Purdue University: Online

About Purdue University

Purdue University is an accredited, public institution that was founded in 1869. In fact, the university emerged out of a land-grant act signed by Abraham Lincoln. While the main campus is in West Lafayette Indiana, Purdue is now known throughout the world. Most significant are research and academic inputs into the fields of aerospace, engineering, science, technology and math. To that end, among the many Purdue University notable alumni is the first man to walk on earth, John Armstrong.

Why Consider Purdue University?

Through Purdue University Online, students enjoy the same rigorous academic programs their campus counterparts. In fact, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Purdue’s online graduate education programs among the very best in the country. Whether you are a seasoned professional or recent undergraduate, look to Purdue University Online for masters and graduate certificates in several fields. These span Business, Communication, Tourism and STEM subjects.

Mission, Vision and Values

Integrity and freedom to debate and discuss are key values at Purdue University.

Enrollment, Attendance, Graduation

Based on Fall 2015 data, for Purdue University main campus, there were over 9,900 graduate students enrolled at Purdue University.i

  • 36% part-time and 64% full-time graduate enrollment i
  • 16% enrolled in distance education, 3% in some distance education, 81% not enrolled in distance education i
  • 1,800+ masters degrees, 950+ doctorate, 160+ graduate certificates were awarded in the span of 2014-2015 i

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available to eligible students in the form of Federal Financial Aid, loans, grants, and work study.

Graduate Admissions Requirements

Admission requirements vary for each program at Purdue University. As an example, take two programs, the Online Master of Science in Communication and Online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism. For both these programs, applicants must first have a telephone interview with an Admissions advisor. From there, they can fill out an online form and submit the items listed below.

  • Updated resume
  • Official transcripts
  • A bachelors degree from an accredited institution and cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Three professional letters of recommendation
  • Personal Statement
  • English language proficiency (International students)

Faculty

Based on Fall 2015 data, there were 2,400+ full-time and 425+ part-time faculty members at Purdue University (main campus). Also a total of 4,400+ graduate assistants were reported. i Online courses are taught by the same faculty members as campus programs.

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Why Consider Purdue University Online?

Students at Purdue University Online access the same coursework and instructors as campus students. While the format may affect some assignments and projects, all students, upon graduation, receive the same Purdue diploma. As a result, graduates join skilled alumni. Nobel Prize recipients from Purdue include two alumni, six former faculty members, one professor emeritus, and three current faculty members.

Purdue University Rankings

Purdue has received national recognition for the quality of its academic programs.

  • Purdue University continues to be one of the top 25 public universities, according to U.S. News and World Report.
  • The Wall Street Journal has ranked Purdue University #4 in the Top 25 Universities Ranked by Recruiters.
  • Purdue's College of Engineering was ranked No. 6 in the country, and Purdue lands at #4 on the list of the Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs, U.S. News & World Report's 2016.
  • Purdue’s College of Education was ranked No.38 and Krannert School of Business was ranked No. 53, U.S. News & World Report's 2016.

Purdue Program Model: Online and Hybrid

In addition to traditional on campus programming, some of Purdue’s graduate programs are offered fully online. Others are offered in a hybrid format. In these hybrid programs, students complete most classwork online, but will be required to attend class on-campus at times throughout the program.

Interface

Once a student begins a program, they are given access to the virtual classroom interface. This is the portal through which an instructor posts coursework, syllabi, assignments and messages each week. Also, students use this system to use the discussion boards, e-mail, chat and connect with classmates and faculty.

Minimal Disruption

Online students usually commit to between 15 and 20 hours per week to their studies. As a result, it may be possible to juggle work, study and other duties.

Asynchronous

Students who attend Purdue University Online have access to their virtual classroom day and night, with no set log in times. While students must respect deadlines, they also set their own pace.

Online Student Support Services

Online students at Purdue University are supported in several ways. First, for each course, the instructor will set weekly times for one-on-one electronic consultation and to answer emails. Second, technical support is available to help students handle hardware and software issues. Lastly, staff is available to talk to about financial aid, schedules, or any other administrative issues.

Services and Programs for Service Members and Veterans

In 2016, Purdue was ranked as a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs. As a military friendly university, Purdue University offers benefits to qualified service members through the GI Bill, the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. Benefits may also be available to the children of disabled veterans or those deceased due to service-related injuries. In the case of military call-ups, qualified members of the reserves may receive partial credit or a refund on tuition.

Purdue University Accreditation

Purdue University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The HLC is one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. Also, many of Purdue’s individual programs have specific approval in their respective fields.

  • Purdue’s College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
  • Purdue’s Krannert School of Management is an accredited member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and is only the third American business school to attain approval from the European Foundation for Management Development (EQUIS).

