Los Angeles. The UCLA School of Nursing will launch an online master’s in nursing administration degree beginning fall 2001. As many as 25 students may take 11 core courses online and complete four electives and internships or practicums in-person.

A $186,500 grant and Web site administration by eCollege.com will support the program’s setup, including a consultant and training for three faculty members to transfer courses to the Internet, said Donna McNeese-Smith, Ed.D., RN, assistant professor and coordinator of the nursing administration program. The School of Nursing is the first to offer an online option at UCLA.

"I certainly think the whole school is watching us and asking us to track how much time is needed to put courses online," McNeese-Smith said. "Many faculty [in other schools] are interested and feel it’s the way to go."

An interactive format includes real-time chats in a threaded discussion format, online posting of student work and personal class meetings twice per quarter. An additional $30 to $150 per online course will cover 24-hour access and technical assistance.

Student benefits include flexibility to work full time and earn credit hours, said Adey Nyamathi, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, professor and associate dean for academic affairs.

"This is something nurses always seem interested in because they are unable to leave full-time positions and commute to class," Nyamathi said. "This is an opportunity to allow them to have their immediate needs met and still have an education."

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