In the editorial "Online master's degree in homeland security an educational waste," Sept. 21, the Collegian dismisses the possible benefits of an online master's degree in homeland security.

For the university, online education is just another way for Penn State to provide value to its students. For students, it allows experienced professionals (i.e., in law enforcement, computer systems, etc.) an opportunity to gain additional academic training in a specialized area. As with any earned degree from a reputable school, completion does not signify expertise; that comes from knowledge and experience.

Routinely, critical business projects are accomplished by virtual teams where subject matter experts are deployed throughout the world. The Internet is a technology medium that helps bring people together to accomplish such tasks. Why shouldn't it be used to further one's education? Moreover, why would you want to exclude training students through the Internet when that is a critical tool needed for the real-time information gathering used to prevent terrorism?

You offer several spurious arguments as to why the homeland security program should not be offered online. Why, there isn't enough student-faculty contact. Yes, sitting in a Forum lecture with 200 other students -- now that builds leaders.