Bumpers College, a part of the University of Arkansas, is a member of the Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA), a consortium of 20 public universities offering online education. Recently, the consortium underwent a rebranding and is now known as IDEA, which stands for Innovative Digital Education Alliance. This change reflects the alliance’s commitment to providing transformative academic programs, partnerships, and initiatives to learners regardless of their location.
IDEA offers a wide range of online courses, certificates, and degrees in various fields, including agriculture and human sciences. Founded in 2000, IDEA has a collaborative approach to sharing resources, allowing students to learn from expert faculty at multiple universities. This unique educational experience has impacted over 11,500 students, providing them with educational opportunities beyond what a single university can offer.
Bumpers College joined IDEA in 2010 and participates in two programs: a master’s degree program in gerontology and aging, and a master’s degree in agricultural education. Through IDEA, students have the flexibility to select the University of Arkansas as their home university and take online courses from universities across the United States, enabling them to earn a degree on their terms and schedule.
The gerontology and aging program at Bumpers College provides advanced knowledge to professionals working in the field of aging, benefiting individuals and companies involved with this growing population. On the other hand, the agricultural education program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to educate others about the importance of the agriculture industry in various settings.
Bumpers College is one of five institutions providing instruction for the gerontology program and one of eight institutions for the agricultural education degree within the IDEA consortium. Students interested in these programs can contact Cathy Hamilton, an academic adviser at Bumpers College, for more information.
The rebranding to IDEA marks a significant milestone for the consortium, reflecting its commitment to innovation, excellence, and accessibility in online learning. With the launch of a new website, IDEA aims to better serve its diverse community of learners and educators, providing them with enhanced resources and support.
In conclusion, Bumpers College, as a member of the IDEA consortium, continues to offer high-quality online education in the fields of gerontology and agricultural education. Through this alliance, students have the opportunity to access a broader range of courses and resources, ultimately enhancing their educational experience and preparing them for future success in their respective fields.