Guide to Online Education > Online Education In-Depth > Meet Real Online Students > Ann Marie, Master of Healthcare Administration
As a college professor, it's a common "occupational hazard" to be surrounded by academics in the constant pursuit of knowledge. So it's little surprise that Sister Ann Marie, a 45-year-old New Jersey resident who already has one one graduate degree already under her belt, wants to continue her education.
Name: Ann Marie Paul
Age: 45
Location: New Jersey
Occupation: College Professor
Advice to New Students: Anticipate that going back to school will demand a lot of time.
School: Seton Hall University
Target: MHA, Fall 2008
She currently teaches theology at Assumption College for Sisters, a two-year Roman Catholic women's college, located in Mendham, New Jersey. At Alvernia College in Reading, Pennsylvania, Ann Marie earned a Bachelor of Arts in Addiction Studies and Counseling, and later went on to complete a Master of Arts in Theology and Religious Studies from Villanova University.
Today, Ann Marie is enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) program through SetonWorldWide, the online campus of Seton Hall University. Hoping to move into a healthcare ministry at one of the health systems in her Catholic community, Sisters of Christian Clarity, Ann Marie is excited to be a part of the online education community.
We caught up with her to discuss the differences in online and traditional classroom learning from a teacher's perspective, and find out why she chose to get a degree online from a brick-and-mortar school.
When you decided to go back to school, why did you choose distance learning over a traditional, on-campus program?
I chose distance learning because it enables me to continue with my full-time ministry while I study. When I earn my MHA, I will transition into healthcare ministry at one of the health systems run by my community.
Taking courses online allows me the flexibility of studying at times that are convenient for me and it eliminates travel time to and from the campus, which is especially welcome during the icy, snowy winter months.
The hours I would have spent commuting if I were to have done a "traditional" program are now spent learning the material. Additionally, I can "go to class" anywhere that there is Internet access—whether I'm home in New Jersey or visiting elsewhere.
What is it about online education that you like best?
I like the student-centered approach to online education at Seton Hall. More than in a traditional classroom, students are teachers as well as students. When a question is posed, it can be answered by an instructor or a student.
I have students in my learning team who cover a large area of expertise and a wide geographic area. Having viewpoints from such a diversity of people enriches the educational process and opens us up to horizons beyond the geographic area where the school is located.
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