Degrees

Welcome to Texas Tech University's
Great Plains IDEA Site

The Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA) has developed an inter-institutional program leading to a Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with a specialization in Gerontology or a Certificate in Gerontology and a Masters of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Education (FCSE) delivered through distance education. Both of these programs are administered by the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech University. The College of Human Sciences is a professional college, requiring the highest expectations for its graduates. College programs are accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and several other national accrediting agencies. Additionally, the college offers courses of significance to the general and professional education of students majoring in other colleges and provides continuing education for professionals in fields related to human sciences.

PROGRAM OFFERINGS

GERONTOLOGY (Masters Degree/Certificate)

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION (Masters Degree and Teacher Certification)

GERONTOLOGY

About the Program
The program is designed for students to earn credits toward a Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with a specialization in Gerontology or a Certificate in Gerontology entirely online. The primary objectives in offering this degree or certificate are to:

1. To provide distance education to a wide spectrum of potential and current professionals in the field of gerontology.

2. To integrate and maximize resources within and across institutions participating in Great Plains IDEA.

3. To advance the research and graduate education in aging so that competent, well-educated professionals serve older citizens.

Who Should Consider This Program?
An advanced degree is ideal for professionals in a variety of settings. The program is designed to prepare professionals who are either working directly with older people or are involved in education and research related to aging adults. Professionals offering direct services are often involved in health promotion programs; directing intergenerational activities; managing senior centers or retirement communities; counseling older people and their families; and helping people plan for retirement. Professionals involved in education and research may evaluate community-based services; teach others about the aging process; develop policies and programs to serve the needs of the elderly; work with business and industry on issues related to an aging work force; and consumer education.

Importance of Gerontology
Dramatic increases in the number and proportion of older adults over the last century have created a need for professionals qualified to work for or on behalf of older persons. Nearly 35 million people are age 65 and older or nearly 13% of the total of U.S. population. After 2010, when the baby boom generation begins to reach old age, the proportion of older adults will climb to approximately 22% by 2050. The amount of those 85 years or older have increased by 300 percent over the last half century. By 2050 that number could climb as high as 500 percent more persons in this age group than existed in 1950. These demographic trends are unprecedented and will place demands on all sectors of society for appropriate health care, housing, social services, and retirement planning. The need for competent, well-educated professionals serving older citizens has never been greater.

Benefits of Online Courses
The format of online courses is flexible and convenient and allows distance educations students the opportunity to take courses that fit into their work and home schedules. Instructors will include interactive learning experiences, such as e-mail, online chats, and threaded discussions. *

* Also known as "asynchronous web-talk," threaded discussions are a form of discussion-over-time allowing students to develop critical thinking skills, reflect on questions more carefully, and respond in an assertive and thoughtful manner.

Computer Needs: You need a computer meeting the minimum specifications, the capability to access and download materials from the Internet and a browser equivalent to Netscape/Explorer 6.0 or newer. An e-mail address is essential as well as access to a VCR (VHS) and FAX. In order to access classes, you must set up an e-mail address using the email system at each teaching institution. For example, if you take a course taught at Iowa State, the faculty member will send email to your Iowa State email account, not to your Texas Tech (called: “e-Raider”) address or to a local Internet service provide account (i.e. AOL, Yahoo, or Hotmail).

Participating Institutions
The program shares knowledge across 7 universities through a body of faculty with expertise in Gerontology. It allows each campus to contribute course offerings to the degree without any one institution investing in a complete complement necessary for a Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with a specialization in Gerontology or a Certificate in Gerontology.

In addition to Texas Tech University, other participating institutions include: Iowa State University, Kansas State University, University of Missouri at Columbia (pending approval), North Dakota State University, and Oklahoma State University. All institutions are members of the Great Plains-Interactive Distance Education Alliance and have a history of success in distance education.

Although other universities offer programs in somewhat related areas, there is no other fully on-line program with this particular content area leading to a master’s degree or certificate.

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Master's Program - Degree Requirements

The master’s program consists of 36 semester credit hours of course work; comprising of 12 classes (8 core courses and 4 electives) at 3 semester credit hours each. The courses are being offered on a rotating basis, with all courses offered at least once every other year (i.e., Fall, Spring, and Summer).

