Northwest Missouri State University Introduces New Online Graduate Programs in Collaboration with Risepoint

Northwest Missouri State University and Risepoint Partnership

Northwest Missouri State University is making strides in online education by collaborating with Risepoint, an education technology company, to broaden its portfolio of online graduate programs. This partnership is designed to address the pressing need for educational professionals in the state of Missouri, particularly as schools face significant staffing shortages.

The partnership will introduce three new graduate programs:
1. Graduate Certificate in Therapeutic Recreation
2. Central Office and Special Education Director District Level Post-Master's Certificate
3. Central Office and Superintendent District Level Post-Master's Certificate

These offerings are crafted to create opportunities for working professionals already involved in education, encouraging them to advance into leadership roles within schools and districts. As recent reports indicate, Missouri schools face an ongoing struggle with staffing, especially in challenging areas such as special education, where nearly half of all schools report vacancies. The demand for accessible and flexible education solutions is growing as districts attempt to recruit and retain qualified educators.

By providing these new online programs, Northwest Missouri State aims to support professionals who aspire to enhance their careers while simultaneously addressing the workforce needs of Missouri's educational landscape. The university prides itself on delivering high-quality, regionally relevant education, and these new initiatives align well with that mission. As Dr. Greg Haddock, Associate Provost of Graduate, International and Online Learning, remarked, “These programs allow us to extend our impact and strengthen how we serve the communities that depend on Northwest for well-prepared educators and professionals.”

Meeting the Needs of a Changing Workforce

Northwest's commitment to bridging the gap between education and local community needs is part of its long-standing strategy to ensure accessible pathways to higher education. With more than 80,000 alumni and a successful Graduate School Placement program, Northwest is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the education sector.

Courses within these new programs will be conducted entirely by professionally experienced faculty, ensuring that participants receive top-notch instruction and support around their busy schedules. This approach not only facilitates learning but also increases job readiness and employability for graduates.

Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint, shared his enthusiasm for the expanded partnership, stating, “Northwest Missouri State has a powerful legacy of impact. We are proud to enhance our collaboration as the University creates more accessible pathways to support local schools and empower graduates to make a difference in their communities.”

A Step Towards the Future

As the demands of the educational landscape evolve, so must the response from institutions of higher learning. With a growing number of prospective students seeking flexibility in continuing education, the introduction of these online graduate programs is a strategic step forward for Northwest Missouri State.

Individuals interested in these programs can find more information by visiting the specific program pages:

In summary, this partnership between Northwest Missouri State University and Risepoint stands as a testament to the proactive measures being taken to tackle workforce challenges in education and to provide professional development options for those dedicated to enhancing their skills and making impactful contributions within their communities.