Bethany College Launches Bethany Online with $1M in Support from Congressional Funding

BETHANY, W.Va. (May 31, 2024) – Bethany College is unveiling the launch of Bethany Online, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at providing accessible and innovative online education opportunities. Made possible through support from Congressionally Directed Community Project Funds, Bethany Online will offer a range of programs designed to meet the evolving needs of learners in the digital age.

The initial rollout of Bethany Online will feature three flagship programs: the MBA, M.Ed., and AI certification courses.

An MBA from Bethany offers opportunities to advance your career and significantly increases your potential for higher salaries. Our program stands out as the most affordable option in the region and the curriculum provides comprehensive knowledge of business concepts and challenges you to grow as a professional. The 36 credit-hour MBA program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in today’s competitive business landscape.

Complementing the MBA program are two AI Certification courses, each a seven-week journey into the realm of artificial intelligence tailored specifically for business professionals and curious learners alike. Dive into large language models (LLMs) and explore the capabilities and applications of groundbreaking tools like ChatGPT, Claude AI, MidJourney, and more. Led by experts in the field, these courses provide a comprehensive overview of generative AI, empowering students with practical insights and real-world applications.

For future leadership roles within the education field, the non-licensure, 36-credit-hour M.Ed. (Master of Education) program, is designed to develop your critical thinking skills while honing your sensitivity to demographic, economic, cultural, and societal differences. Our curriculum, rooted in the liberal arts tradition, promotes breadth, depth, and the integration of knowledge to enhance your current role. Our Master of Education program will provide you with real-world skills and knowledge to help you on your path to pursue an administrative/leadership role in a variety of fields in education. Our program is ideal for licensed educators wanting to improve their earning potential by enhancing their understanding of knowledge and skills critical to academic administration/leadership.

The funding provided through the Congressionally Directed Spending will support the necessary technological upgrades, including hardware and software, IT support, staffing, certificate development, and marketing/partnership development. Additionally, the College will hire additional staff to work with the community to manage partnership initiatives.

“Bethany Online will provide accessible and innovative online education opportunities to learners around the world,” says Bethany President Dr. Jamie Caridi. “The support from Congressional Funding, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, and Senator Joe Manchin has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality, and we are grateful for their commitment to advancing education and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.”

The total project investment for Bethany Online is $1,250,000, with $1 million provided by Congress and a $250,000 match from Bethany College. Capito’s office selected the request and pushed it through Congress in the recent spending package that was passed. Bethany College was selected to receive Congressionally Directed Community Project Funds (CDCPF) in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, directed towards online education.

For more information about Bethany Online and how to enroll, contact the Enrollment Office at enrollment@bethanywv.edu or 304.829.7611