Innovative new programs are now enabling students to earn their degrees while balancing professional and personal commitments. The Department of Human Ecology has added two fully online learning opportunities to help meet workforce demand for qualified professionals in child development, dietetics and nutrition, family and consumer sciences, and fashion merchandising and design.
A long-awaited online bachelor’s degree in child development received more than 200 inquiries from February to May after its approval by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. The wave of interest translated into 62 applicants accepted (an 89% acceptance rate) and five eight-week courses running for the inaugural semester this fall.
“Many of the students were pursuing or have completed associate’s degrees in child development or related fields and are located far from the UMES campus, or are working full-time. Traveling to campus, then, is not an option,” said Dr. Michelle Spencer, director of the UMES Child Development Program.
Among the inaugural students, 23 will earn their degrees at a substantial cost reduction thanks to the availability of Child Care Center and Professional Development scholarship funds from the Maryland State Department of Education, Spencer said.
An online master’s degree in human ecology is also aimed at helping students further their career goals. The interdisciplinary program offers five specialized tracks, child development, clinical nutrition, nutrition and wellness, family and consumer sciences, and fashion merchandising. Students can choose the track that best aligns with their interests, said Dr. Bridgett Clinton-Scott, Human Ecology Graduate Program director.
Also for Fall 2024, UMES has expanded its current concentration in fashion to a full-fledged bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising and design. The in-person program aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of the industry, including product development, fashion entrepreneurship and merchandising.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu., 410-621-3850.
Photo by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu.
