Promoting and Supporting an Online Degree Completion Program

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Promoting and Supporting an Online Degree
Completion Program

• Chris Marshall and Terrie Nagel
• AACIS, November 2005

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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Degree Completion Program
We have received many requests over the years
for a flexible program that would give students
access to a bachelors degree. The BGS is an
excellent option for those returning to college
or for those interested in tailoring areas of
study to their career or personal interests.
Von Pittman, CDIS Director
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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Degree Completion Program
The BGS online program is for students who have
completed at least 60 transferable credit hours
from a regionally accredited college or
university or an associate of arts degree (AA)
from a regionally accredited Missouri
institution. Students must have successfully
completed college algebra and expository writing.

A minimum overall grade-point average of 2.0 (C
will increase to 2.5 effective FS2006) is
required of transfer/returning students.
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BGS Background

• Worked with admissions and the College of Arts
  and Science to begin admitting students FS2004
• Most students/inquiries from the Midwest, esp.
  Missouri

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BGS Background

• Required different academic major and coding
  (General Studies-Online)
• Admissions generates/sends letters to those
  admitted
• Admissions and AS may both be
  involved in academic action
  taken

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BGS Special Reports and Letters

• SIS generates biweekly BGS report
• Follow-up information emailed to those admitted,
  denied, and re-admitted
• Special letters attached with specific
  follow-through information, including contact
  information for Chris, if student has been
  admitted to the program

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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Marketing

• Late summer 2004 online Mizzou
  statewide marketing campaign
• CDIS website
• Summer 2005 letter sent to all former MU
  students who did not complete
• BGS blurbs in course bulletins

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CDIS website
BGS links
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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Marketing

• BGS information packet that contains cover
  letter, program information sheets, brochure and
  course bulletin
• July 2005 added information request to CDIS
  website

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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Marketing
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BGS Status to-date
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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Outcomes

• Advisor/CDIS/student interaction is crucial
• Work in progress continually refining
  information sent to emphasize key points, or
  refining information requested

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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Outcomes

• BGS students who are completing their coursework
  are highly motivated and do well
• Attrition some do not enroll, a few do not work
  on their courses
• Lab course through independent study has been
  approved

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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Outcomes

• Potential students dont always read the
  information
• Some apply knowing they dont meet the admission
  requirements
• Initially concerned about those with limited
  computer skills

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Testimonial
BGS Student
David Dunn, age 51
Its something Ive always wanted to do and
never really had time to finish Now that my
wife and I kind of halfway retired, I have a bit
more time A degree isnt going to make a bit of
difference to me financially, but thats not my
motivation Im just barely computer literate,
and I can do fine. Anybody can do this if they
put their mind to it.
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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Degree Completion Program
What is a bachelor of general studies?
The bachelor of general studies degree (BGS) is
designed to give students the opportunity and
flexibility to study several areas of interest
while earning an undergraduate degree. The degree
offers an interdisciplinary approach that can
provide students with the skills necessary to
excel in their professions.
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BGS Degree Specifics
Bachelors Degree BGS 120 hours
Electives 36 hours
General Education Requirements 36 hours
Major 3 Comp. Capstone 48 hours
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Bachelor of General Studies Online
Component Areas

• Business
• Social Sciences
• Humanities
• English
• Education Studies

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BGS Degree
Graduation Plans

• Three components
• Each at least 15 credit hours
• Common theme or subject area
• General education courses
• Electives

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Thank you!
University of Missouri

Chris Marshall marshallce_at_missouri.edu
Terrie Nagel nagelt_at_missouri.edu