Guest Author - Andrea Andrews

One of the most widely known and recognized online universities is the University of Phoenix. Centered out of Phoenix, AZ, this university provides distance education for the non-traditional student. They have online classes along with classes that you can attend at a campus near you. They have campuses in over 30 states as well as Canada and Puerto Rico.

University of Phoenix offers degree programs ranging from an Associates degree through postgraduate work including a masters, doctorate or credentials. You can earn your degrees in the following:

Associate Degree Programs

Communications
General Studies
Accounting
Business
Financial Services
Hospitality, Travel and Tourisn
Sport Management
Criminal Justice
Elementary Education
Paraprofessional Education
Human Services Management
Health Care Administration (various emphases)
Psychology
Information Technology

Bachelor Degree Programs:

Communication
Business (with various emphases)
Management
Criminal Justice Administration
Organizational Security and Management
Education
Human Services
Health Administration (various emphases)
Nursing
Psychology
Information Technology

Masters Degree Programs:

Business Administration (various emphases available)
Management
Accountancy
Education (various emphases available)
Health Administration
Nursing
Psychology
Information Systems

Doctoral Degree Programs:

Business Administration
Organizational Leadership
Educational Leadership
Higher Education Administration
Education Specialist
Health Administration
Nursing
Industrial/Organizational Psychology


Although the fees and tuition varies by location, program of interest and type of degree, you can expect to pay between 450 and 800 per credit (with an average of 3 credits per class). The benefit of having a flexible educational environment does come at a higher cost than many traditional universities. University of Phoenix offers a few different options to help finance your education. They have a cash plan, which allows you to pay by course, rather than a longer period of time. They also work with third party billing if your employer may be assisting in the payment of your education. There is also the traditional financial aid plans such as federal aid and private loans.

The University of Phoenix is a accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is also recognized by different program specific accreditation organizations. The specifics can be found on the school’s website.

While the University of Phoenix provides a flexible educational experience, there are varying opinions on what a degree from the university is really worth. Many graduate programs, for instance, require you to earn a specific score on the GMAT, while taking the exam is not required for admittance to the University of Phoenix. Some people view this as an “easy” way to get into school and therefore don’t look as favorably at the degree you earn. One reason to further education, such as a masters or other graduate degree, is to simply add the title and experience to a resume. If you plan on staying at your current employer, earning a degree from the University of Phoenix will usually be a good way to get the experience and education necessary to earn the promotion you are seeking. A way to gauge the sentiment in your work place about a degree from the University of Phoenix is to ask your co-workers or perhaps a mentor. See what their opinion is and then decide if University of Phoenix is right for you.