one tutoring, and much more. For more information on the TRIO SSS or ways to apply; interested students are encouraged to complete the application here.

Center for Military-Connected Students – The goal of the Center for Military-Connected Students is to assist military-connected students in a successful transition into and out of the Cardinal community through a culture of engagement and inclusion. This is provided through individualized support to our Veteran students and their families. In addition to the vast number of transitional services, UofL Online also offers a discounted tuition rate for Active-Duty service members and members of the Coast Guard. For more information on tuition discounts and services provided, students are encouraged to contact the Center for Military-Connected Students by clicking here.

In addition to the many programs and offices available for students interested in expanding their knowledge and immersing themselves in an inclusive and diverse environment at UofL, the campus recently opened the Cultural & Equity Center. The Center includes the Office of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence, the LGBT Center at UofL, the Muhammad Ali Institute for Peace and Justice at the University of Louisville, and the Women’s Center. While these offices are housed on campus, online students are encouraged to reach out to join or become a member virtually.

Along with the many opportunities afforded to students from diverse backgrounds, UofL also earned five out of five stars in the Campus Pride Index. Campus Pride is a national nonprofit that rates colleges and universities according to their support of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. The Campus Pride Index is a vital tool in assisting campuses in learning ways to improve their LGBTQ+ campus life. Additionally, UofL is the only public institution in the south to be recognized by this organization.

Whether you are starting your educational journey in 2023 or looking to complete your degree at UofL Online, we want to make sure you have every resource available for a successful and inclusive journey. For more information on the offices and programs available, students are welcome to contact the Office of Diversity & Equity at diversity@louisville.edu or the Online Learning Office at online@louisville.edu. For a complete list of all resources available for our online student learning community, click here.

Master your degree in Industrial Engineering with 3 specialized tracks

By Gillian Sclafani | December 12, 2022 | Comments 0 Comment

The University of Louisville’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering offers a master’s degree program in Industrial Engineering with the option to choose from 3 focus areas: Data Analytics & Operations Research, Logistics & Supply Chain, and Human Factors. The MS in Industrial Engineering is a 30-credit hour (10 courses) program that requires 2 core courses (6 credit hours) and 8 courses in an area of focus or across multiple areas for degree completion. The program is taught 100% online by the same professors who teach on campus, affording our students the flexibility to earn their degree, on their schedule, by professors who are experts in the field of industrial engineering. The program is arranged in a unique 8-week course format, allowing the student the flexibility they need to earn their master’s degree while continuing to work and take care of their family.

Many students are able to complete the program and earn their master’s degree in as little as 1.5-2 years. Students entering the program have the option to choose from 3 specialized areas or to customize their coursework by selecting courses from across all the available options. The information below will break down the 3 focus areas and highlight the courses students can take:

Data Analytics & Operations Research Track

IE 515 Operations Research Methods

Formulation and solution of basic models in operations research. Topics to be covered include applications of linear, integer, and nonlinear programming; transportation and assignment problems, and network flows models.

IE 541 Simulation

The use of discrete event simulation to analyze systems. Topics include Monte Carlo techniques, sampling from and identifying stochastic distributions, estimating performance measures from simulation outputs, validation methods, and SIMIO simulation language.

IE 561 Decision Support System in Excel

This course teaches the fundamentals of computer programming using Excel’s macro language, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), as the language of instruction. The course starts by teaching students to simplify and extend code generated by Excels macro recorder and then builds on that base toward developing applications that analyze information and enhance decision making. This course also provides an introduction to the concepts and methods of Decision Science, which involves the application of mathematical modeling and analysis to management problems. It also provides a foundation for modeling with VBA in Excel.

Logistics & Supply Chain Track

IE 515 Operations Research MethodsFormulation and solution of basic models in operations research. Topics to be covered include applications of linear, integer, and nonlinear programming; transportation and assignment problems, and network flows models.

IE 621 Facility Planning

Design and layout of industrial facilities, facility location, space requirements, flow charts, relationship diagrams, material handling, quantitative layout techniques, production line balancing, and computer programs for layout planning.

IE 625 Production and Inventory ControlTopics include the context of inventory management and production planning decisions, economic order quantities, heuristics and models for probabilistic and time-varying demand patterns, coordinated replenishment systems, and aggregate planning.

Human Factors Track

IE 580 Introduction to Human Factors Engineering and Ergonomics

The main goal of this course is to introduce students to the study of human cognitive and physical abilities and limitations, and the application of that knowledge to engineering design. This course will demonstrate how the application of human factors and ergonomics principles can improve the design of systems involving the interaction of humans with tools, technology, and the work environment.

IE 581 Advanced Topics in Human Factors Engineering

The main goal of this course is to learn and apply advanced methods in human factors engineering, as well as newer models, theories, and frameworks related to the field.

IE 585 Usability Engineering

This course exposes students to the constructs of usability, usefulness, user-centered design, and user experience (UX) and their relation to engineering design. The course covers an interactive evaluation-centered user experience (UX) lifecycle as a template intended to be instantiated in many different ways to match the constraints of a particular development project. The UX lifecycle, sketching, conceptual design, and formative UX evaluation.

For students who choose the general study path, the 8 courses may consist of 1-2 courses in each of the focus areas listed above in addition to other electives. Regardless of which area of study you choose, students will work with the MSIE Program Director to develop a Plan of Study (PoS) upon admission, which may be revised as the student progresses throughout the program.

If you are ready to take the next step in earning your master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, complete your application today. UofL offers 6 convenient start terms throughout the academic year. Click here to learn more.

Category: Feature Stories