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Have you ever been interested in taking classes at a Christ-centered organization but couldn t find the time or
gas money to take them? Well, an upcoming change to Montreat’s vast number of degrees may be just the thing you
need!
In the past, Montreat has offered various online courses to supplement our traditional classroom system. How
ever, in the coming years, and with the aid of The Learning House, Montreat’s online educational partner, the College
will begin offering online degrees. This process began this past April and is projected to become a reality this coming
Jsnuary. I recently sat down with our Associate Dean of Academics, Becky Frawley, and our Senior Vice President/
Provost, Dr. Marshal Flowers to discuss this upcoming addition to Montreats educational offerings. This will be the first
of many articles to cover this exciting change.
As this is a new addition, it will start out relatively simple. For the projected January 7, 2013 launch. Mon
treat will offer two business degree; a Bachelor’s of Business Administration(BBA) and a Master s of Science and
Business(MSB). However, Montreat hopes to offer more online degrees down the road. When the programs first
launch, there is a projected 7% materialization from approximately 600 inquiries for an enrollment of 30-35 students.
The ideal enrollment for online classes is 10-15. These online courses will some unique features as well. For in
stance, degree/curriculum specialists from The Learning House programs will be available for 24/7 conference calling
support to the online learner.
While anyone will be able to work towards these degrees, the program is mainly being marketed towards work
ing/family raising adults who wish to return to a Christ centered education. However, there has been some interest
from current students wishing to enroll in the online program.
-Lucas Smith
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Learning Made easier!
Yes, you heard right students learning made easy with The Learning House Online Program. This past
Friday the 21st, The Learning House team came to Montreat College to talk about their new online learning pro-
Qram. Montreat is hoping to expand its school not only on the ground but through online learning as well, with
online learning centers already in Montreat, Asheville, Morganton, Charlotte, and many other places.
The Director of Account Management explained that online learning is the future with a 20 percent online
growth within the past year and only a 2 percent growth on the ground. Recent studies show also that out of
1500 students that attend Montreat College through online courses over 60 percent taking online courses are
over 40, and just trying to keep a balanced work life and “keep their head above water. All these facts though
doesn’t mean a traditional student can not take online courses and get degrees as well.
Dr. Flowers said “He would love to see in the near future more online degrees available to the future
students of Montreat, and that online learning is something of a higher level of not only accomplishment but also
in learning.” So far the only current degrees offered at Montreat College via online are the Bachelor of Business
Administration, BBA, and Master of Science Management and Leadership, MSML.
The Learning House Online Program talked about how some schools offered Physical Education, and
even Public Speaking classes online. Dr, Flowers gave us his input on this, I love the idea and think Montreat
should be creatively open to new ideas like this and I’d even love to see math brought online to students.
With a 24/7 tech support through a simple phone call or even through chat this makes your online learn
ing even easier. Even with all these online degrees aimed towards your more typical working class family. Dr.
Flowers and The Learning House would love to see even traditional students work online towards these de
grees, and the plus side it doesn’t cost the school anything! Montreat can expect to see these online courses up
and running and taking action the week of January 7th.
-Nic Gerstung
I Septembr 25,2012 | Page^