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“We envision a world where anyone, anywhere can transform their life by accessing the world’s best learning experience,” reads the About Us section at Coursera’s webpage. This year, the online learning platform is taking another step into completing this mission with the launch of its first bachelor’s degree program from a U.S university.
Last week, Coursera announced a collaboration with the University of North Texas (UNT), a public research university, to offer its Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (B.A.A.S.) through the online learning platform. Ranked among the top 100 U.S. universities for ethnic diversity and social mobility, UNT initially developed the degree program to help students with diverse backgrounds earn an accredited bachelor’s degree.
At $330 per credit hour*, the B.A.A.S. has one of the most affordable tuition rates among similar programs. According to UNT, “the program is one of the fastest, most affordable ways for non-traditional students, with some college credit, to finish their bachelor’s degree.”
“By bringing our B.A.A.S. program to Coursera, we’re offering non-traditional students everywhere the opportunity to thrive in a high-quality academic environment,” said Jennifer Cowley, provost and vice president for academic affairs at UNT. “The program will offer students the same engaging support, personal interaction, and career services as our on-campus B.A.A.S. program to ensure they are set up for success post-graduation.”
While a degree continues to be regarded as one of the most valued credentials in the job market, 36 million Americans have attended some college but never completed their degree. Online platforms are taking note. Just last week we reported on a similar initiative by edX, with the creation of the MicroBachelors programs, a series of “career path focused courses” that students can complete earning academic credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Now, Coursera and UNT join the mission to help students earn a degree.
“At UNT, we recognize that not everyone can take the traditional path to a bachelor’s degree and strive to help students of all backgrounds and experiences succeed,” said Dr. Adam Fein, vice president of digital strategy and innovation at UNT. “We’re excited to bring our successful B.A.A.S. program to Coursera and offer students around the world the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree and take advantage of the vast career opportunities this credential offers.”
Beginning in fall 2020, the multidisciplinary degree will offer seven focused concentrations: administration, organizational supervision, social services, hospitality, media innovation, consumer behavior, and information technology. Moreover, the university will provide each applicant with a pre-advisor to help the student create a customized degree plan based on their goals and previously earned credits. Once admitted, the university will provide continuous guidance to help the student’s journey.
Characteristics of the B.A.A.S. program:
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Quality. With 130 years of experience, UNT is a well-established research institution that stands for social mobility.
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Alternative pathway. Students can transfer their educational experience and college credits towards a degree.
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Personalized. Students will receive the same support and career services as on-campus students
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Flexible. Students can learn when and where it works best for them.
Moreover, students who complete the Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera can receive credit toward the information technology concentration of the B.A.A.S. Developed by Google, a program designed to prepare learners for an entry-level job in IT support in under six months.
Applications for the B.A.A.S. will open in February 2020 and the first cohort is expected to begin this fall. For more information about UNT’s new Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences visit: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/unt-online-bachelor-completion
* According to Coursera’s site, students who complete 45 credit hours through the online B.A.A.S. from UNT will see a total tuition cost of less than $15,000
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This article from Observatory of the Institute for the Future of Education may be shared under the terms of the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 
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