TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Two degree programs at The University of Alabama have been added to prestigious eArmyU, the U.S. Army’s largest e-learning virtual university program, announced IBM Business Consulting Services, operator of eArmyU.

UA is one of only 12 new undergraduate and graduate schools selected from around the country that will be phased into eArmyU this year bringing the total number of participating colleges and universities to 32 in 19 states.

“We are honored to be included among the institutions providing educational opportunities to soldiers,” said Dr. Carroll Tingle, UA director of distance education.

“Educating military students is not new to our university, but developing complete degree programs for soldiers is a recent focus,” said Tingle.

UA will offer bachelor’s degrees in General Studies/Human Environmental Sciences, and Restaurant and Hospitality Management, both offered through UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences.

“We have modified our infrastructure to accommodate Army regulations and have developed the core curriculum in an online environment,” said Tingle. “The College of Human Environmental Sciences stepped forward with degrees completely online,” she added.

“I am extremely pleased that our outstanding programs and committed faculty will be able to help the men and women serving our country in the United States Army make progress toward completing their college degrees,” said Dr. Judy Bonner, dean of UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences.

eArmyU will now be offering more than 3,000 courses and more than 150 academic degree programs to more than 30,500 enlisted soldiers. The program is expected to enroll approximately 80,000 soldiers by 2005 at military installations around the world.

“The demand for education through eArmyU is astounding, and we built the online program so that it can meet not only a growing enrollment, but also demands for different kinds of courses,” said Jill Kidwell, IBM Business Consulting Services partner. “We are helping the Army supply higher education quickly and efficiently using the e-learning techniques pioneered in this program.”

IBM Business Consulting Services identified colleges and universities to provide online degree programs for enlisted soldiers through a competitive process. In concert with U.S. Army needs, the company recommended schools based on their ability to address the higher education goals and interests of soldier-students, meet the program’s technological and administrative requirements, and optimize value to the Army.

The College of Continuing Studies offers the resources of The University of Alabama to meet the diverse academic needs of nontraditional students throughout Alabama and around the world. The College offers a comprehensive, quality program of both on-campus and off-campus credit opportunities at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels for adults who are employed full-time or otherwise unable to attend classes on campus during traditional day hours. The College also offers a variety of non-credit courses, workshops and seminars in business, industry, healthcare and government for professional updating and career enhancement.