Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
March 13, 2002
Regis University offers Irish studies online
Regis University and the National University of Ireland, Galway, have signed an agreement to offer an Irish Studies program delivered entirely online and made available throughout the United States, a spokesman said.
"Through the Internet, this cross-cultural collaboration provides the opportunity for Americans to immerse themselves in a study of Irish culture through one of the most prestigious universities of Ireland, combined with an American university which is nationally recognized for its advancements in distance learning," said William Husson, vice president and academic dean of Regis' School for Professional Studies.
"Distance learning is at its best when cultural boundaries are expanded," he said.
Husson should know. He leads a distance learning program that is one of the largest and most highly recognized in the United States. At Regis University School for Professional Studies, nearly 4,000 adult students are enrolled in distance learning programs, many of them strictly online students. Regis University enrolls more than 13,000 students.
Initial course offerings will be four undergraduate, upper-division courses chosen from among the Irish institute's extensive offerings. Future considerations could include additional courses and/or graduate-level options. The courses will be credit bearing and either Regis University or National University of Ireland, Galway, will give the credit.
Because of Regis' success in the online distance education arena, the university will provide the expertise and production coordination in transforming the Irish institute's courses to an eight-week online version. Regis also will provide marketing, registration and fulfillment services on behalf of National University of Ireland, Galway, for the program when offered in the U.S. Regis also will provide comprehensive faculty training in online delivery mechanisms.
While Regis is offering the distance education expertise, the Irish institute is providing the expertise of a highly regarded and experienced faculty. National University of Ireland, Galway's, regular and adjunct faculty will teach the courses. Students completing all four courses will be given a Certificate in Irish Studies. Through an articulation arrangement, Regis will recognize these courses as residency courses within a Regis degree plan.
National University of Ireland, Galway, founded in 1845, enrolls about 12,500 students. The university boasts academically strong programs of teaching and research throughout its seven faculties: arts, science, commerce, engineering, Celtic studies, medicine and health sciences, and law.
Both institutions are exploring field travel opportunities for students. "But field travel will not be a required element of the program," Husson added.
The program will be funded and sustained by both institutions.
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