University of Phoenix: College on the Go
� 2005 By Jerry Flattum
All Rights Reserved. Printed with Permission
University of Phoenix is one of the first accredited universities to offer online college education with complete degree programs via the Internet. University of Phoenix is also one of the nation's largest accredited universities, with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 190 campuses, and Internet delivery worldwide.
It is one of the top leaders in online education.
Brian Mueller, CEO of University of Phoenix, says, "We have an annual growth rate of 30-35%." That growth rate is further fueled by a global reach of 90 plus countries, Mueller adds. The staff alone-recruiting, counseling, administrative-numbers near 6500 with an additional 11,000 instructors and 150,000 students.
The thrust behind the success of University of Phoenix is largely a response to changing economic situations. Mueller is quick to point out that students must work and go to school at the same time and "no longer have the luxury of going to school full time."
University of Phoenix has the practical goal of providing degrees that increase value in the marketplace. "Once employers understand the intellectual challenge and rigor of the program," Mueller says, "employers are willing to give credit for savvy and determination."
An online business degree curriculum requires a high level of commitment, something more and more employers are beginning to recognize. University of Phoenix college education qualifies for most employer reimbursement plans.
In fact, 50% of students are supported by employers and many of the online programs are created in cooperation with business and community leaders. In many cases, coursework is immediately applied to the work environment. Professional training and previous education can be used to fulfill some credit requirements.
The advantages are numerous. Students have 24-hour access backed by 24-hour tech support. They can work independently, at their own pace and with a schedule flexible enough to not interfere with work. Students and faculty interact between class sessions backed by online group discussions. Students have access to a full range of online research libraries and services. All a student needs is a computer, a phone connection, and an Internet Service Provider.
Despite a solid growth rate and a strong infrastructure, Mr. Mueller claims, "More progress has to be made. We need to be more creative on how we create content, be more portable, more engaging and allow delivery in other languages." A newly Web-based delivery system will solve most of those problems.
Mueller says University of Phoenix is not in the K-12 business but is currently working with secondary and elementary schools by providing infrastructure. Clearly, education at all levels will experience a dramatic paradigm shift from terrestrial-based to online-based. University of Phoenix is adding doctoral programs with a current split of 65% undergraduate and 35% Masters. The online offering tends to attract a slightly older student.
Even though online tuition is higher than land-based, online education proves to be more economical. Students can access online programs in a reasonable amount of time while working. If work conditions change or a student moves, they can continue the pursuit of their degree regardless. Higher costs are a reflection of the high technology infrastructure costs and a willingness to pay more for convenience. Online courses also tend to be smaller and more focused.
The entire process, from registration to book buying to course completion can be 100% done online. Classes can be taken one at a time in a 5-6 week period, with many degrees earned in 2-3 years. Financing is available. Tuition costs may be partially tax-deductible.
The government is becoming increasingly responsive to the pursuit of online degrees, making such programs eligible for Title IV funds. Students are eligible for funds whether in a physical class or virtual classroom.
University of Phoenix has offered an online program since 1989 and is owned by the Apollo Group. The Apollo Group also owns the Institute for Professional Development, The College for Financial Planning Institutes Corp., Western International University Inc., and the Apollo Learning Group Inc.
You can find more information on University of Phoenix and the programs it offers on the Online Degrees page.
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Jerry Flattum is a songwriter, screenwriter and freelance writer. He has a Masters in Liberal Studies and a self-designed BS in Popular Music and Songwriting, both degrees from the University of Minnesota. He teaches Adult Education and Life Skills at Summit View Sr./Jr. High School Correctional Facility in Las Vegas. In 2005 he signed his first book contract with Sams Technical Publishing.
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