US Career Guide

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YOU’VE LIKELY SEEN a great deal in
the press and on social media about
the mad-scramble some universities
experienced putting all of their programs
online. You may have also spent some
time thinking over the last few months
about your job security, professional
advancement, or the skills you will need
to make a difference for the future.
In light of COVID-19, here are some
questions to ask the staff of any
graduate program you are considering:
1. How accomplished are the faculty
with teaching online? Teaching online
requires a unique skill set that many
faculty members have not taken the time
to develop. Look for a program that is
proven to have effective and engaging
online delivery models and does not just
rely on message board posting.
2. How is the program creating
opportunities for student networking and
interaction, whether that be face-to-face
or by distance? Networking with others in
the field where you serve (or where you
want to go) is one of the best parts about
professional education. If you are looking
at an online program make sure you are
asking about these opportunities.
Additionally, a good program will be
able to connect you with students and
alumni who are willing to share their
experiences and how the degree helped
them advance in their careers.
3. Are the faculty in your program
flexible and willing to work with students
who are pursuing education? What about
the administrative staff helping with the
program? The heightened restrictions
of COVID-19 created a situation where
almost everyone has been called to
balance family, professional and personal
challenges. You don’t need the added
stress of inflexible faculty or a program
that cannot adjust to the situation at
hand. You also want to make sure that
the program support staff is knowl-
edgeable, responsive, and helpful—this
can make all of the difference in your
experience. AG
by Deborah Kohl, Kansas State University
GO BACK TO SCHOOL
WITHOUT GOING
BACK TO SCHOOL.
The University Partners page is a designated
area of ’s website for colleges and universities
throughout North America to showcase their online educational
advancement opportunities to students and professionals.
A diverse listing of degrees and certificate programs can be
found on the Online Degrees page on .
The following pages advertise participating schools
and programs.
33 Ag & Food CAreer guide UNIVERSITY PARTNERS
COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS
on pursuing additional education