State University of New York
Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, New York
Distance Learning Program
More than 4,000 students are served annually by the College's Center for Distance Learning (CDL). Established in 1978, CDL offers distance courses in a variety of media, primarily Web and print. As a founding member of the SUNY Learning Network, the College was among the first in the State University of New York to offer online courses. It was also the first within the University to offer an entire degree (in business, management, and economics) online. Today, students may earn online degrees in most areas of study offered by the College. Through the Graduate Studies program, an M.B.A. is offered primarily via the World Wide Web.
The Center for Distance Learning makes use of the latest distance learning technology on the World Wide Web, as well as standard mail and telecommunications. Empire State College's online distance learning courses can be accessed at any time of the day, allowing students and faculty members to share ideas and concepts at times that are convenient to them. In addition, all student services, such as registration, academic advising, career and library services, and peer support, are also available on the Web.
The Center for Distance Learning is one of a select number of institutions of higher learning that offer online degree programs to both the United States Army and the United States Navy. Through eArmyU, soldiers may take part in portable learning that suits the requirements of military life. The College also participates in the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership (NCPDLP) and the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE), for sailors who also need maximum flexibility in the ways they study. Many other organizations and corporations work with CDL to sponsor educational options for their employees, including a number of telecommunications companies and unions. A complete list is available at http://www.esc.edu.
In collaboration with nationally recognized online course providers Education To Go and SkillSoft, Inc., Empire State College offers a series of 300 noncredit online courses geared to adult learners in the workplace. The courses are available in two different delivery formats: more than 100 six-week, instructor-supported courses and 150 two- and three-hour independent study courses that are available to students for a three-month usage period.
Programs of Study
The Center for Distance Learning offers both two- and four-year degrees: Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Professional Studies. The College also offers five Master of Arts programs, with concentrations in business and policy studies, labor and policy studies, liberal studies, and social policy, in addition to an M.B.A. with online courses.
One of the strengths of the Empire State College distance learning program is that students are assigned a faculty mentor, who guides them through all phases of their degree program, from academic planning to graduation. With their adviser, undergraduate students design individualized degree programs in any of eleven areas of study: the arts; business, management, and economics; community and human services; cultural studies; educational studies; historical studies; human development; interdisciplinary studies; labor studies; science, mathematics, and technology; and social theory, social structure, and change. Within these degree programs, a number of concentrations can be developed. Some examples of these are fire service administration, criminal justice, and management of health services and information systems.
To earn an associate degree, a student must successfully complete 64 credits, with at least 24 earned through study with Empire State College. A bachelor's degree requires successful completion of 128 credits, with at least 32 being earned through the College.
Applying for Distance Education
There are two principal requirements for admission to Empire State College: possession of a high school diploma or its equivalent and the ability of the College to meet the applicant's educational needs and objectives.
Students can transfer credits earned at other regionally accredited institutions to Empire State College and can receive credit for college-level learning gained through work and life experience and through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), standardized tests, or individualized evaluation. A total of 40 prior learning credits may be granted in the associate degree program; 96 credits may be applied to a bachelor's degree program.
Empire State College reviews applications in order of date received, and students may apply online. The number of new students accepted depends on available space. There are five deadlines per year posted on the Web site (address listed below). Nonmatriculated students can take up to 16 credits without applying to the College.
Costs
Undergraduate tuition was $235 per credit. A per-term telecommunications development and support fee of $50 was also charged, which provided access to electronic mail, computer conferencing, the Internet, and other information sources.
Financial Aid
More than $35 million in financial aid was awarded to Empire State College students in 2002-03, with more than 50 percent of the enrolled students receiving some form of financial assistance. General financial aid programs available through Empire State College include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Work-Study Program. New York State financial aid programs include the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS), and the SUNY Supplemental Tuition Award. The Empire State College Foundation awards more than $49,000 in scholarships and grants annually.
For Additional Information
Center for Distance Learning
Empire State College
3 Union Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866-4391
800-847-3000
E-mail: cdl@esc.edu