But where MOOCs have attempted to use their massive scale to reach thousands of students at once, the University of the People has taken a more traditional approach, as most classes consist of only 20 to 30 students.
The non-profit University of the People’s global scope — 30 percent of its students are from Africa — and focus on smaller class sizes, has meant that it’s largely avoided much of the criticism aimed at MOOC platforms like Coursera and Udacity.
It has received its share of skepticism, with those weary of some of the university’s aspirations focusing on its experimental peer-to-peer learning model and lack of recognition from accrediting bodies.
In a statement released by the university, Sexton, NYU’s president and the chairman of the university’s president’s council, said he hopes that the university’s accreditation will only improve its image and reach.
“It’s thrilling to think that with this accreditation, more students, employers, and leaders will begin to recognize the worth of a University of the People degree,” he said.
Reshef expressed a similar degree of optimism, adding that he thinks accreditation will attract many hesitant students to the university and more donors who can help create scholarships for students who cannot afford the exam fees.
He also said it could “open the gate” to wider acceptance of alternate ways to a college degree.
“It’s an extremely important moment for us but even more so for higher education,” Reshef said. “There’s now a new recognized model and a new way for those who are deprived of a higher education. They now have an alternative. It’s a happy moment for us and the entire higher education world.”
Follow Jake New on Twitter at @eCN_Jake.
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