Online masters degree ranked 'Best Buy' by education Web site

For students searching for a means of further education outside the cultural norm of attending classes, IU's online master of science degree program in adult education might be exactly the right choice. Not only does it offer a chance to earn a degree outside of the classroom, but it was also recently recognized by GetEducated.com, LLC as a "Best Buy." \nHenry Merrill, from IU's School of Continuing Studies -- the school that this degree is in -- said that being named a "Best Buy" means the program fits in the category of less than $9,000 for in-state tuition. According to GetEducated.com, the "results are based on a Fall 2005 GetEducated.com, LLC survey of publicly-posted tuition rates at 101 education and allied degree programs offered through regionally accredited universities in the USA." \nIU was ranked 12 on the list of the top 25 programs included in this survey. IU's program, which has been online since 1998, began in the 1940s with grant money as an IU bureau of adult studies, said Jeanie Young, a graduate of the program and the program's coordinator. It evolved into an adult studies school within the School of Education with a master's and Ph.D. program. In the 1980s, the Doctorate program was discontinued, and eventually the remaining master's program became available online. The program is set up in such a way that it is extremely flexible for the students enrolled. \n"It's very flexible if you have to work overtime or have family commitments. You can do coursework at a time that is convenient for you, whether it be two in the morning or two in the afternoon," Young said. About 75 students are currently enrolled in the program. Young said approximately 75 to 85 percent will graduate, though an exact figure is not known.\n"I'm counting on my fingers the number of people who have dropped out in the past four years since I've been here," said Young. "And I still have fingers left."\nWhile the majority are Indiana residents -- out-of-state tuition has a steeper cost at $22,334 -- students from as far west as Alaska and as far east as New York are taking part in this steadily growing opportunity for higher education.\nSummer enrollment for the program has more than doubled over the last year, and fall enrollment is up from 50 to 75 percent, Young said.\n"We've seen quite a pop in enrollment this past year," said Young. \nThe average student takes between two-and-one-half and three years to complete the 36 credit program, most taking about two classes per semester. \n"The availability of the subject matter where they live is important. Adult education is not a common program, so it's a big benefit to have it at home," said Young. \nStudents are required to take several core courses and then meet individually with their adviser to plan the rest of their program to accommodate their specific needs. \n"It gives them a core of how adults learn effectively and how to teach them effectively," said Merrill. \nAccording to the IU Online and Distance Education School of Continuing Studies Web site, aside from the master of science in adult education program, IU's School of Continuing Studies offers two undergraduate degrees in general studies, a high school diploma, and professional development and custom training opportunities. IU's program is also unique from many other online programs because it is an accredited program. \n"There are a number of online programs that aren't accredited," said Merrill. "The fact that IU's is (accredited) allows people to know the program is respected"