Be Connected

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 depar