ONLINE EDUCATION PROFILE
California’s public schools face one of their biggest challenges ever as a
generation of teachers are retiring or leaving to raise their own families. The
state mandate to reduce class size will create a need for an estimated 300,000
new teachers desperately needed to fill these vacancies.
According to the National Education Association Fund, California teachers are
being wooed by an annual salary, (ten months) which is the ninth highest in the
nation and the legislature has proposed raising teacher’s salaries an average of
$3,000 annually in the 1999-2000 budget.
Because the Los Angeles school districts employ over 9,000 teachers with an
emergency teaching credentials, one school — National University, already a leader in online
education, has designed new programs specifically intended to help teachers
complete their education requirements. Teachers can update their skills and
earning power at the speed of the Internet, thanks to programs offered by
National University.
Multiple and Single Subject (CLAD) Credential Programs as well as Crosscultural
Language Academic Development (CLAD) certification programs are available online
by simply logging on. CLAD certification, which enhances sensitivity to
language acquisition and diversity, is important in California’s multi-cultural
classrooms where students come from as many as 200 language backgrounds.
For time-starved teachers, National’s new online programs offer a convenient
means to obtain new skills on a more flexible schedule. Programs can be
accessed at any time, from any computer – even in the middle of the night if a
student chooses. Currently, 17 teacher credential and certificate programs are
offered. National’s new online teacher programs provide a new option for a
population of individuals who can not participate in programs at traditional
times or at specific locations.
In a recent survey, Los Angeles ranked No. 15 in the country for employing more
high-tech individuals. California statistics continue to boast that 60,000 new
information technology jobs were created in the last three years. Nationally,
one million new jobs in the high-tech industry were added in the past six years.
The average wage was nearly $63,000 in 1997, 90 percent higher than employees in
other industries. And, the average wage increased six percent or $3,700,
adjusted for inflation.
Addressing California’s need for highly qualified information technologists,
National is meeting the demands of the future workforce. Women make up almost
40 percent of total IT employees. Nationally, there are currently 190,000 job
openings in the field of information technology, with an average of only seven
candidates per 10 openings.
Lack of career development was stated as the major frustration and reason for
employee turnover.
National University, renown for its distinctive and innovative
one-course-per-month format in an accelerated timeframe, allows lifelong
learners to achieve their career goals. All projections are that the fields of
computer science, technology management, information technology and software
engineering will continue to expand at an incredible pace into the new century.
Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered. A Bachelor of Science with
a Major in Computer Science or Information Technology is in high demand and
offered through National. Students wishing to enhance their careers may enroll
in any of the advanced degrees earning either a Master of Science or an MBA.
Master of Science degrees are available in Software Engineering, Electronic
Commerce, as well as Telecommunications Systems Management. A Master of
Business Administration with a Specialization in Electronic Commerce,
Environmental Management, Technology Management or Telecommunications Systems
Management offer a variety of state-of-the-art programs.
Certificate programs in Electronic Commerce, Environmental Management, and
Information Technology offer students an alternative option in meeting today ,s
demands.
The Curriculum is designed to prepare students to meet the demands of the
rapidly evolving technological fields. Programs are balanced to incorporate
both managerial and technical areas of expertise. Faculty members, who have
worked in the business arena, anticipate the demands of each field and equip
students with the knowledge, skill and necessary flexibility to meet both
current and future challenges.
Recent studies indicate that for a student to be a successful online learner,
self-discipline, a high level of personal motivation and family support are
essential. National is introducing four new online programs including a
Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of
Science in Electronic Commerce and a Master of Science in Nursing.
With the exponential growth in technology, the LAX Learning Center is expanding
and adding an additional 11 classrooms to accommodate projected growth of 400
new students. A state-of-the-art computer lab with 35 high-speed computers will
be available to all students.
For more information or to enroll in any of the new degree programs, please call
Maggie Yadegar at 1-800-NAT-UNIV (628-8648) ext. 6606.
