Distance Learning | News
U Florida Targets 24,000 Online Enrollments Through Pearson Partnership
The University of Florida has launched
UF Online to offer undergraduate degree
programs online for new and transfer students.
UF partnered with Pearson to launch UF
Online, with Pearson providing support while UF maintains ownership of "all
decisions related to curricula, faculty, admission and enrollment standards,"
according to information from Pearson. Meanwhile, Pearson will provide UF Online
with technology, recruitment marketing, enrollment management and student
support and retention services. Pearson will also provide e-textbooks if
instructors request them, as well as support for research in UF's Online
Research Institute.
According to Pearson, the UF Online degree programs will provide the same
academic quality and content as UF's on-campus programs, but the online programs
will provide students with the flexibility to complete their degree from
anywhere. UF projects enrollment numbers for UF Online to reach 24,000 within 10
years.
UF Online launched at the beginning of January with five degree programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration;
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Law;
- Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental
Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources;
- Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Behavior; and
- Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.
UF Online will add two more programs beginning this fall:
- Bachelor of Arts in Biology; and
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology - General.
This isn't the first time UF has worked with Pearson to provide online degree
programs. UF already uses Pearson Embanet to
support eight online graduate programs at the university, including a Master of
Arts in Mass Communications (MAMC) and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional
Planning (MAURP). Pearson Embanet is a service that helps universities provide
online education.
The University of Florida is a comprehensive public research university. It
is located in Gainesville, FL and serves nearly 50,000 students.
Further information about UF Online can be found on the
University of Florida's site.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at leilameyer@gmail.com.