Certificate in Gerontology – Certificate Requirements

The certificate in gerontology consists of 21 semester credit hours of course work; comprising of 7 classes (5 core courses and 2 electives) at 3 semester credit hours each. The courses are being offered on a rotating basis, with all courses offered at least once every other year (i.e., Fall, Spring, and Summer).

Course Schedule

The required courses offered within the program include the following eight 3 credit courses that comprise the core of the curriculum. The courses designated with an asterisk are required core courses for the certificate in gerontology:

Core Courses

· Perspectives in Gerontology*

· Adult Development*

· Physical Health and Nutrition in Aging*

· Economics, Public Policy, and Aging

· Environments and Aging (design for environments for physically and mentally challenged populations)

· Aging in the Family

· Program Evaluation and Research Methods*

· Professional Seminar in Gerontology*

Elective Courses

· Electives (as needed or desired)

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Application Requirements & Process

TTU Admission Instructions

Texas Tech University reviews applications to the program on an ongoing basis. If you select TTU as your home/degree-granting institution, you must take the following steps to be admitted:

1. Apply for admission to the Texas Tech Graduate School. For information on how to apply online, visit TTU Graduate Admissions.

2. Contact the Gerontology Graduate Advisor (jean.scott@ttu.edu) to determine additional application materials that may be required by the department.

If you have further questions please contact the Great Plains IDEA campus coordinator here or the Gerontology Graduate Advisor (jean.scott@ttu.edu).

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Financial Aid
To qualify for financial aid, all graduate students must be enrolled as fulltime students in the fall, spring, (6 hours) and summer semesters (5 hours).

FAFSA forms must be filled out for all government loan programs. This form uses last year's income. If you've had a change in circumstances (i.e., quit work to go to school, have large moving or medical expenses) contact the Texas Tech Financial Aid Office. They may be able to adjust your aid package based on this information which could not be conveyed on the forms.

You may also reach the Financial Aid office at (806) 742-3681 or by email: finaid.advisor@ttu.edu. The fax number is (806) 742-0880.

Tuition and Fees
Students admitted to the program at Texas Tech University enroll at TTU for all courses, whether they are taught at TTU or by a participating university. All courses will have a common price of $415* per credit hour ($1,245 per 3-hour course effective Fall, 2007). There is no in-state or out-of-state tuition. This price will cover all course costs except textbook or course packet purchases.

*Common tuition rate set by Great Plains IDEA Board of Directors in connection and cooperation with participating institutions.

Course Registration
Students enroll for all courses through their home institution. This means students will have only one enrollment process to complete and one check to write. All coursework completed will immediately be recorded on your Texas Tech University transcript. Financial aid may also be easier to secure.

Classroom Instruction
Courses are taught online using a course management system accessed through your web browser. Some courses have supplemental materials on videos or CDs and others may require phone conferencing. Interactivity between students and professor is through e-mail, phone conferencing and the Internet classroom.

Course Materials
Textbooks and supplemental materials are required for each course and are the responsibility of the students. Approximate cost is $50-100 per course.

Transcripts
Each semester, course rosters and grade sheets will be exchanged among institutions, allowing grades to be automatically recorded on your transcript at your home institution.

For more information on a Masters of Science in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) with a specialization in Gerontology or a Certificate in Gerontology please contact the Great Plains IDEA Campus Coordinator at Texas Tech University.

About the Faculty

Jean Pearson Scott, Ph.D., Professor, Human Development and Family Studies at Texas Tech University. Dr. Scott received her doctoral degree in Family Relations with a specialization in gerontology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1979. Her research activities in family gerontology have resulted in published research related to coping strategies of caregivers, hospice volunteers, parent-adult child relationships, older women’s issues, sibling relationships, widowhood, and quality of life of older rural adults. She teaches research methods and classes on aging at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

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FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES EDUCATION

About the Program

The program is designed for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a family and consumer sciences (FCS) content specialization or a related area, and are seeking initial teaching certification/licensure in family and consumer sciences. The program will offer the pedagogy (professional development) courses needed for certification/licensure. Teacher certification/licensure standards vary by state, and students must meet all the requirements in the state in which they wish to become certified. These may include additional courses in the teaching specialization, testing, and other requirements. Prior to admission, students will be required to develop a certification plan based on the standards of the state in which they want to be certified.

