NEWS

Online graduate history program makes national list

Jun 11, 2015 | Liberal Arts

Louisiana Tech University’s online Master of Arts degree program in history has appeared on a new list of “Best Master’s in History Programs” released by GoGrad.org, an emerging expert information resource on graduate-level education. Since the first class was admitted in Fall Quarter 2012, eight students have completed Tech’s M.A. degree in history, fulfilling all requirements entirely online. logo“Louisiana Tech still offers the traditional on-campus master’s degree as it has for the past 50 years,” said Jeffery R. Hankins, an associate professor and coordinator of graduate studies in history, “but the online degree opens opportunities for many students who otherwise we could not serve.” GoGrad.org founder Wes Ricketts agrees. Referring to Louisiana Tech and other programs, Ricketts explained, “These institutions offer degrees and services which exceed academic standards of excellence. They also give students the flexibility to continue their higher education through the graduate level while working and building experience in their chosen fields.” It’s just that combination of academic quality and program flexibility that matters to College of Liberal Arts Dean Donald P. Kaczvinsky. “We are extremely proud of our history program,” Kaczvinsky said, indicating that the national recognition “attests to the high quality of our faculty and classes, but also to our flexibility and willingness to do what it takes to meet current student needs.” According to Hankins, the typical online student is employed full-time. “Applicants to our program come from all over the country and include in-service teachers, active-duty military, law enforcement personnel, and many other professionals,” Hankins said. “Each has his or her own reason for wanting to pursue graduate study in history and our program makes that possible.” According to GoGrad.org marketing and communications director Leona Hutchinson, as more students look to further their education, it is important to know which schools are offering outstanding degree programs. “At GoGrad.org we hope to aid graduate students by highlighting the schools that offer the most support in terms of career counseling, job placement and diverse programming,” Hutchinson said. At Louisiana Tech, online programs are offered through the Global Campus. The complete report on online master’s programs in history can be seen at http://www.gograd.org/online-masters-programs/history-degree/ Written by Judith Roberts – jroberts@latech.edu