Graduate distance education in family relations: A case study

This paper discusses graduate distance education in family relations and related disciplines, using a case study approach. Challenges that occur in distance graduate programs are outlined and illustrated by examination of a new master's degree program in Family and Human Development. The program delivers courses by satellite broadcast and interactive television and requires two on-campus meetings. Graduates gave the overall program high marks, with instructor/instruction factors most important in their ratings of most and least favorite courses. We examine the implications of various strengths and weaknesses of the program for graduate program development and teaching pedagogy and offer suggestions to address logistical and pedagogical challenges of distance education in family relations.