Inside Look at University of Phoenix: The Ultimate College Tour

0:00 (upbeat music) 0:10 - Welcome, everyone, to University of Phoenix. Founded in 1976, 0:15 this private university was built to meet the unique needs of busy adults. Since then, UOPX has helped 0:22 more than one million non-traditional learners earn an education from an accredited university, 0:28 on campus or online, day or night. I'm standing at the university's Phoenix, Arizona campus, 0:34 but it isn't what you would expect. Most colleges have athletic facilities and classrooms, 0:40 but what if sporting events happened in your backyard and classes in your kitchen? Enter UOPX. 0:46 The university offers over 100 degree and certificate options aligned with real-world careers, 0:52 taught by practitioner faculty and backed by around-the-clock support and career services for life. 0:59 How about that? I'm your host, Alex Boylan. and over the next half hour, we'll hear from students and alumni across the country 1:06 about how UOPX helped them go to school while working, or raising a family, and pursuing their career goals. 1:13 Welcome to University of Phoenix. This is The College Tour. 1:23 (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) I'd like to introduce you to someone who is the embodiment of what it means to be a Phoenix. 1:31 Meet Dr. Rose Lorenzo, a three-time graduate who used her doctorate research 1:36 to start a business. Like most UOPX students, Dr. Lorenzo didn't let her life get in the way of her education. 1:43 And now she has a pretty fascinating story to tell. Take it away, Rose. 1:52 - Thanks for the introduction, Alex. Hi, everybody. I started my college journey right out of high school, 1:58 but then life happened and I had to place everything on hold. But when my youngest daughter decided to go to college, 2:04 I decided it was time to return to school and finish what I had started many years ago. 2:10 I chose the University of Phoenix because they offered the flexibility to work full time and attend school. 2:16 As a working professional, I could fit my classes around my work and my life. That flexibility allowed me 2:22 to earn my bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree. Throughout my journey at University of Phoenix, 2:28 I encountered an amazing population of students driven to achieve their goals. Because I received all of my degrees 2:34 from the University of Phoenix, I interacted with students from education to technology 2:39 and everything in between. Most were working professionals from various industries. 2:45 During my doctoral program, I met three like-minded classmates that completely changed my career path. 2:51 Through our combined research, we started Hackathon Jr., a nonprofit organization 2:56 that teaches children how to code and problem solve with technology, with the mission to improve emotional intelligence 3:03 through communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. The student community University of Phoenix fosters 3:10 helped to make our dream a reality. University of Phoenix is designed for busy adults 3:16 because the education not only helps you learn skills for a job, but also creates a connection 3:21 with like-minded individuals that can propel you to the next level in your career and life. 3:28 The online environment at University of Phoenix gave me the opportunity to meet non-traditional adult students, like me, 3:35 and build a professional network. University of Phoenix also contributed to my professional growth 3:40 by giving me confidence to write a book and start i2O Academy, a charter high school that focuses on entrepreneurship in STEM. 3:48 Well, that's my story. Back to you, Alex. 3:57 (transition whooshing) - What an amazing story. Like Rose, many UOPX students juggle work, 4:03 life and family while going to school. But what defines them is the grit and determination 4:09 to face life's responsibilities head on and succeed. From business owners to role-model parents, 4:16 it's awesome to see where their degrees can take them. Thanks, Rose. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) You all are gonna love this next segment, 4:23 Meet Vernon Wiggins. There's a saying around here, "Online since '89." University of Phoenix 4:29 was one of the first universities to offer online degrees, and they've been innovating the asynchronous learning experience ever since. 4:37 Students can attend classes around their schedules, 24/7, 365 days a year. 4:42 Vernon knows all about that, earning his degree all the way from Louisiana. Take it away, Vernon. 4:47 (transition whooshing) - Thanks for that introduction, Alex. 4:53 One of the reasons I chose University of Phoenix was because of its online learning platform. For me, it was a dream come true 5:00 and a necessity. It meant I didn't have to put my life or career on hold while I pursued my education. 