|
According to the U.S. Census Bureau 60% of executives, managers and administrators have at least an Associate degree. Personnel with no higher education usually remain at support or clerical staff levels, with only around 25% moving into more responsible management positions. In addition, the figures show that bachelor degree-holders earn, on average, 43% more than their non-graduate peers. Master's degree-holders earn a further 13%. Given these facts, enrolling on a bachelor's or master's degree course would seem a wise choice for ambitious managers.
Time for a Degree
Studying is hard work under any circumstances, but can seem impossible if it has to take second place to work or family commitments; perhaps even both. These days, many universities accommodate flexible time-scheduling with online degree programs that can be undertaken almost anywhere. For some people, a 100% online program without face-to-face human interaction would not be their first choice. If taking time out to attend a traditional campus degree is not an option, the solution could be a
University of Phoenix FlexNet® program.
What is FlexNet®?
FlexNet® utilizes a combination of online studies and on-campus classroom interaction. Each program of study is organized into five or six-week courses starting and ending with a workshop on campus. In between, studies are completed online using a computer with internet access. This innovative format is consistent with University of Phoenix long history of flexible learning for adults. Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix specializes in providing quality practical education to working people in a variety of formats and is the nation's largest private accredited university offering undergraduate, graduate and certification programs.
FlexNet® Classroom Component
With over 130 campuses throughout the U.S. nearly everyone can find a University of Phoenix location within commuting distance. Usually, courses are arranged so that the final workshop for one course is in morning, with the first workshop of the next course in the afternoon of the same day. This means that students can maximize the effectiveness of each workshop day. The classroom element allows students to forge relationships and fosters cooperation with each other and the lecturer. The final workshop is an opportunity to make presentations, submit projects, discuss issues one-on-one, and to share feedback with other students and lecturers.
FlexNet® Online Component
The online element is completed online by email or other web-based facilities and allows individuals to create a study schedule that suits work and family commitments. It means that much of the time-consuming study process can be scheduled to take advantage of free time at any time of the day or night. Students use online discussion groups, newsgroups, bulletin boards and real-time conferencing as and when appropriate. Course-work is set and submitted online.
FlexNet® Advantages
Although the FlexNet® format does not materially alter the time that it takes to earn a degree, the combination of classroom and online learning can have benefits for students other than the simple logistical means of combining study, work and home life. University of Phoenix has designed programs to be academically rigorous as well as practical and suited to career development. Theoretical techniques learned online can often be applied immediately in work situations and the opposite is also true; problem-solving in the real work environment can reinforce the learning process.
FlexNet® Best of Both Worlds
Anyone who has considered a degree but cannot take time out to complete a campus program; and does not feel inclined to attempt what could be an isolating experience with a 100% online program, should consider the best of both formats and enroll on a FlexNet® program.
By Katrina Boydon
A writer in the scientific and business communities for nearly twenty years, Katrina has worked as a research microbiologist at the Royal London Hospital Medical College, assistant editor-in-chief for a journal published by Blackwell Scientific Publications, and as managing director of a postal and courier company, and set up her own business distributing newspapers and magazines in Moscow, Russia. She has a bachelor's degree in microbiology and studied part-time at the London Business School.
|
