Study shows Bloustein Online Continuing Education Program meets or exceeds expectations of most learners

A study of more than 200 course evaluations from 2005 to 2008 shows that the vast majority of those who took a Bloustein Online Continuing Education Program “learned a great deal” and that their course met or exceeded their expectations.

The study, conducted in August 2008 by the Professional Development Institute, shows that BOCEP is providing high quality, convenient online education to professionals in planning and related professions. Among the key findings are:


BOCEP learners enjoyed the knowledge they gained in their classes, the interaction they had with their instructors, and the interaction they had with fellow learners. For those who were not completely satisfied with their courses, the main reasons cited were lack of student interaction, not enough or inappropriate course content, the lack of interaction by instructors and inadequate course management. It is useful to note that the positive comments far outnumbered the negative comments.


Every year, between 75% and 85% of learners say they “learned a great deal” in their course.


Every year, BOCEP courses have met at least some of the expectations of at least 87% and up to 100% of BOCEP learners. The percentage of courses that have met or exceeded the expectations of BOCEP learners has grown considerably since 2005. In that year, 42% of learners said their course met or exceeded expectations. In 2007-2008, 66% did.


The study also found that most BOCEP learners are early mid-career professionals and that 40% are in senior or management positions in their organizations. Most learners logged in at least once every other day and spent an average of 5.5 hours a week in their course.


Though the largest share of students taking BOCEP courses live or work in New Jersey (39%), BOCEP has a national audience. After New Jersey, the states most commonly represented in BOCEP are New York (12% of students), California (9%), and Pennsylvania, Florida and Maryland (4% each).


More information is available in BOCEP by the Numbers. Read the full report.