Austin Wrathall
Norwich provided an online program that was just as challenging and effective as an in-person program would be while allowing me to complete my coursework from afar.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I live in Salt Lake County, Utah, with my wife and our two dogs. I enjoy movies, reading, and traveling with my wife. We are both big Disney fans and visit the theme parks whenever time and resources permit. I graduated from Brigham Young University in 2016 with a BS in teaching social sciences. I began teaching middle school social studies the following school year and have continued to do so until the present. I am currently employed teaching 8th grade US history full time.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I knew I wanted to do an online master’s program, but I wanted to choose one that was rigorous and reputable. I also knew I needed to find a program I could afford. After a lot of online research, I found the Norwich program fulfilled all of those requirements. Norwich provided an online program that was just as challenging and effective as an in-person program would be while allowing me to complete my coursework from afar.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program? If applicable, what was the deciding factor in pursuing an online degree versus a traditional on-campus degree?”
A: “I wanted to continue working here in Utah rather than spend days or nights physically present on campus. At first, I was uncertain whether an online program would give me the same quality education as an in-person program. Then, as I studied the Norwich program, my uncertainties changed to whether I could complete the program without burning myself out. Ultimately, the combined rigor and flexibility of the program made me confident that this was the right program for me.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling into one of Norwich’s online programs?”
A: “If possible, get support from those around you. It can be difficult to miss out on an occasional social gathering or an evening with your significant other when assignments are due. Having supportive people around you can alleviate a lot of stress. Also, make sure you have a routine. Set aside a certain time each day to work on things and make sure you can anticipate assignments and get them in on time.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “My master’s degree allows me to get a higher salary as a teacher and to teach classes I could not before. I can also teach at a higher academic level than I could before. It has also allowed me to understand what I teach at a deeper level.”