5:06 My life doesn't look like most peoples'. As a film producer, director and actor, my schedule is as busy as it is creatively driven. 5:14 Going to school was a priority for me, but I needed to do it on my terms. Before University of Phoenix, 5:19 I didn't think this was possible, but with online learning, I discovered I could earn a degree whenever and wherever I wanted. 5:26 University of Phoenix provides a convenient online platform that is user friendly and full of great information 5:31 to help students succeed. It offers around-the-clock support and resources, like the Counseling Skills Center, 5:37 and the option to participate in a recognized student organization. These are just a few reasons 5:42 why I never felt alone during my educational journey, and I love all the benefits that online education has to offer. 5:49 In addition to flexibility, I've been able to network with other working professionals with my academic and career interests. 5:56 Education may come in a different format at University of Phoenix, but it's the same quality as you'll find at a traditional university. 6:04 I not only learned the business and communication skills I needed for my career in the entertainment business, 6:09 but I also learned soft skills like communication, teamwork and critical thinking. When I first started college, 6:15 I never imagined I would learn as much as I have. I use this knowledge daily as a business owner 6:20 and executive film producer. University of Phoenix changed my life by not only educating me in my chosen field, 6:26 but also showing me that anything is possible. Thank you. Back to you, Alex. 6:36 (transition whooshing) - Great job, Vernon. University of Phoenix truly offers an experience 6:42 where students have the freedom to learn when and where they want, without the hassle of commuting to class, 6:48 or missing work, or life events because of school. Plus, they can take classes on their schedule, 6:54 not the other way around. Thanks for sharing. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) Meet Devon Moody-Graham, 7:00 an MBA graduate and international business strategist. Going to college is never a solitary experience, 7:07 even online. That's why University of Phoenix offers dedicated support from academic counselors, 7:14 recognized student organizations that foster connectivity and networking, and upon graduation, 7:20 access to 50 alumni chapters nationwide. Devon is one alumna 7:25 who made the most of these opportunities. Take it away, Devon. 7:34 - Thanks, Alex. I'm the proud daughter of a cobbler and a cosmetologist. So I guess you can say I was born creative 7:41 and destined to be a business owner. Ever since I was a kid, I like to help people and make money. 7:47 This is still true today. When I first learned about the University of Phoenix, I was a recent college grad 7:53 and a single mother with an infant. I was looking for a flexible master's program to accommodate my life as a new mother. 7:59 I started a hybrid MBA program while balancing a full-time job, my son, 8:05 and so much uncertainty about the dreams that I had for our life together. I had no idea then how big a role 8:12 University of Phoenix would play in my life. I was the youngest person in my class, which included several senior employees 8:19 of a global aerospace company. That was huge for networking and learning. The classes of the online community 8:26 let me meet people from all walks of life who were in various stages of their careers. 8:31 The impact this had on my life and career as a business strategist and author has been priceless. 8:37 When it comes to community, whether in person or online, you get out what you put in. 8:43 I had such a good experience with my MBA program that I later enrolled in a graduate marketing certificate program. 8:49 And this just furthered my knowledge and connections. For students entering the online world, 8:55 I will tell them to get to know their instructors, look for things they have in common with their peers, 9:01 and connect outside of class. The people you meet at the University of Phoenix can help you reach your dreams, 9:07 and you can help them reach theirs. Back to you, Alex. 9:15 (transition whooshing) - Well said, Devon. Your experience underscores how University of Phoenix's online format 9:22 eliminates geographical barriers among students to offer both support and connectivity. 9:27 Thanks for sharing. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) Career growth never stops. 