ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015 HIGHLIGHTS



Beau Sanchez, Pennsylvania |  Public Health, MPH | University of Nebraska Medical Center

A Word from the Director

I’m pleased to share with you the 2014-2015 University of Nebraska Online Worldwide Annual Report. This collaborative initiative of the University of Nebraska (NU) pulls together the collective strength in online education of the four campuses and also includes the accredited, college-prep University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) that recently celebrated 85 years. In this report you will see the depth, growth and innovation of this initiative, and have an opportunity to meet some of our amazing students who study from a distance.

By working together as one university, we can bring the academic rigor, access to quality faculty and the accredited programs of our campuses to more students. NU Online Worldwide leverages the uniqueness of each of our campuses to provide students with meaningful options and choices as they pursue their academic goals. Student success is our primary goal.

Sincerely,
Mary Niemiec 

Associate Vice President for Distance Education Director
University of Nebraska Online Worldwide

I was hooked after the first class. The quality of the curriculum and the professors made me decide to keep going and get my master’s degree. I wanted a degree that would mean something. Now I run the social studies department for my entire district. Getting my degree at the University of Nebraska changed my life.

Steve Sonken, Texas | History, MA | University of Nebraska at Kearney

Evolving With Technology

In today’s world, technology is ubiquitous and students have come to expect it in nearly every aspect of their lives. As educators, we have a responsibility to evaluate available technologies for their best applications to enhance learning and create wider access for more students.

Recognizing this, our campuses are working together to share best practices and develop dynamic, relevant programs to meet workforce needs. NU faculty continues to demonstrate their commitment to student success through the use of technology to teach and share their research knowledge.

“Online learning flattens the world. It opens up opportunities for individuals who want a University of Nebraska education, but are not able to come on campus.”

Dele Davies | Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs | University of Nebraska Medical Center

With the changing face of post-secondary students, the need for flexibility in the delivery of education is more important than ever. Using technology as a platform, more students are now able to advance their education and engage with world-class faculty no matter their location or life circumstances.

The NU Online Student

Average Age

34

Graduate/Professional Students

70%

Women

62%

Nebraskans

68%

Attend Part-Time

79%

"Online education opens up a world of possibility to Nebraskans. It allows them to take college courses and work toward a degree in a way that fits their own personal situations."

Play Audio - President's Halftime Interview Hank M. Bounds, Ph.D. | 7th President of the University of Nebraska

Strategy for Success

In establishing the University of Nebraska Online Worldwide initiative, the Board of Regents set a goal to increase resident enrollment from students who study at a distance as well as nonresident enrollment in online programs. These are students who would not have otherwise enrolled in an NU program if not for the flexibility online education provides.

Online Enrollments by State, Fall 2014

1-9
10-24
25-49
50-99
100-2,000
Offering an online minor in animal science develops a skillset in students vital to businesses in Nebraska and globally." Lisa Karr- Lilienthal, Ph.D. Assoc. Professor, Dept. of Animal Science | University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Meeting the Needs of Nebraska

Online education at the University of Nebraska aligns with the institution’s goals of increasing access to quality education for more Nebraskans, meeting student needs and producing a highly skilled workforce. As a state with exceptionally low unemployment, the university plays a role in supporting the economy of Nebraska by continuing to grow enrollment and facilitating degree attainment in the state. This is especially significant for the nearly 300,000 Nebraskans who have some college credit but have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.

2,440
Non-Resident Students
4,665 Resident Students
3.0%
Panhandle
8.7% Northeast
14.1%
West Central
26.0% Southeast
30.8% Omaha
17.4% Lincoln

A Full University Online

Through the collaborative online effort, the University of Nebraska offers a full array of online degrees, certificates, endorsements and minors - from bachelor's through doctorate - across numerous subject areas.

Computer Science

Computer Science

Four programs available ranging from certificates to bachelor's degree tracks.

Social Sciences

Social Sciences

A total of 16 B.S., M.A. and certificate programs including a US News-ranked criminal justice B.S.

Education

Education

More than 60 programs to choose from, many highly-ranked by US News.

Engineering

Engineering

Ranked 34th by US News & World Report.

Health Sciences

Health Sciences

Programs in allied health, public health and nursing.

Architecture & Interior Design

Architecture & Interior Design

Unique Master of Interior Design with a certificate in gerontology (interior design) prepares students to serve the aging population.

Public Administration

Public Administration

NASPAA accredited MPA program.

Journalism & Communications

Journalism & Communications

Students can obtain a B.A. or M.A. in one of three concentrations.

100+

Programs

General Studies

General Studies

Ranked 58th by US News.

Natural & Physical Sciences

Natural & Physical Sciences

Biology, M.S. top-trending program.

Agriculture & Life Sciences

Agriculture & Life Sciences

A total of 10 B.S., M.A. and certificate programs including the Meat Culinology® certificate program – the first of its kind.

Humanities & Arts

Humanities & Arts

Eight master’s degree programs covering a variety of topics and geared toward working adults’ career advancement.

Law

Law

Students can obtain a cutting-edge LL.M. in space, cyber and telecom law.

Library Sciences

Library Sciences

A total of 12 programs including a US News-ranked Library Science BGS.

Business

Business

AACSB accredited MBA, ranked 21st by US News.

Family Studies & Human Services

Youth & Family Studies

A total of thirteen M.A., B.A. and certificate programs covering UNL UNO & UNK.

Military-Friendly Campuses & Programs

In addition to the academic partnerships created by collaborative programs, the University of Nebraska Online Worldwide facilitates communities of practice in the areas of military and veteran student services and instructional design. These groups are comprised of personnel from the campuses responsible for these vital supports and provides opportunity for staff to share and learn from one another.

  • • In-state tuition for active duty students and their spouses stationed in Nebraska
  • • Flexible deployment policies
  • • Evaluation of non-traditional credits
100% Yellow Ribbon Participant
" I found a highly ranked program available online that worked with me while overseas and helped develop the skills I apply in my role each day." Jeff Lehmkuhl, New Mexico | Public Administration, MPA | University of Nebraska at Omaha

Collaboration and Innovation

NU Online Worldwide partners annually with University of Nebraska Information Technology (UNIT) to deliver a system-wide faculty and staff development opportunity focused on the use of technology to teach and support the academic mission. The 2015 Innovation in Pedagogy and Technology Symposium drew more than 550 faculty, staff and IT professionals for a day of sharing cross-campus and cross-discipline effective practices, featuring two nationally-recognized experts and over 30 NU sessions.

University of Nebraska High School

As an accredited, diploma-granting school, the University of Nebraska High School (UNHS) maintains the highest standards in curriculum development to prepare students around the world for college.

  • • 100+ core, elective, & Advanced Placement® courses.
  • • Accredited by AdvancED & Nebraska Department of Education
  • • NCAA-approved
  • • Dual enrollment through University of Nebraska at Omaha
The most important thing is that the University of Nebraska High School has provided flexibility in my learning without sacrificing the quality of my education.” Abby | UNHS Student & Gymnast

From Nebraska to the World

In support of Nebraska schools, NU has provided the Nebraska Virtual Scholars program, which provides a limited number of scholarships to school administrators to use for UNHS courses. In 2014, 212 scholarships were awarded to 35 Nebraska schools in 25 countries.

Stats at a Glance FY 15 Students 2,945 International Students 1,015 Course Enrollments 9,657 Enrollments from Local School Partners 70%

More Information

Learn more about the great things that are happening in online education at the University of Nebraska:

Download the Full Report (PDF)
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