Newswise — Ushering in a new chapter in 21st century higher education, Northern Arizona University today announced the launch of its Personalized Learning program, offering accredited, competency-based online bachelor’s degrees for just $5,000 a year.
Initial degrees include Computer Information Technology, Liberal Arts and Small Business Administration. Students can now begin the application process at www.nau.edu/personalizedlearning.
“Personalized Learning marks a watershed moment in higher education,” said John Haeger, president of Northern Arizona University. “As the first public university to launch this kind of competency-based program, Northern Arizona University is opening an entirely new level of access to a respected university education.”
NAU’s Personalized Learning program enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree online in a time- and cost- effective manner by crediting their existing knowledge and tailoring coursework to their learning preferences.
“Personalized Learning takes the learning objectives of traditional college coursework and reorganizes them to be more engaging and applicable to today’s workplace,” said Fred Hurst, senior vice president, NAU-Extended Campuses and creator of Personalized Learning. “This program is about creating a skilled and inspired adult workforce with the necessary critical thinking skills that meet the demands of employers.”
Limitless Learning Opportunities through a Self-Paced Model
Personalized Learning allows students to take courses online at any time, in any order, and to advance as quickly as they can. There are no limitations on the number of lessons or credits a student can complete in any amount of time. Students have complete control over the college experience, from selecting lessons to interacting with faculty mentors to paying tuition.
All-Inclusive, Affordable Tuition
NAU’s Personalized Learning also takes the confusion out of paying for college with its flat rate of $2,500 for six months of study, or $5,000 for a full year. There are no additional out-of-pocket costs for students such as lab fees or program fees, required textbooks, or commuting to and from class. When a students’ subscription expires they simply sign up for another six months.
Student Success Based on Competency
Personalized Learning students advance in their studies by demonstrating mastery of the skills (or competencies) for a particular course, regardless of how long it takes.
Competency is demonstrated with pre- and post- lesson assessments. A student must achieve at least 86 percent proficiency in order to advance.
Credit for What You Know
NAU accepts a range of transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities, awarding credit for what students already know through its pre-assessments.
According to Alison Brown, associate vice president, NAU-Extended Campuses, “It’s simple. Say you’ve been handling the accounts for a small business for years. You know business accounting backward and forward. With Personalized Learning, you can test out of the parts of accounting where you are already competent. Before, you would have had to sit through, and pay for, unnecessary classes.”
Now Enrolling
Interested students can take a self-assessment to determine if Personalized Learning is a good fit at www.nau.edu/personalizedlearning.
Northern Arizona University created Personalized Learning with funds from a $1 million grant it received in 2012 from EDUCAUSE and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. NAU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
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