The University of Wyoming will offer a new, statewide elementary education degree program through Wyoming's seven community colleges beginning in the fall of 2008.

Students will take online and compressed video courses to complete the last two years of the university's education program, earning them an elementary education degree with an early childhood education endorsement.

The program was designed to attract people who already have associate's or bachelor's degrees, are currently working in education or are looking to change careers, said Pat McClurg, dean of the university's College of Education.

It's also a good fit for older students with families who can't move to Laramie or Casper, said Alan Buss, head of the College of Education's elementary and early childhood education department. The University of Wyoming-Casper College also offers a four-year degree in elementary education.

"This program was not designed for the traditional student, 18-years-old, coming out of high school," Buss said.

Those students can certainly apply for the program, Buss continued, but it's not an excuse for students to just stay at home.

The program must enroll 35 students for the fall, or it won't be offered. If enrollment goals are met, the program will run a full two years before enrolling another class of students.

Students will likely have intensive weekend class sessions because of educational methods classes that require some hands-on and face-to-face interaction with instructors.

There are also a set of prerequisites for students wishing to apply to the program, but students can substitute some classes they've already taken for the requirements.

Coordinator of the program Sharyn Polley said that such applications will probably be considered on a case-to-case basis.

"Having an associate's degree or bachelor's degree is not enough," Polley said.

Polley encouraged those interested in applying for the program to contact her at (307) 587-9974 or at srusk@uwyo.edu.

Reach Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@trib.com.