9:33 That's why every UOPX degree is backed by career support for life. 9:39 Let's meet Shammai. She's a mother of three who has earned three degrees from UOPX. 9:45 Shammai took advantage of the university's Career Services for Life offering and was able to build a personalized career plan 9:52 to pursue her goals. Take it away, Shammai. (transition whooshing) 10:00 - Thanks for the intro, Alex. Hello, everyone. My education prepared me to pursue my career goals, 10:07 but an unexpected health crisis nearly upended that overnight. Despite all of my hard work in school, 10:13 I found myself underemployed and raising a family. I had lost all confidence 10:18 until I heard about the University of Phoenix's commitment to career support. University of Phoenix students have access to tools, 10:25 resources and support from career advisors for life. I received one-on-one support from an advisor 10:31 who helped me articulate my education and skills on a resume and prepare for job interviews. 10:37 She stood by me and empowered me to understand my dreams, put them into perspective and go achieve them. 10:43 But the support doesn't stop there, students and alumni can access a suite of resources on networking, 10:50 personal brand development, salary negotiation and more from the second they enroll throughout their career. 10:57 The education and support I received from UOPX was a tremendous asset for reaching my professional goals. 11:04 As a career-oriented professional, it means the world to me to know that my university cares about my career growth 11:10 and is always there to support me when I need it. UOPX is a part of the foundation 11:16 of the professional I am today, because online education reinforces personal responsibility, 11:22 achievement and accountability. It allows people, no matter where they come from, 11:28 the opportunity to better themselves and shoot for the stars. And get this, I'm also enrolled in UOPX's doctoral program. 11:36 Attending the University of Phoenix has been the best decision for my education and my career. 11:42 I am looking forward to the day that I will be Dr. Shammai Terry. 11:48 That's it for me, Alex. Right back to you. 11:57 (transition whooshing) - Wow, what an amazing accomplishment, Shammai. UOPX students have access 12:03 to a team of dedicated advisors that help with one-on-one career support, resume building, 12:09 and interview prep for life at no added cost. Students can feel confident that their degree will prepare them 12:15 to succeed in today's workforce. Thanks for sharing. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) To help meet students' diverse learning styles, 12:22 UOPX launched its competency-based education, or CBE degrees. 12:28 This can be great for working professionals, like University of Phoenix alum Scott Kirby. 12:33 Unlike traditional degrees, CBE programs allow students to leverage skills they already have 12:39 so they can earn their degree faster. Let's hear Scott's sweet story of how he started his degree. 12:45 (transition whooshing) - Thank you for the introduction, Alex. 12:51 My educational journey started out as a date night. My wife was attending the University of Phoenix 12:56 and we wanted to take advantage of the time that she spent studying. That encouraged me to enroll to fulfill a promise that I had made to my mom 13:03 to earn a bachelor's degree. After I graduated, I was motivated to keep going. 13:08 At that time, the University of Phoenix had launched the competency-based education MBA, which appealed to me on many levels. 13:15 The program structure made it easy for me to take control of the due dates and projects, and go to school around my busy schedule. 13:22 What I discovered about this program was a level of enthusiasm by the instructors to engage with the students 13:28 to help mentor and facilitate learning. One instructor even held a conference call every Saturday 13:34 to guide us in mastery of the materials and to keep us on track to graduate. I went into education to work independently 13:41 and found that the program structure inspired me to upscale in my career. Because of the structure of the CBE program, 13:49 you can complete it in a year. Classes come in groups of four, giving you the ability to work on all or one at a time. 13:56 I was able to apply the skills I had already had and focus on the new skills I needed for my career. 14:02 I've worked for more than 30 years in some type of management role, and since the University of Phoenix, my enthusiasm and workplace contributions 14:09 have greatly improved. The CBE program gave me three key things, 14:14 improved confidence in how I speak to my team, new resources to use as I navigate projects, 14:20 and sheer satisfaction in earning another degree while working. University of Phoenix makes it possible 14:25 to satisfy educational needs while maintaining a work-life balance. 14:31 Back to you, Alex. 14:37 (transition whooshing) - Wow, truly remarkable, Scott. I love the personalization and flexibility 14:44 offered through the CBE programs. UOPX has competency-based degrees in business, healthcare, nursing, and technology. 14:52 That is amazing. Thanks for sharing. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) Let's meet Jason Wells. 