Arizona State University (ASU) and interactive online education provider - EdX have announced the launch of the Global Freshman Academy (GFA) programme.
The GFA will give learners anywhere in the world an opportunity to earn 1st-level university credit after successfully completing a series of digital immersion courses hosted on EdX. These courses are designed and taught by leading scholars from ASU.
By allowing students to learn, explore and complete courses before applying or paying for credit, the GFA reimagines the 1st year and reduces academic and monetary stress while opening a new path to college degree for many students.
"At ASU, we are committed to academic inclusion and student success, regardless of a student's family circumstances. We will not be successful unless we reach talent from all backgrounds around the world, and the worldwide reach of the revolutionary edX platform allows us to open this programme to anyone with the drive to obtain their degree," said ASU President, Michael M Crow in a press statement. "The Global Freshman Academy will empower students to prepare for college and achieve what they may not have thought they could."
Since it was founded by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012, EdX has offered Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from leading global institutions around the world.
The programme differs from other digital immersion undergraduate programs in many ways. By completing the full series of eight Global Freshman Academy courses, students earn a full college credit for the first year; students will also be able to opt for individual courses for credits, if they prefer.
Also, first year credit earned through the Global Freshman Academy is a fraction of the cost students usually pay. Upon completion of each GFA course, students who pass the final exam will have an option to pay a small fee of no more than $200 per credit hour to get college credit for the course.
The general studies focus areas will include mathematical studies, humanities, arts and design, social-behavioral sciences and natural sciences. The first course, Introduction to Solar Systems Astronomy, is now open for enrollment, and starts in August 2015.