COLLEGE OF GENERAL STUDIES AND DIGITAL EDUCATION

The College of General Studies and Digital Education emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and addresses aspects of education, pedagogy, and various fields.

General Studies includes various courses and programs to provide students with a broad education. Core or foundational courses cover essential subjects such as English composition, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. They aim to provide students with a well-rounded education and ensure a broad-based fundamental understanding of critical disciplines.

Digital Education, also known as online education or e-learning, uses digital technologies and the Internet to deliver educational content and facilitate learning.  Digital education uses computers, mobile devices, and online platforms to access course materials, interact with instructors and fellow students, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and conduct assessments. With the advancement of technology and the increasing demand for flexible and accessible educational opportunities, digital education has grown significantly and continues to grow in popularity.  The course of studies in Digital Education places great importance on developing educators and trainers with the skills to create supportive and inclusive learning environments that address learners’ emotional, psychological, and social needs.  It is committed to preventing and countering distress from educational challenges, social inequities, and other issues.

The programs offered by the College are:

Bachelor of Science in Digital Education with a concentration in:

• Instructional Designer in Digital Contexts
• Psychosocial Educator in Digital Settings

Master of Arts in Digital Education with two areas of emphasis:

• Instructional Design
• Psychosocial Educator in Digital Settings

and

• Certificate in Primary and Secondary Online Teaching
• Certificate in Beginning English
• Certificate in Advanced English
• Certificate in Academic Proficiency English (*)

The college is directed by Dr. Timoty L. Taylor, MPH, Ph.D. 

Dr. Taylor is an adjunct faculty member in American Indian Studies at the University of North Carolina, Pembroke, and a Review Editor for Frontiers in Public Health.
Dr. Taylor’s primary focus has been on Public Health, especially Health Administration & Policy, Health Care & Health Status Research, and Health Education, emphasizing working as a respectful, cooperative, and equal partner with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes and their communities.
Prior to his current affiliations, Dr. Taylor has been a faculty member and researcher at the College of Public Health (OUHSC), a Research Scientist at the Center for Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions (CASAA) at the University of New Mexico, and Behavioral Health Researcher with the United State Public Health Service, Indian Health Service, (USPHS, IHS). Dr. Taylor has also served in several leadership and administrative positions with the Indian Health Service (IHS), including a Critical Access Hospital and several Ambulatory Health Care Centers on rural and isolated American Indian Reservations. He has served on numerous Boards, Committees, and Panels, including, for example, the National Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the Indian Health Service, the Behavioral Change Expert Panel (BCEP), Office of National Drug Control Policy and Peer Review Committee Member for Prevention Research Centers, Centers for Disease Control & Policy, (CDC).
For over ten years, Dr. Taylor enjoyed a productive and inspirational working relationship with The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, including as National Director and National Advisory Committee Member for two important initiatives with American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes.
He is also a former Kellogg National Fellow sponsored by The W. K. Kellogg Foundation.