Education
Marquette University has its first completely online undergraduate degree that was created by faculty from the Diederich College of Communication. This new Strategic Communication major is designed for non-traditional students. Focusing on working adults is a tactical move. While there have been fewer non-traditional students in college classrooms, there has been a growth in the numbers of adults seeking online education. The focus on adults is just one change occurring in higher education. Changes in demographics, for 18 to 22-year-olds, is forcing universities to make changes to the traditional college model. Research shows that by 2026, the number of college-aged students will drop almost 15 percent in five years.* This has forced universities to look at ways to remain viable, as they compete for fewer potential students. Maggie Gillette, a junior studying digital media, wanted to find out more about this new, completely online undergraduate degree. She spoke to Dr. Kati Tusinski, who is chair of the department of Strategic Communication. *The book Demographics and the Demand for Higher Education, by Nathan Grawe, was the primary source for that information.