Those seeking a masters degree in social work from UNI are now able to do so entirely off-campus.

The Continuing and Distance Education Program has been around since 1913, according to Belle Cowden, Director of Continuing and Distance Education.

Back when the University of Northern Iowa was known as the Iowa State Teachers College, from 1909-1961, instructors would travel around the state for day-long conferences, said Cowden. Hence the “distance” in distance education.

The program continues to expand access to educational opportunities to those who are unable to take on-campus courses, and has begun to offer these opportunities through technology in recent years.

According to the UNI website, the Continuing and Distance Education Program currently offers three undergraduate degree programs, as well as 22 graduate programs.

“We thought that it would be a good idea, because that’s kind of where education is moving,” said Cindy Juby, head of the UNI Social Work Department.

Cowden said the online version of the master’s degree in social work was developed after several individuals contacted the university with an interest in the program.

According to Juby, the quality and the curriculum of the Continuing and Distance Education program are identical to the on-campus social work program.

Both programs offer the degree to those who have an undergraduate degree in social work as well as those who do not.

Non-practice related courses will be taught non-synchronously through eLearning, the Blackboard learning management system. Practice-related courses will use Adobe Connect, a video conferencing system, for face-to-face contact between the students and instructors, Juby said.

Originally, the department planned to implement the program at the start of this semester. According to Juby, many professors have recently retired in this department, delaying implementation until the spring of 2016.

There is a growing interest in social work nationwide, Juby said. She attributes the growing need for this profession to the fact that the population is aging, as have many social workers who work for hospitals and hospices. The nation has also seen more individuals in need of assistance after they return from war with post-traumatic stress disorder.

“You find social workers pretty much any place that you find people, because social workers help people to fit into society,” Juby said.

Megan Vogt, who last year obtained her master’s in social work, said it’s a great thing for individuals at home who wish to earn their master’s degree.

“I think it will be a good impact for UNI if it’s marketed correctly,” said Vogt.

According to Juby, approximately 90 people have shown an interest in the new program and they currently have 20 applicants.