Ouachita Online earns accreditation, to launch two degree programs

ARKADELPHIA -- Ouachita Baptist University's new Ouachita Online degree programs have earned official accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

The HLC accredits "degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region" of the U.S., according to its website.

Ouachita's Board of Trustees approved plans in December to develop and launch online degree programs this fall. The first online term is now scheduled to begin Oct. 27.

Courses will be offered leading to Bachelor of Arts degrees with majors in either business administration or Christian studies. Additional majors will be added in 2015.

"I am pleased that Ouachita has received accreditation for our online degree programs," said Ouachita President Rex Horne. "This affords an excellent Ouachita education for those who cannot avail themselves of our physical campus.

"We are committed to providing an education that prepares students for a life of faith and service while engaging as difference makers in this world," he added. "I hope many will consider our current degree programs in business and Christian studies."

According to Dr. Stan Poole, vice president for academic affairs, "Launching online degree programs is a major step for the university as we seek to provide educational opportunities to those who would otherwise not have access to a traditional Ouachita education. Our faculty are committed to providing a distinctive Ouachita educational experience in an online format.

Brett Powell, vice president for administrative services, is serving as director of Ouachita Online. Ashlee Giles, assistant director of admissions counseling, is serving as online enrollment coordinator.

Detailing Ouachita's commitment to online education, Powell explained, "We recognize that not every person who seeks the quality education we can provide is able to complete a degree in the residential setting we offer on our Arkadelphia campus. As a result, Ouachita Online is being launched to extend the reach of our academic programs beyond our traditional campus."

Powell said introducing Ouachita Online with official HLC accreditation is important to the Ouachita administration and should be equally important to those who consider studying online. He encouraged students to contact OBU to find out more about the programs.

"Ouachita Online is not just another online university," Powell said. "Ouachita has been educating students for almost 130 years and the quality that has been evident for all those years will be integrated into our online courses. Whether you completed high school months ago or decades ago, you can earn your college degree through Ouachita Online."

School on 08/31/2014

Upcoming Events