A giant in the world of adult education and online learning, the University of Phoenix has satellite campuses in more than 40 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. The school also offers a large number of online degree programs that cater to the working adult seeking career advancement or hoping to enter an entirely new field. Students at the University of Phoenix can select from programs offering everything from an associate's degree to a doctorate in areas such as general studies, nursing, business, communications, education, technology, psychology, and criminal justice.
The University of Phoenix programs are flexible, allowing students to take classes in the evenings, on weekends, and online at any time of day. Rather than taking four or five classes for over a semester of several months, University of Phoenix students have the option of taking only one to two classes in an accelerated format that lasts just a few weeks. This allows working professionals to focus on just one subject at a time. For many, this removes the stress of juggling too many things at once and allows degree completion which seemed impossible before.
One of the unique features of the University of Phoenix is collaborative, practical application of many courses. Since the majority of students are working professionals, some of the classes mimic a work environment wherein students utilize teamwork to bring fruition to timely, relevant business projects. With students collaborating who currently work in many different industries, students gain added perspective by learning how a topic impacts more than just their own occupation.
Because of the unique format and practical application of concepts, admission is limited to those who are currently working. Each department has its own set of admission criteria, but all students should have a job or at minimum, have access to an organization where student projects can be applied. The University of Phoenix also hires working professionals for the faculty. Faculty members are required to have practical work experience in addition to advanced degrees.
The University of Phoenix is an accredited school, and therefore, students may receive governmental financial aid. Academic accreditation includes: The Higher Learning Commission, The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC), and Council for Accreditation on Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Only one-fourth of all business school programs in the US are accredited, so the University of Phoenix strives to maintain the highest possible standards in program development.
