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Education
Tribal college to add three more online courses


News from the United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota.

United Tribes Technical College has received accreditation to offer three additional associate degree programs online, expanding the college online degrees to five. The new online degree programs are Health Information Technology, Elementary Education and Nutrition and Food Service.

�The training provided in these areas is critically needed in Indian Country,� said UTTC President David M. Gipp. �We know that it�s unrealistic to expect working people to quit and go to school. Online programs allow them to continue working as they gain access to training that allows them to grow in their job skills and contribute more effectively in their communities.�

UTTC became the first tribal college in the nation to receive accreditation for online degrees one year ago when it received approval for its Early Childhood Education and Injury Prevention programs.

UTTC online courses and programs have evolved specifically to meet the needs of tribal students, said Phil Baird, Dean of Vocational and Academic Programs. The college declined the use of pre-packaged online programs and coursework and designed its own technology platform for both academic instruction and student support services.

�We believe UTTC�s programs are credible because our online coursework and platform were developed from a teacher�s perspective,� Baird said. �We felt it was very important that our IT systems and courses meet both the needs of our students and the standards expected of higher education institutions in the country.�

The Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (NCA) of Colleges and Schools granted approval for the new programs December 6. The Chicago based organization has accredited UTTC through the year 2011.

UTTC offers 17 Associate of Applied Science programs and eleven certificate programs, and maintains a branch campus at the Owens Valley Career Development Center, Bishop, CA.

Relevant Links:
United Tribes Technical College - http://www.unitedtribestech.com

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