Clarion University Students go Online for Master's Degrees and New Career Avenues with Mass Media Arts and Journalism Program
By Andy Lingwall
Once Amy Pletz puts her five young children to bed for the evening, it's time to get ready for class at Clarion University.
However, Amy doesn't go to class - the class comes to her.
A second-year graduate student in the university's Online Mass Media Arts and Journalism (MMAJ) program, Amy says she wouldn't have it any other way. In fact, it has become something of a running joke between Amy and her sister Cheri, who is earning her bachelor's degree in education at Penn State's Berks campus.
Amy Pletz: MMAJ graduate student Amy Pletz relaxes with her family. this fall, the Bernville, PA resident begins work as an English instructor with LInn State Technical College in Linn, Mo. She is also completing a public relations internship with Yahweh's Restoration Ministry in Holts Summit, MO.
Clarion University Students Build new Career Paths and
Personal Relationships in Part-Time Online MBA Program
By Andy Lingwall
When Denise Lyons finishes her online MBA degree at Clarion University this August, she says she's heading straight for Clarion to meet all of the faculty, staff and fellow students that made her learning experience so worthwhile.
"Throughout my studies at Clarion over the past four years, I made so many friends," said Lyons, a resident of Old Bridge, N.J. "I told them that when I graduated, I wanted to come see them all! Read More of this story...
Venango-Clarion County residents build nursing careers and personal success with online BSN program at Clarion
By Andrew Lingwall
For Paula Scalise (Left) and Dawn Linn (Below Right) , it's all about personal energy and faith.
Personal energy to return to college as adults, to hold down jobs and hold together their families while finishing college degrees. Faith to know that graduation and career success is just around the corner.
"I guess you could say that I'm kind of an adrenaline junkie," says Scalise, who works as an emergency room nurse at Clarion Hospital. 'I enjoy the buzz when a new patient comes in and needs attention. That's how I've approached my course
work, too."
The 43-year-old Fryburg resident is earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Clarion University, with plans to graduate in 2010. Taking one or two courses each semester, she has worked full time while raising daughters Sarah, age 18, and Maria, age 13, with her husband Vince. Read more of this story...
Dawn Linn's Five Rules
for Adult Student Success
Elk-Clarion County residents ready to serve area students, thanks to online education programs at Clarion University
By Andy Lingwall
Take one look at Jessica Krug's average work week, and you'll ask yourself, "How in the world does she fit it all in?"
Ask Jessica, and the answer is simple. It's a mix of strong personal energy, a passion for education and a boost from online coursework at Clarion University.
Enrolling in Clarion's M.Ed. program in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006, the 25-year-old St. Mary's resident jumped into the online Graduate Secondary Teacher Certification (GSTC) Program shortly afterward. She took nine to 15 credits each semester without breaking stride. That was in between substitute teaching four days a week, raising her two daughters, Veronica, 10 and Janelle, 5, plus enjoying life with her husband Nick. Jessica graduated from the GSTC Program with Biology Certification in 2008, and plans to complete her master's degree this spring with an emphasis in biology. Read more of this story...
MMAJ Testimonial Quotes from Jessica Zelinsky
1. What did you find most interesting or useful in your program of
study? How do you plan to use you new M.S. degree?
I think the ability to work on homework and projects during my own time
is the most useful thing about this program. Being able to work on my
own time allowed me to do other things including maintaining two jobs.
I plan on using my new M.S. degree in the advertising field. I wish to
pursue a career in which I can use my creative mind to design and
implement ideas into action. Read more of this testimonial...
Beth Rhymestine, Clearfield
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Student:
"Ever since returning to school, I've done nothing but online coursework. As an adult student, there is no way that I could travel to campus every week for classes. If I couldn't take online classes, I never would have made it back to college."
"With so little down time and my kids to take care of, it helps to know about things like the class schedule and textbooks in advance. My professors can almost always get me that information ahead of time so that I can get started reading and take some notes."
"Online learning is much more fun and interactive and than you might think. I've met so many people through classes who are just like me - adults with jobs and families going back to school. Once people give this a try, I think they will really like it."
From Andy Montana, Clarion
Part-Time Online MBA Program Student
"The entire MBA faculty have one goal, which is to accommodate the individual need of each student, and allow them the opportunity to succeed.
"Faculty work hard to meet the needs of each student, and empower them to succeed."
From Barbara Mayhew, Clearfield
Early Child Associate of Science Degree Student
"At first, I wondered about online classes, but now I can honestly say that I have learned so much. A degree in Early Childhood will really benefit me in the long run."
"Online learning is actually much more convenient than the classroom for someone like me. I can do my own thing on my own schedule."
From Kim Dechant, Knox
Early Child Associate of Science Degree Student
"The professors at Clarion are always willing to help if you're stuck on something. They really try their best."
From Carol Jackson, Dubois
Master of Science in Rehabilitative Sciences Student
"I typically do two courses per semester. I enjoy online learning because I can set my own schedule. Since I'm not driving to classes in the evening, I can spend time with my husband and son. My son is very active in sports, and I don't want to miss any of his games.
"After everyone goes to bed, or early in the morning, I get most of my work done. Some of the classes have been intense, but once you catch on to Blackboard and the online course tools, it's not so bad."
Rita Davis, New Bethlehem
Part-Time Online MBA Program Student
"So, far I've been really happy with my online program. As an online student, there definitely is a price to pay if you have a family. But if I didn't think it would be worth it in the end, I wouldn't be staying with it. I also want to be a good student role model to my kids; I want them to see mom doing her homework."
