The U.S. News & World Report ranked the University’s online master’s degree program in adult education as one of the best in the country.

The program, which was created only one year ago, is one of 46 regionally accredited universities listed on U.S. News & World Report’s Web site (www.usnews.com) guide to online graduate degree programs.

“All programs have the stamp of approval of their regional accrediting boards, which set rigorous standards for higher education … ,” according to the Web site.

Janet Truluck, academic professional associate of the School of Leadership and Lifelong Learning and coordinator for the online degree program, said it was a huge compliment to be mentioned.

The program was created in fall 2001 with only 20 students. A new group of students will be admitted in spring 2003, and a new group will be admitted each fall semester.

“These (students) are all working adults,” Truluck said. “And if it were not for this program, they would not be able to attend the University.”

Truluck, who also teaches an online course, said most students were pleased with the course and have found it to be practical in their current line of employment.

“I’ve had inquiries from all over the United States and other countries, as well,” she said. “(The students) have to be very self-motivated and very self-directed.”

Truluck said the University only admits 20 students each semester so that students are able to get specialized attention.

“It takes a lot more time, about three times as much,” she said. “Instead of going to class three times for one hour, you are there 24/7.”

Truluck said through this large amount of time she has become closer to many of her online students than with students in her normal University courses.

“It’s a very rewarding experience,” she said.

She said the students are able to form valuable friendships, as well.

“They get to know each other, they share their experiences and they really become friends,” Truluck said. “It should be fun at graduation to see what everyone looks like.”

Students in the University on-line master’s degree program are expected to take two courses per semester and can finish in two years. They are offered a variety of adult education courses.

People seeking more information on the online program can visit the Web site (www.coe.uga.edu/adulted/onlinemasters.html).