The University of Phoenix @ Career Opportunities

The University of Phoenix

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Last changed on: 09/03/2008 @ 12:44 PM.

Tags: Careers, Education, Career Training, Schools, Degrees

The University of Phoenix (UPX or UOP) is a career training institute centered around adult and continuing education, particularly career education for working adults. It is currently the largest private university in the world, enrolling more than 310,000 students.

The University of Phoenix was founded in 1976 in Phoenix, AZ by entrepreneur, professor and activist Dr. John Sperling. Sperling intended the university as a means for working adults to attend school without being brushed onto the sidelines, as was his observation during his teaching tenure at San Jose State University. The school has since grown to involve students of all ages, especially students in the military, as well as working professionals looking to advance in the workplace.

The University of Phoenix currently offers online and campus-based education at the associate, bachelor, master and doctorate level. The school's programs include subjects in health care, technology, psychology, criminal justice, business, arts and sciences, and others. Its mission, according to the Web site, is to "provide access to higher education opportunities that enable students to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve their professional goals, improve the productivity of their organizations, and provide leadership and service to their communities."

In 1989, the University of Phoenix added an online campus, expanding its student base to include those who prefer to study from home. Its doctoral degrees are currently only available through the online program.

Student opinions on the University of Phoenix vary from extremely pleased to disappointed, with the school's name appearing on many student review and commentary sites throughout the Web.