San Antonio.- UIW is offering an inexpensive, convenient way for adults to get their bachelors or masters degree. For 40% less than the cost of attending a traditional brick-and-mortar school, students can get their degree online at UIW’s Virtual University.
The online courses are designed to help train and transition adults into their future career.
Dr. Cyndi Porter, vice president for Extended Academic Programs, said the program is unique because its rigorous courses don’t cut corners. Students taking online courses do the same as students in a classroom setting.
The Virtual University is helpful to those who want a quality education with time to work and/or take care of their families.
Students may transfer in, but 45 of their total credit hours must be completed through the school’s online courses. Applicants must be out of high school for five years and have three years of work experience, stay-at-home parenting included.
“I think almost everybody who decides to go back to school as an adult (and) wouldn’t have the opportunity otherwise,” she said of the types of students who attend the online university.
Students like Valerie Vargas, working on her graduate’s degree in Arts and Communication, have taken advantage of the opportunity. She enrolled in UIW’s online classes after illness prevented her from going to school.
Since earning her bachelor’s degree of Arts and Human Resources, Vargas has decided to continue her education online while working as an Academic Advisor for UIW’s Adult Degree Completion Program.
“I really do enjoy the flexibility of the virtual university classes,” said Vargas, a wife and working mother of two.
Ruby Herrera, who works as an administrative assistant to Porter, was inspired to return to school when her daughter went to college.
“If I can expect her to go to college and get a degree, there’s no reason why I can’t get my degree,” she stated. “I can do it too.”
She is currently studying for her bachelor’s degree in Organizational Development. Taking online courses allows her to enjoy more family time.
“It’d just be harder to go to a traditional university, taking away evening hours with my family,” she emphasized.
Students are not alone in their journey; each student gets access to an advisor to assist them from start to finish. Students are also offered online assistance with their homework.
Porter appreciated the fact that students have the flexibility to take online classes and work at the same time.
“I wish they would’ve done that when I was going to school,” she added.
Vargas is certainly grateful that the program exists.
“I would not be able to continue my degree if I didn’t have the Virtual University as an option,” she said. “I can have a life and still finish my education so I can better my life for me and my children.”
To apply at no charge visit: http://online.uiw.edu/admissions.
Katherine Garcia is an intern at La Prensa de San Antonio. She can be reached at intern@laprensasa.com.
www.laprensasa.com no se hace responsable de las ideas expresadas por los autores de los comentarios y se reserva el derecho a eliminar aquellos contenidos que: