(Walnut Ridge, Ark.) – A Williams Baptist College education will soon be available online. Williams, a four-year liberal arts college at Walnut Ridge, has announced that it will offer degrees through the Internet starting in coming weeks.
WBC is launching online degree completion programs in both psychology and pastoral ministries in March, with a program in business set to begin in May. All of the programs will allow students to complete their bachelor’s degrees, and classes will be entirely online.
“In order to accomplish our mission completely, we have developed strategies that will expose us to a broader range of students,†said Williams President Dr. Tom Jones. “The WBC online degree program will make our Christian college experience available to those who are not able to attend the Williams on-campus program.â€
The online program has been developed during the past 13 months under the direction of Dr. Eric Turner, dean of adult education at Williams. Turner said the program is for adult students, 23 years of age and older, who have successfully completed at least 45 hours of college.
Both Turner and Jones noted that adults compose a sizable majority of today’s college students. Some 80 percent of the current college market is 25 years of age or older, and they typically have a learning style that differs from traditional college students.
“Typically, an adult learner is older and has significant responsibilities in their community, church, family and job,†Turner said. “These experiences have provided them knowledge and experiences that impact the way they learn. Their lifestyles often require a learning environment that is compact, intense and accessible.â€
Turner pointed out that while the content of WBC’s online classes is the same as what is offered in the classroom, the Internet courses are better suited to the busy schedules of adult students.
“The format is asynchronous. In other words, students do not have to log in at set times,†he said. “While there are certain class participation requirements and due dates, students can accomplish these things at their convenience.â€
The adult online program is designed to be an extension of Williams in every facet, and Jones emphasized that that the online format is not a “sidebar†activity for the college.
“Our online program will have the same high standards, personal approach and Christian basis for which Williams is known. Students will receive personal attention through an administrative and educational process that will accommodate their busy lives,†the president noted.
Turner said the personal and spiritual dimensions for which WBC is known will be conveyed through the virtual campus, or VC.
“The VC provides an interactive community: special interest groups like Campus Ministries, chapel streaming, and academic interest groups, that students can take advantage of,†he said.
“Students of any age desire to be part of a community of learners. Adults especially do not want to feel alone in their learning community and the VC attempts to build this community within the online environment.â€
The program is fully accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, the regional accrediting agency for higher education in this part of the nation. The HLC extended its approval to the Williams online program following a site team visit last fall.
Williams has been accredited through the HLC since 1963.
Those who want more information on the WBC Adult Online Program can visit www.williamsbaptistcollege.com/online. They can also call (855) 792-2932 or email online@my.wbcoll.edu for information.