Student Story
Eric Mateos
Fayetteville, AR
Graduate: M.Ed. in HRWD
"If you're a person that has a hectic schedule and needs an online program to fit into that schedule, this is a great one."
Eric Mateos pursued his Master of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development through the online program offered through the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions while working as a graduate assistant coach for the Razorback football program. Mateos said that the online program was a good fit for his tight schedule.
“The [graduate assistant coach] position requires many hours and obligations throughout the year, especially during football season,” said Mateos. “Being in an online degree program allowed me flexibility when it came to getting my academic obligations completed.”
Mateos said he had early mornings and late nights of studying, which came to fruition when he graduated in December 2015.
“Whether it was 6 a.m. or 10 p.m. the night before the game, I was able to find time to do my studies,” he said.
In addition to being flexible, Mateos said that the program was tailored to his career goals.
“I decided to pursue a M.Ed. in Human Resource and Workforce Development because of my high interest in working with people, the most crucial resource of any business in the world,” Mateos said. “I want to continue to coach football for a long time, and part of coaching is managing people in groups and sub-groups that all have a common goal: winning.”
Although his classmates did not share a classroom, Mateos said he still felt connected to his peers.
“What I enjoyed the most about the program was interaction with other individuals in the program,” Mateos said. “Over the course of time, you tend to be in the same classes with familiar names and interact with them through various group work and discussions.”
Mateos also said he appreciated the quality of the instruction from his online professors.
“The professors are extremely helpful and provide great feedback throughout the life of the program,” he said.
Overall, Mateos said he was highly satisfied with the quality of the program and his experience as an online student with the U of A.
“I felt that the program provided me with a strong background in managing people and human resources,” said Mateos. “If you're a person that has a hectic schedule and needs an online program to fit into that schedule, this is a great one.”