Participating Institutions
In addition to Texas Tech University, the following Great Plains IDEA institutions participate in the program: Iowa State University, North Dakota State University, South Dakota State University, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students may be admitted to the program at any one of the participating universities. This university becomes the student’s “home” (degree-granting) university. Students will register for all courses at the home institution, although graduate faculty at any of the member institutions may teach courses.

Demand for Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers
The online Master’s Degree program was developed in response to the need to increase the supply of FCS teachers, a need that has been documented by historical data showing dramatic declines in the number of FCS teacher preparation programs and the number of individuals completing these programs. According to the most recent National Directory of the Family and Consumer Sciences Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (2003-04), there were only 168 pre-service family and consumer sciences teacher education programs in the U.S., representing a decline of 40% during the last twenty years. Several states have only one institution that offers FCS teacher preparation and some have none.

In response to a 1990s survey by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), most state administrators reported an inadequate supply of qualified FCS teachers. The majority believed their state faced a severe shortage. The survey results showed that undergraduate enrollments in FCS teacher preparation programs would supply only about 25% of the demand for new FCS teachers. A more recent study published in 2006 confirmed that most states continue to experience a serious shortage of FCS teachers and revealed that shortages are particularly severe in rural areas. All of the states participating in the Great Plains IDEA FCS Master’s Degree program reported that the supply of FCS teachers was inadequate.

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Master of Science in FCSE - Degree Requirements

The program consists of 38-41 semester credit hours of course work, including 10 3-credit courses, 2 credits of practicum, and 6-9 credits of internship. Courses are offered over a three-year period, with at least two institutions sharing the teaching responsibility for each course. The home/degree-granting institution is responsible for placement of students for practicum and internship experiences.

The National Standards for Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences provided the framework for designing the program. The following pedagogy courses are required:

History and Philosophy of FCS (3 credits)

Occupational FCS Programs (3 credits)

Multicultural Education (3 credits)

Adolescent Learning (3 credits)

Special Needs Learners (3 credits)

Literacy in the Content Area (3 credits)

Educational Technology (3 credits)

Research in FCSE (3 credits)

Curriculum and Instruction in FCS (6 credits)

Practicum (2 credits)

Internship (6-9 credits)

Electives (as needed or desired)

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Admission Procedures

Texas Tech University reviews applications to the program on an ongoing basis. If you select TTU as your home/degree-granting institution, you must take the following steps to be admitted:

1. Apply for admission to the Texas Tech Graduate School. For information on how to apply online, visit TTU Graduate Admissions.

2. Contact the FCSE Graduate Advisor (sue.couch@ttu.edu) to determine additional application materials that may be required by the department.

2. Work with the FCSE Graduate Advisor to develop a certification plan and program of study. If you wish to be certified in a state other than Texas, this will require that you:

· Contact the appropriate state agency or university FCS teacher educator in the state where you want to be certified/licensed to obtain information about the certification/licensure standards in that state.

· Develop the certification plan and program of study and obtain approval from the appropriate certification official in the state where you wish to be certified.

· Submit the certification plan to the FCSE Graduate Advisor.

If you have further questions please contact the Great Plains IDEA campus coordinator here or the FCSE Advisor (sue.couch@ttu.edu).

Course Registration
Students enroll for all courses through their home institution by contacting the Great Plains IDEA Coordinator. Students will have only one enrollment process to complete and one check to write. All coursework completed will be recorded on your home institution's transcript.

Students who have not been admitted to the Great Plains IDEA program may enroll in a course if space is available. Each course has a maximum enrollment; and those who have been admitted to a degree program at one of the participating universities will be given preference.

Tuition and Fees
Students admitted to the program at Texas Tech University enroll at TTU for all courses, whether they are taught at TTU or by a participating university. All courses will have a common price of $415* per credit hour ($1,245 per 3-hour course effective Fall, 2007). There is no in-state or out-of-state tuition.

