No time to waste. University of Idaho's online programs ideal for nontraditional students

Every second counts for Jessica Grandstaff. She’s balancing two jobs, a full slate of psychology classes and, with her husband, Trenton, raising three children in Post Falls.

Her objective is to graduate with a psychology degree from the University of Idaho in Coeur d’Alene and move forward to occupational therapy. All of the coursework is online — and that suits her just fine because time can’t be wasted.

“I am very busy,” said Grandstaff. “During the day I instruct aquatic wellness classes mostly for geriatrics, by night I am tutoring other U of I online students. In between I find time to study with my four year old by my side. I also have to save time to be a supportive

wife as well because My husband works full time and is a part-time student too.”

Grandstaff says she prefers online classes because she doesn’t have time for distractions in the classroom. She’s there to learn — not socialize.

“For the most part I do not miss the human connection that I would be getting in class,” said Grandstaff. “The online classes have other ways to communicate such as study groups and group discussions that I can use when I need to talk to my classmates and my instructor.”

The new method of delivering higher education to students includes text messages, emails, and messenger devices, along with videos, graphics and powerpoints.

“The U of I online program is outstanding as opposed to other schools,” said Grandstaff. “My learning style fits much better with online.”

The 29-year old is part of a growing demographic of students who receive their coursework online. So much so the University of Idaho is offering more online programs than ever before.

Here are the programs that will be offered online this fall in addition to psychology: A Master of Public Administration and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, with an emphasis on criminology, history, organizational sciences and general studies. The programs are already part of the college’s Moscow-based curriculum and will be taught by the existing professors.

And the students, especially those who are considered non-traditional because of their age and circumstances, are lapping it up.

“I prefer online classes,” said Renae Strouse, who is pursuing a general studies degree. “I can do it on my own time and it’s more flexible.”

Grandstaff picked psychology because of its broad applications and a wide array of possible career choices.

“Studying the science of human behavior helps me to better understand people, giving me better tools to understand and help,” she said. “Something about psychology that some people don't understand is that the field is not just studied by those who want to go into counseling. Psychology can be used in engineering, occupational therapy, and various communication or business careers.”

Students will be able to apply for the new online programs beginning in the summer. For more information about applying, go to www.uidaho.edu/admissions.

Here is an overview of the new online offerings :

The Master of Public Administration, offered in the Department of Political Science, is a public service program designed primarily for those already serving in state or local government who are interested in expanding their intellectual and analytical skills. It incorporates internships and real-world experience. The new online program allows working professionals to gain new skills without having to leave their existing positions.

The sociology degree, with an emphasis in criminology, is built for those working in law enforcement who want to expand their education. Coursework explores issues of deviance, social control, violence, criminal justice and policy, and corporate crime. It is offered through UI’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

--Written by Marc Stewart, Director of Sponsored Content.

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