Transferring credits

Credit transfer means a lot to online students, especially those who work long hours, want to advance their careers, or have children to take care of. Credit transfer was a boon to Norwood. “Every last credit from my AA transferred to IU Online, so I’m eligible to graduate in December 2024—in three semesters instead of five or six,” she says. “Earning my bachelor’s in three semesters saves me a lot of time and money.”

Personal communication

“IU’s response times beat other schools,” Norwood says. “I was happy with the application and admissions process, and with the follow-up I received when I called for more information. If I’m pursuing a degree online, communication is major. If I have a question or something urgent comes up, I want quick, efficient communication. I get that with IU Online.”

When Norwood enrolled as a math major, the dean of the math department at her campus of enrollment personally reached out to welcome her to the program. “I never expected the dean to welcome me. That personal connection made me feel very much a part of my program. I won’t forget the communication I enjoyed at IU Online. It shows me how much this university really values its students.”

Using her time well

During the six- to eight-month track season, Norwood seizes every spare moment to focus on schoolwork. “Whenever I can, I fit in my studies. I study in hotels, waiting for events to start. This kind of flexibility makes higher education possible.”

Dedicated to math

Norwood was initially interested in a college pre-med program, but soon realized how much she loved calculus. “Calculus is fun, like solving puzzles,” she says. She looked for an online program that offered Calculus ll. Comparing IU to other schools, she saw that IU Online’s math program offered a wider variety of courses, including courses that would transfer to a doctoral program. “I’m very serious about my studies. I want to learn with an institution that’s well established. Indiana University is here to stay. I know I can count on the value of my degree.”

Career forward

For Norwood, math is not just an interest—it’s a foundation. “Studying math as an undergraduate gives me a broad base. Math opens so many doors. With math, I can do almost anything. It’ll prepare me for the medical field, finance, journalism, or any career that I choose to pursue.”

Encouraging others

Norwood is passionate about STEM and disappointed that young women often lack encouragement to pursue STEM studies. As a result, she’s piloting a virtual program with a chapter of the NAACP to advance STEM education among young people. This includes hosting a STEM seminar in the spirit of, “Yes, you can excel in STEM!” Currently based in Irvington, NJ, the program is a work in progress. If it proves a success, the NAACP National Youth Education Committee will make it national. She has also communicated with the dean of the math department at her campus of enrollment about how she can help advance math among students.

How does she do it?

You may wonder where Norwood gets her spark. It’s a combination of natural ability, determination, passion, and faith. The most important factor has been her mother. “My mother has made so many, many sacrifices so I can pursue my dreams. She’s always by my side, here with me, every single step of the way.”