Delivering a non-resident Master's degree: Qualitative and quantitative measures of effectiveness

An evaluation of the non-resident Master of Arts program in Elementary Education offered by the University of Northern Colorado supports the thesis that quality programs can be offered in a non-traditional setting and without significantly affecting on-campus enrollments. Students in the external program were mid-career educators who were older and had more experience than the campus population. Based on qualitative assessments, the vast majority of the non-resident students supported positive personal and professional growth. They also performed equally well on comprehensive exams. Responsible institutions can demonstrate that external degree programs are fundamentally the same quality as resident degree programs.