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University of Phoenix Expands Advanced Degree Programs

Posted on: Thursday, 9 July 2009, 11:50 CDT

PHOENIX, July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix today announced the launch of two online doctorate-level degree programs -- a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Nursing (Ph.D.) and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree. Enrollment for both programs is currently underway, with the Ed.S. program beginning later this month, and the Ph.D. Nursing program scheduled to launch in August. Both programs will be offered through the University's School of Advanced Studies (SAS).

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"We're very proud to add the Ph.D. in Nursing and Educational Specialist degrees to our robust roster of offerings," said Jeremy Moreland, Ph.D., dean of the School of Advanced Studies. "The nursing program is designed for individuals who currently hold a master's degree in nursing, have previous full-time work experience in nursing or a related field, and are currently employed in a nursing or healthcare field, with the primary goal of providing a strong research background, advanced education and enhanced training to help individuals move forward into a leadership, administrative and/or a nursing faculty position."

According to a recent American Association of Colleges of Nursing report, U.S. nursing schools turned away nearly 50,000 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2008 due to an insufficient number of qualified faculty and other extenuating factors. Almost two-thirds of the nursing schools responding to the survey pointed to faculty shortages as a reason for not accepting all eligible applicants.

The Ed.S. program is designed for individuals who work primarily in K-12 education, but would like to advance their academic careers and increase their earning levels. The program will prepare learners to become transformational leaders who will strategically manage and lead complex educational organizations. The program emphasizes leadership, with a focus on a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction.

"This degree is a vital step up for academic professionals who want to increase their own personal knowledge or skills, but would like an alternative to the demands that a doctoral degree may impose on them," said Rita Edwards, area chair for education for the University's School of Advanced Studies and a member of SAS's Global Academic Council.

"We want to help keep the best in education in education. University of Phoenix is working to achieve that goal by helping teachers and other educational professionals gain the skills they need to advance them in the K-12 educational system rather than potentially taking their experience to another career field," added Edwards.

The Educational Specialist program has the same admissions requirements as that of the University's doctoral degree in Education in that it requires applicants to have already earned their master's degree, have at least three years of professional work experience and have current access to an educational environment.

Interested doctoral nursing applicants and those interested in pursuing the Ed.S. degree may obtain additional information by calling (602) 387-6844 or visiting http://doctoral.phoenix.edu. Information regarding certain state restrictions on online programs may also be obtained via the University's Web site.

University of Phoenix established its first doctoral program -- the Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership -- in 1998. In 2002, the School of Advanced Studies was formed and further expanded the doctoral program offerings to 10, including the recent addition of the Ph.D. in Nursing program. Since SAS was formed, University of Phoenix has provided doctoral-level programs for more than 6,000 learners throughout the world.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is constantly innovating to help students balance education and life in a rapidly changing world. Through flexible schedules, challenging courses and interactive learning, students achieve personal and career aspirations without putting their lives on hold. During the quarter ending May 31, 2009, 420,700 students were enrolled at University of Phoenix, the largest private university in North America. University of Phoenix serves a diverse student population, offering associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world.

SOURCE University of Phoenix

Source: PR Newswire

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