University of Phoenix Offers a Convenient Curriculum for Business Professionals

By Denise Howe, Hacienda Network Staff Writer

With campuses in over 110 cities, and online instruction offered around the world, University of Phoenix is the nation's largest private accredited university, and a leading university for corporate America.

Currently with an enrollment of 130,000 degree-seeking students, the university is dedicated to the educational needs of working professionals and their employers.

Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix provides a relevant, real-world education to working adults at more than 116 campuses and learning centers in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada, and via the Internet.

The University was founded in 1976 and specializes in the educational needs of working adults, says Daniel Waterman, vice president/campus director, Northern California campus.

"We are very focused in terms of our curriculum. We believe in convenience," he says. "Another thing that is important is that the education is very practical in nature. Our students feel like they can put into practice the things they learn in the classroom. That's important because they feel that they are getting a good return on their investments."

The university has a new program called FlexNet. "We have found that people are looking to experiment with online education but they are looking for the face-to-face interaction they get in the classroom. We have a program for undergraduate and graduate degrees that is part online, and part classroom delivery. There has been a tremendous amount of interest in it.

"For example, for MBA candidates, they take one course at a time, through FlexNet, with the first week in class, the next four weeks online and the last week in class. So they get the best of both worlds."

The University of Phoenix has a new State of California teaching credential program where students can receive a multi-subject CLAD K-8 credential. The university is getting ready to launch a Bachelor of Science program in Criminal Justice Administration. Waterman says that with renewed emphasis on security and law enforcement there is a real need for this type of degree.

The innovative format makes higher education more accessible, efficient and relevant. Students can attend convenient night and weekend classes that fit their schedule. There are Master's and Bachelor's degree completion programs in business, management, information systems, accounting, administration, marketing, and nursing. Most of the university's students complete their degree in just two or three years.

Classes are offered one at a time, for five to six weeks, so students can focus on each subject. Programs are continually updated to provide the skills and expertise that are in high demand. All faculty hold either a Master's or Doctoral degrees, and work in the fields they teach, so they can provide the most effective combination of theory and practical experience.

The online campus offers degree and certificate programs in accounting, administration, business, education, human services, management, marketing, nursing and healthcare, and technology.

The University of Phoenix works with major companies to offer comprehensive customized training programs for a specific industry or business. The programs are designed to offer efficient, cost-effective delivery and measurable results.

The University of Phoenix also participates in Federal Aid Programs offering the Federal Stafford Student Loans, Federal PLUS loans, and Federal Pell Grants. The University of Phoenix Learning Center is located at 5725 W. Las Positas Boulevard. The phone number is (925) 847-7640.

Photo: The University of Phoenix holds classes in Hacienda at their facility on W. Las Positas Boulevard.

Also in this issue...