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History
Hurricane Katrina was the sort of catastrophe for Grantham University that few colleges or universities have ever had to face. Were it not for the fact that Grantham is an online institution, they may not have survived the storm and its aftermath. Fortunately, student and school records were digitally stored at a site in northern Virginia. As the storm approached, administrators hatched a plan for dealing with a worst case scenario, which of course turned out to be a reality. With most of the school’s facilities in ruins at its main campus in Slidell, Louisiana, the faculty and staff were able to leave the state and re-establish the school in Kansas City, where it remains to this day. In the history of American higher education, the resiliency in the face of disaster that Grantham displayed is nearly unparalleled.
Grantham University
Academics
Grantham University was founded in 1951 by World War II veteran Donald Grantham. Originally, the school was small and only taught radio license classes. War veterans made up the whole of the student body. Grantham quickly expanded, with more course offerings in the area of electronics and several more campuses across the nation. In 1968, the school renamed itself the Grantham College of Engineering and gradually brought most of its operations under one roof in Los Angeles, California. At the same time, the school transitioned into solely a distance learning institution. The early 90s saw Grantham relocate to Slidell, Louisiana. The new facilities would be almost entirely wiped out by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. In response to the disaster, Grantham quickly set up new headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.
Grantham University offers certificates of learning, as wells as associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. All programs are conducted entirely online. The school has been accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council since 1961. In the wake of Katrina, the Missouri Department of Education was quick to certify the university to operate within the state and confer degrees. The academic curriculum at Grantham is divided into the following four colleges and schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, Mark Skousen School of Business, The College of Engineering and Computer Science, and The College of Nursing and Allied Health.
The College of Engineering and Computer Science arguably has the longest and most distinguished history at Grantham University. Students can earn associate’s degrees in fields as diverse as engineering management technology, computer sciences and electronics. Every program requires completion of a 42 credit hour collection of general education courses. Degrees focusing on engineering will include a heavy mathematics component. Most programs also entail virtual laboratory work using software supplied by the university. Grantham makes every effort to keep its computer science programs at the cutting edge of technology and instruction.
Most Popular Fields of Study
The top 5 fields of study completed at Grantham University.
Prospective students must provide an official high-school transcript or GED score report. Military personnel have alternatives to this requirement if they cannot immediately secure a transcript. Veterans can submit Form DD214, while active duty service members can forward either Form DD1966 or a Military Statement of Service. However, proof of graduation or its equivalent must still be provided before an admitted student can graduate or move on from Grantham. In general, the university practices open admissions, although certain programs may have specific entry requirements beyond those specified for general admissions.
The Grantham University application is an online form with no fee. Applicants should have access to a Windows-based computer with a 1.6 GHz or faster processor, 1 GB of memory and 40 GB of hard drive space. Students with systems below these specifications can still enroll, but their overall learning experience may be hindered by their technology.
Graduate Admissions
Applicants to one of Grantham University’s graduate programs must hold the baccalaureate degree and submit official transcripts of all college-level work. Prospective students must have earned a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, otherwise admission can be denied. Students with lower GPAs can apply for a waiver and be considered fpr admission on a case-by-case basis.
Graduate programs at Grantham generally do not require standardized test scores, however the nursing program has stricter entry requirements than the other disciplines. Military applicants should forward any testing or coursework they have undertaken in connection with their service.
Transfer Admissions
Grantham endeavors to work with students who have attended other colleges and transfer the appropriate credits into the program of their choice. The only exception is the nursing program, which as a rule does not accept transfer credits.
To earn a Grantham University degree, at least 25 percent of all coursework must be completed with the university.
Financial Aid
Veteran, active duty and military family members have numerous options for funding their education at Grantham University.
Military Programs
Tuition Assistance (TA) is a popular option for active duty, reserve, National Guard and veteran students. The TA program pays up to a specified amount per credit hour. The exact amount depends on the branch of the military and other individual factors.
The DANTES program reimburses non-tradtional students for their cost of education. Interested students must contact their base’s Educational Service Officer as well as a Grantham representative.
The Career Advancement Account (CAA) at Grantham is designed to help military spouses pursue their own educational objectives. The CAA program offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance.
Scholarship Programs
Grantham University offers a variety of partial or discounted tuition scholarships primarily to military personnel and veterans. The Military Severely Injured Scholarship provides deeply discounted tuition rates. The Military Education Scholarship for Veterans includes a tuition discount and free textbooks.
Police, fire fighters and emergency paramedics may qualify for the First Responders Scholarship. In addition to discounted tuition, the First Responders Scholarship includes a textbook and software award that covers the cost of any required class materials.
In spite of the relocation forced by Hurricane Katrina, Grantham University continues to serve thousand of students each year. Most of these are military personnel of some sort, with a large contingent of non-traditional students as well. As a distance learning institution, Grantham cannot offer the same sort of campus life opportunities as a brick and mortar school. However, academic support services, such as tutoring and advising, are nonetheless available to all students.
Student Enrollment Demographics
How many students are enrolled at Grantham University?
As an online-only university, Grantham presents challenges to its faculty that they wouldn’t experience at a traditional university. Clear, concise communication is the glue that holds effective distance learning in place. Grantham’s full-time faculty teach courses while also developing curriculum and staying abreast of the latest trends in distance education pedagogy. Part-time faculty concentrate on instruction. Most of the full-time faculty members hold the highest degree in their respective fields.
Bibliography
The College Board. Grantham University. 2011. Web. 5 August 2011.
Gale Group. Grantham University. Macmillan Reference USA: Detroit, 2010. Print.
Grantham University. Grantham University. 2011. Web. 5 August 2011.
Demographics – Main Campus and Surrounding Areas
Reported area around or near Kansas City, MO 64153
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Kansas City, MO 64153
p. 816-595-5759