University of Guelph-Humber Offers More Accessible Educational Pathways with Launch of Fully Online Degree Programs

Working professionals can earn their honours degree without stepping a foot on campus

TORONTO, ON – Sept. 12, 2017 – University of Guelph-Humber (UofGH) has launched two fully online degree completion programs in efforts to present more accessible educational pathways and learning opportunities for working professionals.

UofGH’s two existing honours bachelor of applied science programs, Early Childhood Studies (ECS) and Family and Community Social Services (FCSS), are now available fully online, complementing existing hybrid and in classroom formats.

The new online programs were designed to be accessible to professionals so they can earn their degree part time while still working. Eligible students can use previous post-secondary education as a foundation for their honours degree to support career advancement and further education in their field in as little as 2 ½ years.

“Our goal is to be innovative, while expanding accessibility in our human services programs,” said UofGH vice-provost, Dr. John Walsh. “We’re creating pathways for mid-career professionals to study through distance learning and complete a degree, despite geographical disadvantages, work requirements and family commitments.”

The development of the new ECS and FCSS fully online programs was made possible through partnership with University of Guelph (UoG) OpenEd Learning and Educational Support, and funding from an eCampus Ontario grant.

“The conversion to online delivery will extend the reach of these programs and provide students with the flexibility required to balance work and family commitments while achieving their academic goals,” said Michelle Fach, director of Open Learning and Educational Support at UoG.

This fall UofGH welcomes more than 90 new students into the two online programs. Having access to programs that are part time, and available through fully online distance education is so important to remote and working professionals.

Lisa Commisso a registered early childhood educator and ECS student from Burlington needs a flexible, online program to accommodate where she’s located, work and family needs.  

“Being enrolled in a fully online program was definitely a requirement as I work full time, plus I’m a parent of two children,” said Commiso. “I’m hoping that after completing my studies, I'll be able to apply for higher seniority jobs, a wider range of jobs, and to challenge myself more, all while hopefully earning a better salary. I am also looking to gain news skills, challenge myself, and work towards a better future for myself and my family.”

Jennifer McKnight a housing first case manager from Brantford who is starting the FCSS online program isn’t in a position to leave her full time employment, but wants her degree to help enrich her knowledge and expertise in the field.

“I wanted to further my education in the social services field to open up more opportunities. A fully online program is a requirement and enables me to continue working, which is so important because this is the only way at the moment I can further my education,” said McKnight. “My studies at UofGH will make a huge difference in my life, it will open more doors for my career and will enrich my academic knowledge in the field of social services.”

Stephanie Roy a registered childhood educator and ECS student from Toronto wants to continue working and earning a salary while completing her degree that she believes will present her with more professional opportunities.

“In today's society it’s hard to get ahead financially. I wanted a program that was fully online so that I can continue to earn my same salary while pursuing my degree,” said Roy. “This degree will make a difference for me professionally in the sense that I can say I have a bachelor of science. Secondly, it will open more doors, such as going to teacher’s college which will hopefully lead to a better, stable job and higher salary. I can also use this degree to qualify me to teach abroad.”

Learn more about the new UofGH fully online programs: https://www.guelphhumber.ca/programs

For more information, please contact:
Elissa Schmidt
Manager of Communications and Public Relations
University of Guelph-Humber
elissa.schmidt@guelphhumber.ca
416.798.1331 ext. 6340