News

The University Center’s Governing Board moved to add SIUE programs on December 10, 2014. SIUE will contribute three programs to the consortium, which now offers more than 120 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, graduate degrees or professional certificates.

SIUE will contribute three programs:

• The 36-credit hour Master of Science in Education in Instructional Technology offers three areas of emphasis:
• The Educational Technologies emphasis primarily serves K-12 teachers
  • • The Instructional Design & Performance Improvement option is tailored to those who work in corporate or higher education settings
  • The Library Information Specialist option prepares candidates for potential state licensure that would allow them to work in school libraries
• The 18-credit hour post-baccalaureate certificate in Web-Based Learning consists of courses that can also be applied to master’s degree, should students decide to pursue additional credentials
• The 22-credit hour accelerated RN to BS nursing program consists of and runs on a calendar of eight-week terms, so registered nurses can complete it within 12 months ideally

“We are very pleased to welcome Southern Illinois University Edwardsville into membership,” said G. Gary Grace, executive director and dean. “Because their initial offerings are fully online, they are immediately available to the region. This enables SIUE to be of service even as we continue the discussion about additional programs that can be offered on-site.”

“The University Center of Lake County offers SIUE an opportunity to expand our presence in northern Illinois and to help meet the educational needs of the greater Chicago area,” said Parviz Ansari, SIUE provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “Over time, we anticipate that we will offer several programs in select fields.

“Initially, we will partner with the UC to offer online educational options only. As we gain more experience with the Center and the region, we will examine the feasibility of offering hybrid and face-to-face degree programs that meet the needs of adult learners and employers in that area.”

The University Center offers programs from Illinois colleges and universities designed to enable adult students to further their education without a lengthy or costly commute. Although SIUE’s initial offerings will be online only, many UC classes meet in the evening and on weekends at the University Center facility in Grayslake. Some meet at the University Center facility in Waukegan or at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in North Chicago. Other classes meet via online study, eliminating some or all commuting and providing maximum scheduling flexibility.

Visit www.ucenter.org for information about all of the programs offered through the University Center. Free pre-admission advising appointments are available for those who have questions or who want help reviewing options. Call 847-665-4000 for details.

For more information on University Center Lake County, contact Associate Dean Hilary Ward Schnadt at 847-665-4004 or hwschnadt@ucenter.org.