*Common tuition rate set by Great Plains IDEA Board of Directors in connection and cooperation with participating institutions.

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Financial Aid
To qualify for financial aid, graduate students must be enrolled as fulltime students in the fall, spring, (6 hours) and summer semesters (5 hours). Scholarship support is sometimes available to full-time students.

FAFSA forms must be filled out for all government loan programs. This form uses last year's income. If you've had a change in circumstances (i.e., quit work to go to school, have large moving or medical expenses) contact the Texas Tech Financial Aid Office. They may be able to adjust your aid package based on information, which could not be conveyed on the forms.

You may also reach the Financial Aid office at (806) 742-3681 or by email: finaid.advisor@ttu.edu. The fax number is (806) 742-0880.

Classroom Instruction
Courses are taught online using a course management system accessed through your web browser. Some courses have supplemental materials on videos or CDs and others may require telephone conferencing.

The format of online courses is flexible and convenient and allows distance education students the opportunity to take courses that fit into their work and schedules. Instructors will include interactive learning experiences, such as e-mail, online chats, and threaded discussions that allow students to develop critical thinking skills, reflect on questions more carefully, and respond in an assertive and thoughtful manner.

Course Materials
As is true for other courses, textbooks and supplemental materials required for each course are the responsibility of the students.

Computer Needs

You need a computer meeting the minimum specifications, the capability to access and download materials from the Internet and a browser equivalent to Netscape/Explorer 6.0 or newer. An e-mail address is essential as well as access to a VCR (VHS) and FAX. In order to access classes, you must set up an e-mail address using the email system at each teaching institution. For example, if you take a course taught at Iowa State, the faculty member will send email to your Iowa State email account, not to your Texas Tech (called: “e-Raider”) address or to a local internet service provide account (i.e. AOL, Yahoo, or Hotmail).

Transcripts
The Dean of the Graduate School will maintain a transcript for students admitted to the program at Texas Tech University. Each semester, course rosters and grade sheets will be exchanged among institutions, allowing grades to be automatically recorded on your transcript at your home institution.

For more information on the Master of Science Degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education leading to FCS teacher certification/licensure contact, the Great Plains IDEA Campus Coordinator at Texas Tech University.

About the Faculty

Karen Alexander, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Texas Tech University. Dr. Alexander received her doctoral degree in Family Studies from The Ohio State University in 2000. Her research activities include the use of reading and writing strategies in the FCS classroom and the development and implementation of career pathway models for secondary students. She teaches methods of teaching, evaluation, and supervision, and supervises FCS student teachers and interns.

Sue Couch, Ed.D., Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Texas Tech University. Dr. Couch received her doctoral degree in Education from the University of Kentucky in 1978. Her research has focused on distance education, ethics, and issues related to gender and work and family conflicts. She teaches history and philosophy of FCSE, research methods, and administration/educational leadership.

Nora Griffin-Shirley, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and Leadership. Dr. Griffin-Shirley received her doctoral degree from Georgia State University in 1993. Dr. Griffin-Shirley’s area of expertise is orientation and mobility of persons with visual impairments. She teaches courses related to exceptional children and youth.

Effie Laman, Ed.D., Visiting Professor of Educational Psychology and Leadership. Dr. Laman Received her doctoral degree from Texas Tech University in 2006. Her research has focused on transition issues of students who are deafblind and vocational training for persons who are either deafblind or deaf in developing countries. She is currently working on the Validation for Functional Hearing Inventory for children who are deafblind and infants who have not passed their infant hearing screening. She is also interested in appropriate teaching strategies for students who have cochlear implants where English language is not the spoken language at home and without an intact language. She teaches generic special education, deaf\hard of hearing, deafblind, and single subject design courses.

Peggy Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Johnson received her doctoral degree from the University of Florida in 1993. She teaches in the area of language literacy.

The Great Plains IDEA Memorandum of Agreement ensures that all faculty who teach courses at the participating institutions meet the qualifications for graduate faculty at their respective institutions.

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