It was her last first day of school, and 22-year-old Summer Hanson wanted a photo to commemorate the moment. Only, instead of being surrounded by roommates or snapping a selfie on the way to class, Hanson took a picture in the cockpit of an airliner.
A flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, Hanson is enrolled in the Terry College’s Online BBA Program, so she plans to complete her general business degree from the sky.
“I really like how flexible the program is,” Hanson said. “It’s great because I’m able to do what I love now, while getting my degree, which is fun.”
The Online BBA Program opened its virtual hub to students across the country in spring 2015. Nearly 100 students, ages 22 to 70, are taking classes. The program graduated its first three students earlier this year.
“There are a lot of ways to be a Bulldog,” said Jessie Daniels, the program’s coordinator. “I want people to know that it’s possible to complete your degree.”
Daniels serves as each student’s advisor and handles their often vastly different needs. At times, she has worked with individuals for over a year before they become a part of the program, helping them understand and complete the necessary transfer requirements for admission.
The online program allows those with full-time commitments – working professionals, active military personnel, veterans and others – the chance to learn from the same faculty who teach resident students, network with each other through online channels, and ultimately obtain a business degree.
“If you want to be an entrepreneur or be versatile in the job market, then a general business degree is a great way to go,” Daniels said.