Certificate A certificate offers a shorter course of study than a degree. Certificates can serve as steppingstones to a degree. A certificate typically requires at least 12 semester credits of coursework. With program faculty approval, credits completed in a certificate program may be used in a degree program.

Distance education Distance Education is instructional delivery that does not constrain the student to be physically present in the same location as the instructor. Historically, distance education meant correspondence study. Today, audio, video, and computer technologies are more common delivery modes.

Bachelor's degree Studying 4 years at a college or university, known as "undergraduate" education, will generally lead to the Bachelor's Degree.

Master's degree This is the degree a student gets after he studies beyond the 4 years of college. The MBA., or Master of Business Administration, is an extremely popular degree that usually takes two years. Some Master's programs, such as journalism, only take one year. In such fields as history and philosophy, these degrees are considered stepping-stones toward a doctorate (Ph.D.).

Financial aid, disability service and vocational rehabilitation In the USA there are a number of state and federal laws that protect the equal rights of handicapped and disabled persons to education, employment, housing, etc. For example, classrooms and offices must be accessible to people with wheelchairs or crutches, so most of them have special ramps and elevators for this purpose.

　　 Over time, Kelley has learned to move her fingers enough to use a computer and to get around daily with the help of a wheelchair. Although that progress is not enough to allow her to continue her previous career, other opportunities have opened up for her.


　　 Kelley said, "The accident changed my outlook on life, and I immediately looked to education since I had no degree." Most traditional programs did not allow her to balance her education with a growing family. Then, Kelley found Penn State Distance Education.


　　 Distance Education is hard work, but my children make it all worthwhile. Even if for some reason I can't work after obtaining my degree, I will be an educated person, setting a good example for my children and having gained the knowledge that can help them in their future efforts. Distance Education has changed my life from tragedy to triumph," she said. Distance Education affords me an opportunity to pursue my own goals and personal work. My education is separate from my " issues regarding my disability or my family life and caring for my children."

　　 Commenting on McKee's experience, Gary E. Miller, vice president for Distance Education and director of the World Campus, noted, "Kelley's story is a wonderful reminder about the impact of Distance Education on the lives of our students who cannot meet their needs through traditional on-campus programs."

　　 Jane Ireland, academic advisor for Distance Education and the World Campus, added: "Kelley reminds us of the mission we have in Distance Education--to bring a quality education and experience to students regardless of their geographic vocation or life circumstances. Kelley is a wonderful example for us of the great effect we have on the lives of a great many students who truly need access to education."

　　 Kelley is a successful student, carrying credits each semester. She plans to complete her bachelor's degree in letters, arts, and sciences, then continue on to obtain an online master's degree.

　　 After graduation, McKee hopes to work with injured or disabled individuals, possibly in counseling in a rehabilitation setting. Jane Ireland has no doubt Kelley will achieve her goals.

　　 Kelley is thankful to her outstanding instructors and a number of student support services, including financial aid, disability services and vocational rehabilitation. Many of these faculty and staff, however, say that it is Kelley McKee who has been outstanding.

　　 Susan Waitkus, instructor in English at Penn State's DuBois Campus, stated, Kelley inspires not only other students, but also faculty fortunate enough to know her. She reminds us how privileged we are to teach."