Joyce Wagner
In Motion Staff Writer
Announced in Jan., Daytona State College ranked in the top 10, for the 2nd year, for the 2014 edition of the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs by U.S. News & World Report.
This year, the categories used to determine ranking included: student engagement; faculty credentials and training; and student services and technology; with the addition of peer reputation. To qualify for this distinction, the degree must be able to be earned completely online, following the guidelines used by the U.S. Department of Education for distance education programs. Out of a possible 100, DSC had an overall score of 92.
“This second year of top ten placement for Daytona State reaffirms our success with delivery of high quality online bachelor’s programs,” said President Carol W. Eaton. “Once again we see the stellar results of hard work by our innovative faculty and staff.”
Considering how to use the information, Sharon Crow, Senior Vice President said, “I think it’s basically measuring us against ourselves. Our improvement against what we did last year, let us see what we can do better next year.”
In 2006, DSC began offering bachelor’s programs in response to community need. Two degrees, Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management (BAS) and Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (BSET) were submitted for consideration for the online ranking. DSC currently has 11 bachelor’s degrees to choose from. Besides the BAS and BSET, Daytona State offers seven Bachelor of Science in Education degrees, plus two new additions this semester, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Over 1,500 students are enrolled in the online baccalaureate classes.
Eileen Hamby, head of the College of Business Administration said, “We’re grateful for the continued support of our Board of Trustees, the president, senior staff and the Instructional Resources Department that is so critical to the ongoing success of Daytona State’s online bachelor’s programs.” Hamby was responsible for the first bachelor’s program at DSC, the BAS.
Regarding the BSET program, Ron Eaglin, from the School of Engineering Technology said, “Daytona State’s talented faculty and excellence in program design continue to contribute to our status among the best in the country. We review and enhance our delivery and process continually, with faculty advancing our methodology with each class.”
According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, financial benefits of obtaining a bachelor’s degree include, earning 84 percent more money throughout their lifetime compared to workers with only a high school diploma. Additionally, high school graduates have more than double the rate of unemployment.
The cost per credit for baccalaureate courses is $92 for in-state and $560 for out-of-state residents, with financial aid available, making it affordable to earn a bachelor’s degree at DSC.
The convenience of online classes offers flexibility to attend college from wherever the student lives and around their personal schedules. The study results are a great indicator of the quality of online education offered at Daytona State College.