14:57 He's originally from South Africa, but moved to Utah when his wife pursued a new job opportunity in the US. 15:04 Jason was a self-proclaimed stay-at-home husband. And used that time to further his education with an MBA. 15:12 Let's hear how UOPX's tuition savings opportunities made it possible for him to go back to school. 15:18 It's all you, Jason. (transition whooshing) 15:24 - Thank you for the introduction, Alex. After reviewing several business schools, I could not believe the cost 15:30 of pursuing an MBA degree. And as a recent immigrant, I had no credit in the USA. 15:36 I almost gave up on my MBA plans, until a friend of mine recommended the University of Phoenix's competency-based MBA program. 15:45 Tuition costs for the MBA are significantly less than traditional in-person MBA programs, 15:51 which was a perfect fit for my budget. I was able to receive the educational rigor 15:56 and benefits of a traditional MBA, such as networking with other like-minded MBA students, 16:01 but with the flexibility of online education at a cost I could afford. My financial counselor was also great 16:08 in making sure my educational choice matched my budget. The overall educational experience 16:14 was excellent and intense. The flexibility of the program was great. My classroom was the running trail. 16:21 - [Instructor] Learning objectives, introduction to operations management, page one, - My home, 16:27 the gym, local library, coffee shops, airport lounges, or the hospital 16:34 where I got to witness the birth of my son. Not only was I able to save money on the cost of credits, 16:39 but I was also able to save by going to class at home or anywhere I wanted. Having moved our entire lives to another country, 16:47 the flexibility and cost savings provided by the University of Phoenix made it possible for me to continue my education 16:54 and graduate with an MBA degree and no student debt. The competency-based programs 16:59 aren't the only way the University of Phoenix helps students save on their degrees. They also help students save 17:05 by accepting college transfer credits for relevant personal and professional experience 17:10 and credits for military training. I also appreciated the peace of mind that their fixed tuition gave me, 17:16 knowing that the cost of my degree wouldn't go up throughout my program. From my experience, 17:22 the competency-based program was brilliant as it challenged me to leverage the knowledge and skills I gained 17:28 from years of work experience, while fitting school into my budget and schedule, and not the other way around. 17:35 But anyway, that's it from me. Back to you, Alex. 17:44 (transition whooshing) - Thanks for sharing. Tuition costs can be a barrier for non-traditional students, 17:50 but UOPX has options to help students graduate for less, including up to $3,000 in scholarships 17:58 for qualifying new students and no out-of-state tuition. They also work with more than 1,500 employers 18:04 to provide tuition assistance benefits. That was great, thanks again. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) 18:09 Let's meet Tomas Leon. At University of Phoenix, degrees aren't just aligned to real-world careers, 18:16 they're taught by real-world professionals who average 28 years of experience in fields like business, healthcare and IT. 18:24 This kind of expertise was exactly what Tomas was looking for in an MBA program. 18:29 Let's hear what he has to say about UOPX's practitioner faculty. (transition whooshing) 18:40 - Gracias, Alex. Hola, everyone across America. I grew up with humble beginnings in a barrio on the west side of Tucson, Arizona. 18:49 I started a family early in life as I graduated high school and began pursuing my education as a student athlete. 18:56 After overcoming many barriers to complete my bachelor's degree as a first-generation student, 19:01 I wanted to earn my master's degree. I looked around for different MBA programs and could not find one 19:07 that reflected my circumstances in life and how busy I was, as a father of four, 19:12 a husband and working professional. I was fortunate to be introduced to the University of Phoenix, 19:18 as these circumstances meant that a conventional university was not the realistic option for me. 19:24 In addition, the flexible program allowed me to take classes and exams on my own time in my own terms. 19:32 The university's curriculum is taught by faculty with extensive industry experience and expertise. 19:38 That has been instrumental to me in my career as a healthcare executive and social entrepreneur. 19:44 In addition to industry knowledge and expertise, the university's practitioner faculty 19:50 know how to engage and instruct adult students. They created a collaborative learning environment 19:56 and engaged me as a strategic partner in my learning. I remember traveling extensively for my job at one point, 20:04 and I was considering dropping outta the program. An instructor worked with me to develop a plan that not only kept me in the program, 20:11 but helped me graduate on time. I'm a proud alumnus of the University of Phoenix 20:17 and grateful for the opportunity it allowed me as a third-generation Hispanic American 20:23 to achieve my life and professional goals. It has allowed me to have a successful career 20:28 as a healthcare executive, a social entrepreneur, an angel investor and philanthropist. 