Ushering in a new chapter in 21st century higher education, Northern Arizona University (NAU) announced the launch of its Personalized Learning program, offering accredited, competency-based online bachelor’s degrees for just $5,000 a year. Initial degrees include Computer Information Technology, Liberal Arts and Small Business Administration. Students can begin the application process at www.nau.edu/personalizedlearning.
“Personalized Learning marks a watershed moment in higher education,” said John Haeger, president of Northern Arizona University. “As the first public university to launch this kind of competency-based program, Northern Arizona University is opening an entirely new level of access to a respected university education.”
Unlike standard online courses that offer repackaged content from traditional classrooms, or today’s popular MOOCs (Massively Open Online Courses), NAU’s Personalized Learning program enables students to earn a bachelor’s degree online in a time- and cost- effective manner by crediting their existing knowledge and tailoring coursework to their learning preferences.
“Personalized Learning takes the learning objectives of traditional college coursework and reorganizes them to be more engaging and applicable to today’s workplace,” said Fred Hurst, senior vice president, NAU-Extended Campuses and creator of Personalized Learning. “This program is about creating a skilled and inspired adult workforce with the necessary critical thinking skills that meet the demands of employers.”
