On-campus leaders in online education: Purdue College of Education
The College of Education’s Purdue Online program jumped from #42 to #22 this year in the U.S. News & World Report (USNWR) rankings for online education programs, putting it in the top 6% of ranked schools.
“Data supports that even though our College is small in comparison to other colleges at Purdue, we are leaders at the University in online space and impact,” Phillip J. VanFossen, interim dean of the College, said.
Robin Cunningham, manager of the College’s online programs, attributes this not only to excellent course offerings but also to a new faculty handbook that’s impacting online instruction. Using accreditation data and USNWR information, she and others documented best practices and resources that online instructors can use to improve their instructional techniques and help students learn better.
“Purdue’s College of Education offers online master’s degree programs, graduate certificates, teacher licensure programs and hybrid doctoral programs to help advance your knowledge and career,” Cunningham said. “Our online programs provide access to our world-renowned faculty and top-quality academics in a convenient, flexible format.”
The College’s offers two PhD programs (hybrid), one Education Specialist program (hybrid), seven master’s degrees, six graduate certificates, and five licensure programs, for a total of 21 credit programs.
Online and hybrid students enjoy the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with a much more flexible class schedule. Assignments, discussions, and other coursework are posted each week in the virtual classroom. Students enjoy being able to continue working full-time while also pursuing a graduate degree.
“Purdue University provided me the education, resources, and connections to become a better clinician, professional, and father,” said Phillipe Sallade, director of training at Cornerstone Autism Center in West Lafayette and the parent of a child with autism. “Within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Purdue continues to establish research and resources to aid in understanding and accepting autism through the Purdue Autism Research Center (PARC) program. I am proud of the work they do in supporting the autistic community.”
“Purdue provided me with an affordable, easy way to continue my education and professional growth,” said Bob Iles, assistant director of career and technical education in the Logansport Community School Corporation.
“Purdue helped me achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. I had the heart and the skillset but needed the education and know-how which I received at Purdue,” said Amy Catteneo, special education teacher at Acacia Academy in Kokomo.
Teri Baxter, a special education teacher in the Batavia Public School District (Illinois), felt the program gave her a “head and shoulders advantage” in establishing herself as a special education professional. “Even as a new special education teacher, I felt extremely prepared in understanding my role in educating students with exceptionalities across K-12 environments,” Baxter said. “I also appreciated the personal connections I made and the accessibility of the professors when I needed anything. I’m so glad I chose the Purdue online program to help me pursue my second career while still raising my family!”
Employers also value the program. Joel McKinney, superintendent of Community Schools of Frankfort, Indiana, cited Lesley Miller, who recently completed the Ed Leadership program. “She is now our director of student achievement after serving our school corporation as a reading specialist and a Title 1 director,” McKinney said. “Her new role has her providing leadership and support to our school with curriculum, instruction and assessment.”
The Purdue University College of Education Online portfolio gives students the flexibility of online learning with the reputation of Purdue, enabling them to earn a degree or certificate from wherever they are located.
More about the program and community:
- Programs, certificates, and licensures
- Join Purdue Ties to connect with the Purdue College of Education Online community. Purdue Ties is a networking platform with information on job postings, current events, and news sponsored by the College.
- Meet our Interim Dean, Phillip J. VanFossen, at a short webinar to learn more about the College’s online program and ask questions afterwards.
Title: “Boilermaker Educators: “Purdue’s College of Education is a Leader in Online Education”
Date: October 19
Time: 4:00 p.m. (EST)
Register via Purdue Ties https://purdueties.com/events/191
Source: Robin Cunningham, rec@purdue.edu or educationonline@purdue.edu