Forensic Initiative Recognized
	WVU Now Offering Online Graduate Degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education

Forensic Initiative Recognized

West Virginia University’s Extended Learning recently submitted the Forensic Science Initiative’s online Non-Credit Continuing Education courses to the North American Association of Summer Sessions (NAASS).  The WVU Forensic Science Initiative's courses were awarded the Creative & Innovative Program Award of Merit in the Non-Credit Program Category.

“This is a wonderful recognition of our innovative efforts to deliver instruction to the nation's forensic laboratories,” said Max M. Houck, Director of WVU's Forensic Science Initiative. “Only about half of the forensic labs in the US devote resources to training, so these free on-line classes are important to them.” The FSI has created courses in Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS), Roles in Forensic Science, The Science of Fingerprints, Integrated Ballistic Identification System (IBIS), Ethics in Forensic Science, and Hair Evaluation for DNA Analysis. The courses are free to US local and state forensic science laboratory employees. “The response to these courses has been amazing,” said Robin Bowen, Assistant Director of WVU's FSI and the principal person responsible for managing this effort. “We have people lining up to take them.” Five additional courses are planned for 2008, including Forensic Photography and Introduction to Firearms.

The mission of the Forensic Science Initiative is to provide quality continuing education and resources to state and local employees in the forensic science community. For a nominal fee the classes are also available to the general public. The online courses have been very well received and continue to expand in subject matter. For more information, please go to our Continuing and Professional Education section.

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Registration Underway for Cisco Networking Classes

West Virginia University Extended Learning is offering two Cisco Networking Academy programs for those who want to develop or expand their computer networking skills. The curriculum is offered online with on-site lab work in Morgantown once a month.

CCNA Discovery 4.0 provides a hands-on approach to learning networking skills to prepare students for entry-level IT careers. The course offers easy-to-follow labs to help students learn the general theory needed to build networks. Assistance in internship placement is available upon course completion.

CCNA Explorer presents a comprehensive overview of networking from fundamentals to advanced applications and services. The course helps students develop the skills necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities of network technicians, network administrators and network engineers. After completing this program, students will be prepared to take the Cisco CCNA Certification Exam.

Registrations will be accepted until Dec. 31 and classes begin in January. You can register online at the above links or contact Sherry Tichenor at 1-800-253-2762 or (304)293-7570 or wvuenrich@mail.wvu.edu.

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WVU Now Offering Online Graduate Degrees in Elementary and Secondary Education

The College of Human Resources and Education has expanded its offerings online for those seeking graduate degrees in elementary and secondary education.

The master’s degree in Elementary Education provides licensed teachers increased knowledge and skill for educators working in the elementary (early/middle) school setting. Students will take a series of core education courses along with classes in the content and method area and electives. For details visit the department’s website.

There are two options available online for secondary school educators:

The Secondary Education-Science Emphasis provides opportunity for study and research leading to the master of arts degree. In addition to a series of education courses, students will choose from a variety of science electives that meet their needs and interests. Educators will spend one week on campus in the summer. For details, visit the department’s website.

The Secondary Education-Social Studies Emphasis allows educators who teach social studies or those who work in education-related situations with adolescents and adults to advance their skills while earning a master of arts degree. Students will take graduate education courses and a series of science and social studies electives in consultation with the advisor. For details, visit the department’s website.

West Virginia University also offers additional degrees online for the education community: Special Education (M.A.), Physical Education Teacher Education (M.S.), Athletic Coaching (M.S.), School Health Education (M.S.), and Rehabilitation Counseling (M.S.). Many of the courses in Educational Leadership studies are now offered via the web. Reading (M.A.) and Communication Studies-Instructional Track have some courses available online with additional classes taught in classrooms around the state.

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