Providing flexible options for finishing college is part of Mizzou’s mission as the state’s flagship public institution. Five more bachelor’s degrees are now available online, giving those who seek a Mizzou education a convenient option.
“More than 700,000 Missourians started but never finished college,” said University of Missouri Provost Latha Ramchand. “Because our portfolio of online degree programs is so broad, we have flexible options for you wherever you live and whatever career stage you are in.”
The five new 100% online bachelor’s options — communication, psychology, sociology, English and information technology — bring the tally of award-winning programs to 125. U.S. News & World Report recently placed Mizzou’s online undergraduate programs in the top third of all ranked schools.
Access to a high-quality education
For Camdenton, Missouri, resident Jessica Jensen, a bachelor’s degree from Mizzou holds merit. She is considering applying for the online bachelor’s in communication program to help further her career.
“Why Mizzou?” said Jensen. “I know it’s a great university to have on my résumé and future job applications.”
Communication is one of four new 120-credit-hour online bachelor of arts degrees from the College of Arts and Science, along with psychology, sociology and English. These programs provide a liberal arts education with a focus on both research opportunities and career readiness or advancement. Each department’s faculty comprises internationally recognized scientists, scholars and authors.
“Online students get the same access to our renowned faculty as those on campus,” said College of Arts and Science Dean Pat Okker. “And the online programs are developed by the same faculty who are dedicated to student success and excellence in research and creative endeavors.”
A comprehensive approach to career-readiness
The bachelor of science in information technology from the University of Missouri College of Engineering is already known for producing alumni who work in cyber security, software engineering, visual effects, app development and game design. Making this career-ready degree program available online opens doors for students who seek flexible options.
“Mizzou is incredibly special and, really, it is the most comprehensive university I’ve worked with,” said College of Engineering Dean Elizabeth Loboa. “We attract students from every possible discipline you can imagine.”
Loboa also considers another benefit of offering new undergraduate programs — preparing more qualified graduates for high-demand jobs. The College of Engineering’s new 126-credit-hour bachelor of science in information technology program aims to fill a growing need for more IT practitioners, software engineers and media technology specialists in a wide variety of industries.
"We have a hard time producing enough graduates,” said Loboa. “I have employers coming here constantly saying they need more of our IT graduates. These students are going to have a great opportunity for their future career.”
Ramchand echoes this sentiment. “By offering degrees that target unmet needs, we actually have the ability to serve [not only] the person who wants the degree but also to serve the state. It’s all about developing the workforce for the next generation of workers. I think it really benefits all of us.”
Fulfilling the needs of more students
For prospective students like Jensen, accessibility and career advancement aren’t the only factors in the decision to continue their education online. As a current online student at a community college, a full-time employee and a mother to a 3-year-old, she is no stranger to the flexibility that online courses provide.
Ramchand is excited for the opportunity to reach students like Jensen. “A college degree opens doors. All these different students in different stages in their lives have educational needs and it’s our pleasure to be able to help meet those needs.”
Earn your #OnlineStripes
The five new undergraduate programs are 100 percent online and are currently accepting applications for the fall semester. They join 11 other online majors in business, hospitality management, public health, education studies, health professions, nursing, general studies and interdisciplinary studies. To learn more, visit online.missouri.edu/ug