About Us
The Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE) at Washington State University brings together two academic outreach units under one roof. Distance Degree Programs offers online degree completion programs, and the Conference Management unit provides professional development programs both face-to-face and online.
Distance Degree Programs
Distance Degree Programs was established in 1992 to help fulfill the university’s century-old mission: Bring education to people who can’t come to campus.
DDP currently offers eight undergraduate degrees and several master’s degrees, including the recently launched online MBA. It also offers certificates in such areas as organic agriculture, gerontology, early childhood development, and professional writing. See Degrees & Certificates for complete information.
Online courses are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Those faculty members work with DDP instructional designers to put the courses online, using discussion boards, threaded chats, and streaming media – all the multimedia capabilities of the Internet. Students interact with professors and other students, and can become involved in learning projects in their own communities.
The diploma is the same as any other WSU diploma, so graduates know their degree will be recognized and respected as they seek career advancement, apply to graduate school, or network with fellow alumni across the world.
DDP students have access to University resources, but also have their own support network, a university within a university. That includes financial aid counseling, academic advising, library services, tech support, and career services. Students can participate in their own online student government, which arranges seminars, social gatherings, graduation parties, campus tours, and sporting events.
Conference Management
Conference Management coordinates conferences, workshops and seminars, many involving WSU research that addresses areas of societal importance. Its experts work closely with clients to help arrange everything from food to hotels, from Web sites with online registration to keynote speakers. In addition, WSU offers Continuing Education Unit (CEU) approval through Conference Management.
Administration
Muriel Oaks, Dean, Center for Distance and Professional Education
Janet Kendall, Director of Distance Degree Programs
Kelly Newell, Director of Conference Management
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