Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Test Drive College Online Partners with New Colleges

 BY BOCA RATON
In a proactive approach to combat the alarming rise in the college dropout rates facing many higher education institutions, Test Drive College Online offers free online courses to prospective students considering an online undergraduate degree program. The program, which was introduced earlier this year by EducationDynamics, was re-launched this week with additional courses, and partner colleges. Test Drive College Online has added San Diego Christian College, Stevens-Henager College, and St. Leo University as alliance partner schools.
When students successfully complete the college competency exam and the Test Drive College Online course, the earned credit hours are transferable for free to any of the partner schools upon acceptance and enrollment. Students can choose courses from subject areas pertaining to their desired field of study including: Introduction to Psychology, English Composition I, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Business and Medical Terminology. With the recent addition of new partner schools, and more agreements presently under review, students and partner colleges will continue to benefit from Test Drive College’s unique proactive approach to address student retention before students enroll in a degree program.   
“In the past, students were already enrolled and paying tuition by the time they had their first true online college course experience,” said Richard Capezzali, Executive Vice President of EducationDynamics and creator of Test Drive College Online. “Too often students enroll in a degree program without a clear understanding of the requirements and expectations for their success. This can create complications for both the student and the school. Now with Test Drive College Online, students and schools can be more confident in the relationship they are entering into, before committing time and money, and schools receive clarity on a student’s likelihood to graduate,” Capezzali continued.
About Test Drive College Online
Test Drive College Online addresses the issue of student retention facing higher education institutions in the United States by offering a proven approach for students to experience the realities of online degree program, and choose for themselves if they are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead. Prospective students begin by taking a college competency exam and upon passing, have the opportunity to take an online course at no cost or obligation after a thorough interview. Successful students who complete the online class, and undergo an advisory interview are permitted to transfer the credits to a full-degree program at a partner school. Test Drive College Online was designed to help serious students make informed decisions during their pursuit of an undergraduate degree online. The service provides the benefit of “test driving” the online format before committing to a degree program or paying tuition dollars. Test Drive College Online creates a real-life college experience that closely replicates a typical online degree program, giving students the confidence, motivation, and academic skill to fully commit to higher education. With this program, students can save up to $2,000 in tuition costs by earning credits toward a full degree. To learn more about Test Drive College Online, visit http://www.testdrivecollegeonline.com
About EducationDynamics     
EducationDynamics is higher education’s leading marketing information and technology services company dedicated to helping institutions find, enroll and retain students. Its content-rich and highly visible education websites, including EarnMyDegree.com, EducationConnection.com, eLearners.com, GradSchools.com, StudyAbroad.com, TestDriveCollegeOnline.com, TestDriveGradSchoolOnline.com and its more than 50 special interest microsites, make EducationDynamics the premier provider of qualified prospective students for colleges and universities. In addition, the company offers a full suite of web-delivered services proven to drive enrollment growth and reduce student attrition, as well as other innovative solutions including LeadWatchLive, its web-based inquiry management solution. Through its Market Research and Advisory Services, the company brings a decade of proprietary research, unparalleled market and student intelligence and best practice insights to its clients. For more information, visit http://www.educationdynamics.com.

St. Thomas University Adds New Advanced Degrees in Earth/Space Science, Divinity, and Online Elementary Education

"St. Thomas explored ways to help Florida teachers advance in the state's public and private school systems as well as young adults needing to attend evening classes," says Marivi Prado, Chief Marketing Officer. "A new M.S. in Elementary Education is now offered online to benefit those facing full-time jobs and after-five family pressure. Its curriculum includes the teaching of language arts to provide added insight and specialization to thousands of teachers and teaching assistants who deal with South Florida's diverse populations." In recent years, St. Thomas adapted a doctoral level degree with a minimum timeframe to complete the title, as the Ed D in Educational Leadership, while the M.S., Education with a concentration in Instructional Technology aligns its curriculum to the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers and is competitive with the country's top IT programs.
STU School of Leadership Studies' Master in Art Management has been steadily growing in enrollment as Greater Miami's international art scene has been increasing its presence. Few universities provide a specialization in "Art as a Business". STU designed the program to empower managers and entrepreneurs in art galleries, museum and other cultural or public service institutions through a curriculum concentration in the economy of art, its marketing, legal aspects, production, financing and fund raising.
Also within that School, the online Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Executive Management synthesizes within an online 18-month timeframe, cutting-edge concepts and the student's professional experiences, serving the working adult who wish to advance their careers. The degree is geared to employees who hold managerial, executive and other leadership positions in industry, government and non-profit organizations. Meanwhile, STU School of Business recently added a curriculum in Global Entrepreneurship under the expert advice of Dean Tony Villamil. A graduate Open House will be held on campus November 18, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., covering all St. Thomas Schools. There is no need to reserve space and inquiries or applications can be taken via www.stu.edu

SOURCE St. Thomas University.