ADVERTORIAL Millions Opt for E-Learning as Online Enrollments Skyrocket Tradition and Convenience Drive Demand ith enrollments in online coursework nearly doubling over a three-year period – from 1.6 million to almost 3.2 million* – it's clear that a growing number of adult learners are finding online programs to be a viable alternative to campus-based studies. Today's students expect more than the convenience of high technology. They also want the academic excellence of highly regarded, accredited schools – accessible anytime and anywhere. W Programs That Work for Working Adults While the rapid growth of online programs illustrates their increasing popularity and widespread acceptance, discerning students know that not all e-learning programs are created equal. If you want your certificate or degree to stand the test of time, it's critical to choose a respected, traditional university that has distinguished itself over the long term. “When I wanted to validate my [project management] experience and earn a new credential that carried some weight in my field, I registered for Villanova University's Master Certificate in Project Management program,” explains Cathy Nanovic, a project manager with Penske Corporation. “The Villanova certificate program I listed on my resume generated so much attention that I had to make a spreadsheet to keep track of all the offers!” What's in a Name? Nanovic's experience illustrates the prestige of attending a nationally recognized university with a solid academic reputation. Villanova University is among the accredited, traditional schools that collaborate with the University Alliance Online to help professionals earn new skills and credentials. Other schools that offer degree and certificate programs online through the University Alliance include: the University of Notre Dame, Tulane University, Thunderbird School of Global Management, the University of San Francisco, Florida Institute of Technology, The University of Scranton, Dominican University and Jacksonville University. Carve a New Path With Cutting-Edge Technology Schools collaborating with the University Alliance add a new dimension to online education with innovative, self-contained multimedia solutions that bring the classroom to you. Lectures are delivered via streaming video and presented by expert instructors who are experienced in teaching adult learners. Students and professors interact with each other in real time using online chat rooms, instant messaging and other high-tech communication tools. With 24/7 availability and no mandatory log-on days or times, this flexible and stimulating learning environment adapts to your busy schedule – leaving you more time for work, life and everything in between. “There was no way I could afford the time to travel to campus and sit through a three-hour long class twice a week,” says Tiffany Bruss, a full-time marketing manager in Tampa, Florida, of her decision to pursue her MBA online. While she initially worried she might “feel isolated in cyberspace,” Bruss notes that regular online communication with her professors and classmates provided “so much feedback that I felt like I was part of a small study group.” Whether you're looking to boost your earning potential with professional certification or increase your marketability to potential employers with an associate's, bachelor's or master's degree, online programs from accredited schools – such as those in the University Alliance Online – offer a powerful combination of tradition and technology that can revitalize your career and transform your life. Ready to take your career to the next level? Contact University Alliance Online toll free 888-622-7344 www.universityalliance.com/succeed *Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States, 2006 by I. Elaine Allen, PhD, and Jeff Seaman, PhD; Babson Survey Research Group and Sloan-C (the Sloan Consortium), November 2006.