20:34 I am living the American Dream. Back to you, Alex. 20:43 (transition whooshing) - Wow, Tomas, what a story. No wonder more than 85% of surveyed students 20:50 would recommend their instructors. They are instrumental to student success. Thanks for sharing such a powerful story 20:57 of perseverance, take care. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) Let's meet Jamhar Robinson. 21:03 Hailing from Florida, Jamhar attended school while completing the police academy and raising a family. 21:09 With so much going on, he nearly quit on multiple occasions, but he credits support from his academic counselor 21:16 and a host of online resources with helping him reach graduation. Over to you, Jahmar. 21:21 (transition whooshing) - Thanks for the introduction, Alex. 21:27 As a hardworking father and husband, I've always stood on the principle of putting my family first. However, in order to accomplish 21:34 having a successful career, I knew I needed a university that would have my back the way my family always does. 21:40 The University of Phoenix did exactly that. In fact, the enrollment process was easy, and I was supported by a knowledgeable 21:47 and experienced academic counselor who helped me to evaluate my short-term and long-term goals 21:52 to complete my program. I quickly understood that nothing is unachievable, not even having a complicated work schedule 21:59 or a busy home life. My academic counselor always had a solution. The online academic platform 22:05 also provided access to a lot of resources, tools and services, wherever and whenever I needed it. 22:12 For example, the University of Phoenix has an online student library where you can get access to numerous peer scholar materials, 22:19 digital textbooks, research articles. You can even get connected to an online tutor 22:24 that can assist you with a specific subject area. Two of my favorite features in the online portal for students 22:31 are the 24-hour tech support and the selection of online student communities that you can join to connect with other Phoenixes 22:38 in your program. The University of Phoenix has allowed me to enhance my career tremendously 22:43 without missing important parts of my family life. In fact, while I attended the University of Phoenix, 22:49 I was able to continue working in my career as a police officer in my local community, all while welcoming my newborn son into the world. 22:56 You see, it doesn't matter which major you choose or how busy your life is, the University of Phoenix 23:02 will be with you while you're in pursuit of your academic goals. And trust me, I know this because I'm a Phoenix. 23:08 Back to you, Alex. 23:14 (transition whooshing) - Thanks for sharing your story, Jamhar. Academic advisors clearly help students 23:20 stay connected to the university wherever they are. And the support doesn't stop there. 23:26 Students also have access to financial advisors who can help find ways to save time and money on a degree 23:32 throughout their educational journey. Thanks for sharing. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) We're now gonna meet an alum 23:38 with an accomplishment list a mile long. But Dr. Patrick Horton is most proud of his graduate degrees from UOPX. 23:47 He is a retired US Army sergeant who received the Purple Heart during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 23:52 An executive vice president of Program Management, a college professor, and a member of Vistage executive coaching. 23:59 Let's hear what he has to say. (transition whooshing) - Thanks, Alex. 24:05 Hey, everyone. My academic journey at University of Phoenix was amazing. Because of the university's e-learning platform, 24:10 I was able to experience living in locations around the world while earning my graduate degrees. University of Phoenix allowed me 24:15 to work on my schedule, which created an amazing work-life balance for me as a working professional. My journey started when I was released 24:22 from US Army active duty and became a Department of Defense contractor. At that point in my life, I had an associate's degree 24:27 and dreamed of continuing my education, but school wasn't an option. My schedule in working overseas 24:32 made it difficult for me to attend classes. Then I found University of Phoenix. University of Phoenix was one of the first universities 24:38 to revolutionize online learning. They had comprehensive programs in my field of information technology that aligned with my profession. 