Master of Science in Distance Education Leadership

www.uwplatt.edu/disted

The Master of Science in Distance Education Leadership was in early stages of development at the time of printing. See the Distance Education website at uwplatt.edu/disted for current program information and course offerings.

Statement of Purpose

The Master of Science in Distance Education Leadership prepares graduates to move from the frontline in distance education to more advanced administrative positions. While its focus is higher education, professionals in K-12 distance education, corporate, and military environments will also benefit from the MS in Distance Education Leadership.

Students will be able to choose from electives that focus on technology, conflict resolution and negotiation, legal issues, and more.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the program will

1. Develop an understanding and gain ability to manage the scope, breadth, and function of distance education.
2. Apply advanced knowledge of distance education history, systems, and elements to the development, management and leadership associated with distance education programs.
3. Employ qualitative and quantitative research techniques to support evidence based leadership and management practices.
4. Demonstrate leadership skills associated with developing, maintaining, evaluating and expanding distance education opportunities.
5. Evaluate distance education systems including for example, provision of learner and faculty support, to improve distance education programs and practices.
6. Analyze issues, challenges and opportunities associated with distance education systems.
7. Create new and innovative solutions to teaching and learning at a distance with technology through informed evidence based leadership practice to shape the future of distance education.
8. Experience and evaluate instruction through various forms of distance education delivery methods.

Introduction

The Master of Science in Distance Education Leadership (MSDEL) is an online program designed to accommodate the needs of working adults who want to pursue a degree while employed. The program is open to anyone who holds a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and has the desire to learn about distance education leadership. It provides professionals with a convenient, practical, and high-quality course of study that allows them to develop the new skills required for managing distance education programs while earning graduate credits toward an advanced degree.

Admission Requirements for Master of Science in Distance Education Leadership

Those seeking admission to the Master of Science in Distance Education Leadership (MSDEL) program must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a nationally or regionally accredited institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). International degrees will be evaluated on an individual basis. To be eligible for admission in full standing, a student must have an overall undergraduate grade point average of 2.75 or higher, or 2.90 on the last 60 credits from the degree-granting institution. Students who do not qualify for admission in full standing may be admitted on a trial enrollment justified by the admitting department and approved by the dean of the School of Graduate Studies. Students are allowed seven years from the date of admission into the program to complete degree requirements; extensions may be granted for extenuating circumstances.

Program entrance requirements and degree completion requirements are consistent with those of the graduate programs of the institution. Students seeking admission should follow the instructions found in the Online Admission Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

Special Students

Students with a bachelor’s degree who want to enroll in selected courses without being admitted to the program may enroll as special students. Go to the UW-Platteville Distance Education website (www.uwplatt.edu/disted) for application information. A maximum of 12 credits may be taken as a special student.