Villanova University Online Profile

(LifeWire) - Villanova University Online Basics:

Villanova University Online Academics:

Villanova reaches out to working professionals with online certifications intended to turbocharge the climb up the corporate ladder -- or strengthen the foothold at the top. The university stakes its reputation -- a No. 1 ranking by  U.S. News and World Report in the north region -- on its professional education certificate program. Enrollment is now 25,000 for the courses, which are delivered via streaming video on the Internet or on CDs in case the broadband connection isn't fast enough. Discussion threads, real-time virtual classes with two-way voice-over IP online, and faculty office hours are part of the experience.

Students can complete each course in eight, 12 or 16 weeks, earning a certificate of achievement. But to earn the full master's certificate (not to be confused with a master's degree awarded in graduate school), students must take three courses. Students must pass the assessments in each course. The tests allow the takers to consult reference material. Registration is year-round. The classes begin the first of the month. The instructors include faculty and corporate professionals -- sometimes they're both. On the academic side, graduate degrees in engineering are available. Other disciplines are blended with on-campus or other face-to-face settings, or clinical work.

Villanova University Online Accreditation:

Villanova University is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

Villanova University Online Degrees and Programs:

Villanova University offers master's certificates in project management, Six Sigma, software testing, contract management, human resources, Phillips ROI methodology, leadership, finance and accounting for the non-financial manager, business analysis and IS security. Note that each certificate consists of three courses. For instance, a seeker of a project management certificate would take a required specific course such as Project Management for IS/IT Professionals, and pick two electives such as Essential of Business Analysis and Advanced Strategic Project Management. Master's degrees via distance learning are offered in civil engineering, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering.

Villanova University Online Admissions:

Villanova University distance-learning certificates are designed for businesspeople to learn new theory and earn new credentials to fare better in a competitive environment. These courses are not taken for college credit. The advanced master's certificate courses require "extensive management knowledge." Graduate students generally need a 3.0 grade point average from a completed bachelor's program, but there are exceptions.

Villanova University Online Costs:

Many of the per-course fees in the certificate program range from $1,295 to $1,980. A full master's certificate can run in the $5,000 range. Military discounts up to 15% are available. The university recommends that employees ask their companies to help out. Villanova awards continuing education units, which appear on a transcript that an employer sometimes requires. Enrollees should also consider a Sallie Mae loan specifically for adult students in an accredited program. Tuition for the master's degree in engineering is approximately $650 per credit hour.

Interesting Fact:
Villanova, founded by the Order of St. Augustine in 1842, closed its doors in 1845 because of anti-Catholic riots, and again in 1857 because the Augustinians wanted to focus on missionary work. The Civil War kept the school closed until 1865.