Where working adults earn their degrees

Over the past 20 years, the popularity of taking courses online to earn associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees has skyrocketed. As most of our lives continue to grow busier and our schedules become tighter, the benefits of online learning have grown steadily more appealing.

The attraction of online learning began to spread with the launch of the University of Phoenix in 1976. Though other colleges preceded the University of Phoenix in offering online studies, the packaging and marketing of their courses ignited the ambitions of millions of working adults throughout the U.S. Today, people around the country set aside time from their busy lives to study and earn advanced degrees from the University.

How The University Of Phoenix Began

Economist Dr. John Sperling became interested in how the advent of the personal computer would impact the way intellectual capital was disseminated. He was also curious about the role it would play in our economic system. With several associates, Sperling conducted research into adult education. Specifically, he wanted to design strategies for delivering educational programs to working adults. He chose to study working adults because they sought advanced education that would complement their on-the-job experience and professional responsibilities.

Their research yielded data that implied a growing need for teaching programs that would cater to older students with busy lives. While other colleges focused most of their attention on young students (18 to 22 years of age), Sperling and his associates recognized that those with full-time jobs, families and other responsibilities wanted the opportunity to take classes, as well. In 1976, Sperling founded the University of Phoenix. Since that time, the University has spearheaded the growth in online learning enrollment. Today, the University of Phoenix is the largest private college in the country, boasting a student body of over 250,000.

Benefits Of Taking Courses Online

Sperling identified a need amongst the massive group of working adults in the U.S. They needed further education to advance in their jobs. They wanted to earn degrees that would give them an opportunity to compete for high-paying positions. Many wanted an education that would make a career change possible. The problem Sperling recognized was that working adults have little flexibility in their schedules to attend regular classes. Taking time off from the jobs was not a reasonable option. Plus, many of them had families that required them to be home.

Taking classes at the University of Phoenix allowed these students the flexibility to continue working at their jobs and devoting time to their families while earning a degree. Courses at the University required attendance at a weekly class (usually at night), completion of 1 or 2 weekly assignments and participation a few times each week in an online discussion forum. This flexibility has immense value to most working adults.

Choosing The University Of Phoenix

Taking courses and earning a degree while working full-time was nearly impossible years ago. Today, it's a reality for millions of students. By providing a way for working adults to earn degrees on a schedule that suits their lives.