What is the Best University For Midcareer Professionals?

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1 GRADUATE AND MIDCAREER EDUCATION

2 GRADUATE AND MIDCAREER EDUCATION A vibrant and diverse university offering a wide range of programs and services many of which are nationally recognized for their excellence and distinction California State University, Northridge (CSUN) serves as an engine of innovation, creativity, discovery and service for Greater Los Angeles through robust applied research, teaching, and learning. Offering certificates and professional training as well as bachelor s, master s and doctoral degrees in more than 200 fields, CSUN is one of the largest universities in the state of California and also has partnerships with organizations throughout Los Angeles. CSUN demonstrates its strong commitment to the success of midcareer professionals by providing forward-looking and professionally focused degree and certificate programs, designed specifically for working adults seeking academic credentials of lasting value.

3 ACADEMIC PROGRAMS CSUN recognizes that the educational requirements of working professionals may vary depending on their professional goals. To meet these diverse needs, we offer a variety of master s degrees, bachelor s completion degrees, professional certificates and workshops across numerous subject areas. ARTS & HUMANITIES BUSINESS EDUCATION ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES PUBLIC SECTOR CSUN is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the accrediting commission for senior colleges and universities. Many programs also carry fieldspecific accreditation from national and international organizations. RECENT DISTINCTIONS Money Magazine named CSUN a Top 10 Value All Star in its 2014 Best Colleges rankings. CSUN ranked fifth in the nation for its positive impact on the earning power and economic prospects of its graduates in CollegeNet s annual Social Mobility Index. The National Science Foundation cited CSUN among the nation s Top 5 comprehensive universities in the number of graduates who go on to earn doctorates in research and the sciences. The Institute for International Education ranked CSUN first among master s colleges and universities hosting international students in its Open Doors annual report. The Princeton Review consistently rates CSUN s David Nazarian College of Business and Economics among the nation s Best Business Schools. The Hollywood Reporter recently listed CSUN s Mike Curb College of Arts, Media and Communication among the nation s top 25 film and music schools. CSUN is California s largest provider of MPA degrees and the nation s third largest provider, behind only Harvard and Columbia universities. GraduatePrograms. com ranked CSUN 14th of Top Online MPA program providers. The Carnegie Foundation named CSUN s Michael D. Eisner College of Education a leading institution in its Preparation of Teachers for a New Era initiative. CSUN s M.A. in Educational Administration ranked 11th in Best Schools.org s most recent list of the 25 Best Online Master s in Educational Administration Degree Programs. The University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) awarded the top honor Outstanding Program Award to CSUN s Speech Language Pathology Assistant Fieldwork Experience. CSUN s Master s in Social Work program was named fifth in Top Social Work Schools, seventh in Most Affordable Social Work Degrees, and 12th in Best Online MSW Programs.

4 THE CSUN APPROACH TO PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION We design our programs to serve midcareer professionals who are looking to advance their careers by gaining essential expertise in their fields of interest and offer a variety of learning formats to maximize convenience. ONLINE Our career-focused online programs are designed to be flexible and adapt to the needs of working adults. Throughout these programs, students have the ability to complete coursework according to their own schedules, so they can continue working while earning their degrees. Expert teams of instructional designers ensure that our online programs are well-crafted and relevant to the needs of midcareer professionals. Online students also benefit from ongoing engagement with faculty as well as easy access to administrative and technological support services. ON CAMPUS Despite the convenience of online and off-campus learning, many adult professionals prefer an on-campus learning experience. On-campus courses provide students with the opportunity to work with a variety of colleagues throughout the program and direct interaction with faculty and staff. OFF CAMPUS Off-campus students enjoy a high quality educational experience at convenient locations throughout the Southern California area. Offcampus cohorts create opportunities for students to network and establish relationships with colleagues with whom they will continue to work after graduation. UNIVERSITY ACCESS For working professionals who want to learn new skills or keep current with trends in their field, individual CSUN courses are available through the University Access program. Classes are offered year-round Fall and Spring semesters, Summer session, and Winter term and online and condensed-format classes are available. No formal application or admission is required.

5 RELEVANT CONTENT CSUN s programs are more than just a set of courses. Each program is a comprehensive learning experience that creates synergy between coursework and the professional world. All of our programs feature up-to-date content that draws on applied research, faculty experience, and the expertise of program advisors. STACKABLE CURRICULA Working professionals are increasingly pursing additional areas of specialization as their careers change. Graduate-level certificate programs offer an opportunity to add a field of expertise. Students can choose to earn a certificate as part of a related master s degree, or complete the certificate program on its own. PROGRAM FEATURES COHORT-BASED LEARNING COMMUNITIES CSUN programs for professionals are delivered in the cohort format, in which students proceed through the course of study as a group. Because students are automatically enrolled in all classes, they graduate on time and benefit from a cohesive learning experience. EXCEPTIONAL FACULTY Distinguished faculty and leading practitioners design and teach all programs, using an evidenced-based approach to learning and problem solving through real-world case studies. This enables students to take what they learn in the classroom and immediately apply it on the job. STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES CSUN demonstrates its commitment to student success by offering a broad array of support services, designed to ensure that our adultprofessional students successfully complete their degrees on time. Program coordinators provide expert guidance on programrelated matters and access to university services. Academic leads provide educational advisement. FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID Most of our graduate and professional certificate programs are financial-aid eligible. We have a team of financial-aid specialists dedicated specifically for our professional students to help process applications and distribute funding. CONVENIENT DELIVERY AND SCHEDULING Most programs feature a fixed schedule of courses that enables participants to plan their studies around their existing professional and personal responsibilities. Programs are offered online, on campus and at various locations across southern California for maximum convenience. SUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES On-time graduation rates of 75 percent or more are common in CSUN programs for working professionals. Some programs achieve on-time graduation rates of 90 percent or higher. VETERANS EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS CSUN s Veterans Affairs Office works with the Veterans Administration to assist veterans eligible to participate in the VA Educational Benefits Program. For additional information, please call (818)

6 CONTRACTED PROGRAMS FOR EMPLOYERS CSUN can offer competitive educational programs to employers who wish to provide a shared learning experience and create a cohort exclusively for staff. GRADUATE DEGREE AND BACHELOR DEGREE-COMPLETION PROGRAMS CERTIFICATES IN ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT can be offered face to face at the employer s site, fully online or in a hybrid format. are shorter duration than degree programs and although not typically offered for credit can be graded as needed to serve employers objectives. EMPLOYEE-TRAINING PROGRAMS can incorporate customized course materials and case studies that are specific to the employer s industry.

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8 CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE NORDHOFF STREET, NORTHRIDGE, CA tsengcollege.csun.edu (818)