Online Learning
U North Texas Launches Fully Online Bachelor's Degree on Coursera
The University of North Texas is giving non-traditional students a pathway to complete a bachelor's degree online. The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program will launch on Coursera beginning in fall 2020 — making it the first bachelor's degree from a United States university on the platform.
Designed for students who have prior college or military credit, the BAAS allows students to transfer up to 90 credit hours toward the 120-credit degree (students are required to transfer a minimum of 60 credit hours). From there they can pursue concentrations in administration, organizational supervision, social services, hospitality, media innovation, consumer behavior or information technology.
In addition, students who have completed Coursera's Google IT Support Professional Certificate can earn credit toward the BAAS's information technology concentration.
Cost for the BAAS program is $330 per credit hour (scholarships will be available). Applicants are assigned a pre-adviser to "help create a customized degree plan based on their goals and previously earned credits," according to a news announcement; students continue to receive guidance from the advising team throughout the program.
"By bringing our BAAS program to Coursera, we're offering non-traditional students everywhere the opportunity to thrive in a high-quality academic environment," said Jennifer Cowley, provost and vice president for academic affairs at UNT, in a statement. "The program will offer students the same engaging support, personal interaction and career services as our on-campus BAAS program to ensure they are set up for success post-graduation."
"At UNT, we recognize that not everyone can take the traditional path to a bachelor's degree and strive to help students of all backgrounds and experiences succeed," commented Adam Fein, vice president of digital strategy and innovation at UNT. "We're excited to bring our successful BAAS program to Coursera and offer students around the world the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and take advantage of the vast career opportunities this credential offers."
For more information, visit the BAAS site on Coursera.
About the Author
Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].