Purdue University Online Academics and Degree Programs

Do you hope to develop as a professional? Purdue University offers online masters programs that may help develop the skills and know-how you seek. Many of these programs address current theory and evidence-based practices. The Online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Special Education is one such example.

Here, current educators may learn some of the latest trends to take back to their classrooms in as little as 20 months. Plus, students have several tracks to select from.

  • Masters only with no practicum
  • Masters with initial special education licensure and field experience
  • Masters with advanced special education licensure
  • Masters with advanced special education licensure/intense intervention

Also noteworthy is that the curriculum for the online MSEd in Special Education is aligned with the edTPA, formerly the Teacher Performance Assessment. Consequently, it is designed to meet state and national standards. These include Common Core State Standards and the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC).

Program Highlights: Online Master of Science in Communication

Would you like to learn how to use current technology to deliver brand voice? Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Communication program is designed to foster this type of know-how.

Start Dates

Purdue University offers three starts per year for this program, Spring (January), Summer (April/May), and Fall (August).

Program Objectives

The online MS in Communication program covers a mix of theory and strategy. As a result, students may develop skills and knowledge in several areas.

  • Engage on social media channels
  • Develop crisis communication skills
  • Exchange ideas with a global audience
  • Apply ethical principles to decisions
  • Write for public relations
  • Analyze statistical trends

Course of Study

The 30-credit online MS in Communication degree program may be completed in just 20 months and is comprised of 10 courses. While there is no thesis, students take 18 credit hours of required courses and 12 credit hours of electives. These electives help students tailor their course of study to interests. A sample of course choices follows.

  • Focus Groups
  • Survey Design
  • Healthcare Communication
  • Leadership
  • Fundraising
  • Investor Relations

Foundation courses are introductory. They provide the theories that form a basis for analysis and comparison of economics, politics, and religion. Core courses are more in-depth, and help students grasp how to apply theory to real time situations. Topics may include the following.

Career Outlook

Graduates may be prepared to pursue a variety of career paths in strategic communications. One of areas is the field of market research analysis. ii Per the BLS, a 19 percent growth in employment is projected up to 2024. Additional career options might include Public Relations and Fundraising Managers,iiior Advertising and Promotions Managers. iv

  • Per the BLS, the May 2015 median annual wage for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers was $104,140.iii
  • Per the BLS, the May 2015 median annual wage for Advertising and Fundraising Managers was $95,890.iv

Program Highlights: Online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management

Are you drawn to the corporate side of the hospitality industry? Purdue University’s online Master of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management may provide you with industry- appropriate knowledge and skills. The online MS in HTM is designed as a business-focused hospitality degree for HTM Managers. As a result, all applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience and three years full-time managerial experience.

Start Dates

Purdue University offers three starts per year for this program, Spring (January), Summer (April/May), and Fall (August).

Program Objectives

Students in the MS in HTM program may learn both theory and current methods for effective leadership. While courses look at leadership through various lenses, the program also covers specific objectives.

  • Foster team dynamics
  • Develop ability to solve problems in the HTM industry
  • Draw from research on leadership theory
  • Navigate organizational behavior
  • Set and meet goals

Course of Study

The MS in HTM is comprised of 34 credits, and is expected to take the average full-time student 24 months to complete. No thesis is required and students follow a set course of study (no electives). Furthermore, all the courses follow a sequence which Purdue may alter. A sample of topics follows.

  • Leadership in Hospitality and Tourism
  • Economics of Travel and Tourism
  • Advanced Hospitality Accounting and Finance Systems
  • Advanced Service Management
  • Personnel Systems in Restaurants, Hotels, and Institutions

Career Outlook

Graduates of the MS in HTM online program may be prepared to pursue a career in various sectors of the evolving HTM industry. Per the BLS, employment in the leisure and hospitality sector is projected to increase from 14.7 million in 2014 to almost 15.7 million in 2024. While career choice may mirror an area of interest, potential paths might include General Managers and Executives.vi

  • Per the BLS, the May 2015 median annual wage for Top Executives was $102,690.vi
  • Per the BLS, the May 2015 median annual wage for General and Operations Managers was $97,730.vii

Choose a Program at Purdue University

Discover an online education from Purdue University that meets your needs. Browse paid programs below. Click the link to read about the degree, then take that next step. Contact the school through the on-page form.

 

School Headquarters: Purdue University, Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040

Sources:(i) nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?q=Purdue+University&s=all&id=243780 | (ii) bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/market-research-analysts.htm | (iii) bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm | (iv) bls.gov/ooh/management/advertising-promotions-and-marketing-managers.htm | (v) bls.gov/opub/mlr/2015/article/industry-employment-and-output-projections-to-2024.htm | (vi) bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm | (vii) bls.gov/oes/current/oes111021.htm

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