STUDY OF THE PROVISION OF ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS.

SEC. 8005. STUDY OF THE PROVISION OF ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS.(a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall enter into an arrangement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and provide a report to the Secretary, the Secretary of Commerce, and Congress. The study shall consider the mechanisms and supports needed for an institution of higher education (as defined in section 7001) or nonprofit organization to develop and maintain a program to provide free access to online educational content as part of a degree program, especially in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or foreign languages, without using Federal funds, including funds provided under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) The study shall consider whether such a program could be developed 121 STAT. 717 and managed by such institution of higher education or nonprofit organization and sustained through private funding. The study shall examine how such program can—(1) build on existing online programs, including making use of existing online courses;(2) modify or expand traditional course content for online educational content;(3) develop original course content for online courses and degree programs;(4) provide necessary laboratory experience for science, technology, and engineering courses;(5) be accepted for full credit by other institutions of higher education; and(6) provide credentials that would be recognized by employers, enabling program participants to attain employment.(b) Authorization of Appropriations.—There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2008.