24:45 I could pursue higher education while gaining valuable work experience, thus optimizing my potential for career enhancement 24:51 in the most efficient way possible. The level of academic quality is second to none. The flexibility of the degree structure 24:57 allowed me to travel the world and pursue new career opportunities without sacrificing academic quality, 25:02 attaining a doctorate with classes that directly align with my executive workplace challenges, 25:07 tasks and scenarios made me a believer that e-learning likely keeps better place with the real world. 25:13 The postgraduate degrees I earned at University of Phoenix helped me in my professional career and personal life. After completing the doctoral journey, 25:19 I feel that there's nothing that I can't learn. I truly believe that knowledge acquisition is a compounding asset, 25:25 and that because of my University of Phoenix journey, I grow exponentially as a person every day. Back to you, Alex. 25:34 (transition whooshing) - Thank you, Patrick, and well done. UOPX offers doctoral degrees in business, 25:40 healthcare, nursing and education, and students receive support from a dedicated research chair. 25:46 The College of Doctoral Studies prides itself in helping students distinguish themselves in the field 25:52 while positively impacting their communities. Thank you for your service, Dr. Horton, and thank you for sharing your story. 25:58 (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) UOPX may be mostly online, but that doesn't mean Phoenixes are alone. 26:05 Say hello to Paula Hutchinson, an entrepreneur, speaker and president of the alumni chapter in Phoenix, Arizona. 26:12 The university has an alumni network of more than one million graduates across the country. Paula Hutchinson is one of them. 26:18 Let's see how she supports other Phoenixes in their goals. Go, Paula. (transition whooshing) 26:28 - Thanks, Alex. I am proud to be a University of Phoenix alumni. My advisor had me hooked from our first conversation. 26:35 She helped me through my degrees and through life changes, ranging from sickness, to family deaths, to moving to Phoenix. 26:42 Growing up, I saw how my mother and grandmother worked hard so I could have the education they didn't. 26:49 I understood early on that a college degree offered a chance at a better life. As a UOPX alumni center chapter president, 26:56 I see the same determination in so many other Phoenixes who have made their educational dreams a reality. 27:03 University of Phoenix provided a pathway to education and opportunity for me. 27:09 Now that I am able to return that favor as a president of the university's alumni chapter in Phoenix 27:15 where we have over 1,000 members, it is important to me to serve as a major contributor 27:21 to the alumni community, whether it's by coordinating webinars with career advice, 27:26 creating network opportunities, or simply cheering on other alumni who choose to earn another degree. 27:32 Which is what I'm doing, by the way, I'm in the doctoral program now. 27:37 At University of Phoenix, the alumni community is all about building professional and personal relationships 27:43 that go the distance and defy geographical distance. We share skills, contacts, advice, and opportunities. 27:50 We help each other navigate life's challenges. There is so much pride in this UOPX alumni community of professionals 27:57 across the country. The university truly taught me to be a phoenix and rise from the ashes. 28:04 I have already accomplished so much as an entrepreneur and educator. Now, as I work toward completing 28:11 my doctoral of education program, I look forward to champion for equitable education. 28:17 That's my story. Back to you, Alex. 28:24 (transition whooshing) - Thanks, Paula. What an amazing way to stay connected after graduation. 28:29 Joining one of UOPX's 50 alumni chapters offers plenty of benefits, from potential professional networking, 28:36 to quarterly social events, to growing your leadership skills. And that's not all, UOPX alumni can also join 28:44 the exclusive Phoenix Link Network, which is like an amplified career directory, and take advantage of tuition discounts 28:50 and networking opportunities. Talk about community support. Take care. (transition whooshing) (upbeat music) 28:56 Wow, what a unique college experience University of Phoenix has to offer. 29:02 It is truly amazing to see the online community UOPX has built with Phoenixes across the country. 29:09 I wanna thank everyone who shared their remarkable stories about how they succeeded in online education. 29:15 It has been an inspiration to hear how they rose to their full potential without rearranging their lives. 29:21 Now, that's it from me. Now it's up to you to learn more about how you can own your future at UOPX. 29:27 And who knows? Maybe one day you'll join the more than one million UOPX alumni. 29:33 Take care, everyone.