IDEA: Innovative Digital Education Alliance
Innovative Digital Education Alliance (IDEA)
IDEA is a consortium of 20 renowned public universities from across the United States, offering online courses, certificates, and degrees in agriculture and human sciences. Founded in 2000, IDEA’s collaborative approach to sharing resources offers students a unique educational experience where they learn from expert faculty at multiple universities. Our alliance has impacted over 11,500 students by providing educational freedom beyond what one university can provide.
IDEA’s innovative approach to higher education empowers learners and faculty from diverse backgrounds to transition learning beyond the online classroom to change their lives and the lives of those around them. Learn how IDEA is making history and shaping the future of online higher education here.
You can contact the Campus Coordinator, Cathy Hamilton, at Bumpers College for further information.
Programs offered through Bumpers College:
These programs are offered here that University of Arkansas through Global Campus and administered through Bumpers College. Students interested in these programs should apply to the Graduate School here at the University of Arkansas. Once the Graduate School has reviewed the application it will be forwarded to the appropriate college and program.
Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education through a partnership with IDEA- Online Master's Degree in Agricultural Education
The 12 hours of core courses required for the program are available online from the University of Arkansas. Elective courses may be selected from additional U of A courses or from courses offered in the IDEA alliance. Contact Dr. Jill Rucker for more information regarding this program.
Master of Science in Human Environmental Sciences, Gerontology through a partnership with IDEA- Online Gerontology Master's Degree & Graduate Certificate
The M.S. in Human Environmental Sciences offers a concentration on gerontology through IDEA. Students will work with an advisor to develop a program plan emphasizing the study of the aging processes and individuals as they grow from middle age through later life. Contact Dr. Tim Killian for more information regarding this program.
A "home" institution is where students apply for admission, enroll in all courses, and ultimately receive their degree from. Courses will be taught by the "teaching" university, one of the institutions participating in the program. The start and end dates of courses are dictated by the "teaching" institution. Students must be aware of enrollment deadlines and course start and end dates at the "teaching" institution. Students log into the course at the "teaching" institution. At the end of the semester, grades are reported on the transcript at the "home" institution. There is no need to request a transcript or transfer a course from the teaching institution.
Courses offered through IDEA are charged at a "Common Price" per credit hour. The Common Price for Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 is $610 per graduate credit hour.
Students interested in applying for either of these programs can also find more information and resources at our Global Campus websites