Latest news with #graduateprograms
Associated Press
11-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Illinois Tech Launches Groundbreaking Online Degrees in Partnership with Risepoint to Expand Access to Career-Ready Education
New online graduate and undergraduate degrees build on Illinois Tech's legacy of innovation and flexibility, offering mission-driven learners nationwide a powerful path to opportunity CHICAGO, July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), Chicago's only tech-focused university, is expanding its mission to empower learners everywhere through the launch of eight new online graduate programs designed to deliver world-class education in flexible, career-aligned formats. Enrolling now for fall 2025, the programs will be offered in partnership with the education technology company Risepoint. Rooted in Illinois Tech's more than 25-year history of pioneering digital learning, the new programs reflect the university's commitment to increasing access to high-quality education and preparing students for the challenges of today's rapidly evolving workforce. The fully online degrees combine academic rigor with real-world relevance, offering practical, problem-solving curricula and hands-on experiences in fields that are in high demand. These programs are designed to meet urgent needs across sectors: from equipping financial professionals with Python-powered analytics training, to preparing public service leaders to drive measurable community impact, to advancing national health and safety through specialized training in radiation protection. All are structured to support working professionals seeking to advance their careers with flexible, high-impact learning. The first of the new online offerings launched include: 'These programs represent a bold expansion of our mission: to provide human-centered, innovation-driven education to all who seek to make an impact,' said Mallik Sundharam, Illinois Tech Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. 'By designing online undergraduate and graduate programs that are accessible, flexible, and deeply connected to industry needs, we're opening new doors of opportunity for students nationwide—especially for working professionals and underserved learners.' The programs are designed to accommodate students balancing work, family, and community commitments, without compromising the excellence and experiential focus that defines an Illinois Tech education. Each program integrates Illinois Tech's nationally recognized Elevate program, which guarantees every student access to hands-on learning and career-readiness experiences—including internships, research, and mentorship. 'At Illinois Tech, we're not just offering classes online—we're delivering the full power of a purpose-driven education that transforms lives,' said Sundharam. 'This initiative is about meeting learners where they are, while staying grounded in our core values of access, excellence, and innovation.' 'As part of this mission, the digital transformation of our most valuable assets, our academic content and credentials stands at the heart of our strategy. This forward-looking approach allows us to overcome geographic limitations and extend the Illinois Tech experience to learners nationwide and around the world. It lays the foundation for our broader vision: a flexible, stackable, scalable, and inclusive education ecosystem that evolves with the needs of today's learners and those of the future.' Illinois Tech has long been at the forefront of online and hybrid learning. As early as the 1990s, the university was delivering engineering and science instruction remotely to working professionals in the U.S. and India via broadcast technology, a global distance-learning innovation that predated the mainstream rise of online education by decades. Today's expansion builds on that legacy and leverages Illinois Tech's expertise in workforce-relevant fields and student-first design. Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint, praised Illinois Tech's leadership: 'Illinois Tech continues to distinguish itself as a bold, solutions-oriented institution. These new online programs are a powerful example of what it looks like to fuse academic innovation with real-world relevance. By prioritizing flexibility, career alignment, and access, Illinois Tech is not only meeting the needs of modern learners, it is shaping the future of graduate education. We're honored to support this groundbreaking work.' Illinois Tech's launch of new online degrees follows a sustained period of momentum and national recognition. The university was recently named an Opportunity College and University by the Carnegie Foundation and the American Council on Education—the highest possible designation for access and post-graduation earnings. It ranks #1 in Illinois for Best Salaries of Graduates (Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2025) and leads the state in economic mobility. To learn more about Illinois Tech's online graduate programs or to apply, visit Applications are open now. Illinois Institute of Technology Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business, design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit Risepoint Risepoint is an education technology company that provides world-class support and trusted expertise to more than 100 universities and colleges. We primarily work with regional universities, helping them develop and grow their high-ROI, workforce-focused online degree programs in critical areas such as nursing, teaching, business, and public service. Risepoint is dedicated to increasing access to affordable education so that more students, especially working adults, can improve their careers and meet employer and community needs. Learn more at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Risepoint
Al Bawaba
17-06-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
Excellence of AUS engineering graduate programs reaffirmed with renewed CAA accreditation
The College of Engineering (CEN) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has received renewed accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) for 10 of its graduate programs through October 31, CAA is responsible for licensing higher education institutions and evaluating their academic programs for accreditation. It works with both international and local authorities to safeguard academic standards and enhance the learning experience for students in higher education 10 programs that received renewed accreditation include the master of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, construction management, computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering systems management, mechanical engineering and mechatronics engineering, as well as the PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems renewed accreditation comes at a time of significant advancement for graduate engineering education at AUS, marked by the launch of CEN 2.0 Graduate—a comprehensive enhancement of all graduate programs within the college. This new framework introduces coursework-only tracks across all master's programs, providing students with the flexibility to choose between thesis and non-thesis options. To accommodate working professionals, classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. Core and elective courses have also been updated to reflect global trends and market demand, with an emphasis on areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, said: 'This renewed accreditation affirms the strength and strategic direction of our graduate programs and their alignment with national development priorities and global innovation trends. It reflects the trust placed in AUS as a hub for advanced engineering education and research excellence. Through our rigorous academic frameworks and industry-relevant curricula, we are preparing future leaders who will shape the technologies, infrastructure and sustainable solutions of tomorrow.'CEN will further expand its graduate offerings with the introduction of two new doctoral programs in Fall 2025—one in civil and environmental engineering and another in electrical and computer engineering—strengthening the college's interdisciplinary and research-driven college is home to a vibrant community of over 2,700 students—of which 350 are graduate students—from 70 nationalities. Twenty-one members of CEN's faculty were recently named among the world's top 2 percent of scientists by the latest Stanford-Elsevier ranking. The college also recently announced several new partnerships with top engineering schools, enabling its students to experience a world-class graduate ranks second in the UAE for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings, 2025), and CEN's graduates regularly go on to work for leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Schneider Electric, Petrofac, PWC, EY, the UAE Cabinet, the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. Applications are open for Fall 2025 for all CEN graduate programs. All applicants are encouraged to apply for graduate assistantships. These are awarded on a competitive basis and provide students with both financial support and hands-on experience in teaching and research.
Zawya
17-06-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Excellence of AUS engineering graduate programs reaffirmed with renewed CAA accreditation
Sharjah, UAE – The College of Engineering (CEN) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has received renewed accreditation from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR) for 10 of its graduate programs through October 31, 2031. The CAA is responsible for licensing higher education institutions and evaluating their academic programs for accreditation. It works with both international and local authorities to safeguard academic standards and enhance the learning experience for students in higher education institutions. The 10 programs that received renewed accreditation include the master of science degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, construction management, computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering systems management, mechanical engineering and mechatronics engineering, as well as the PhD in Engineering - Engineering Systems Management. The renewed accreditation comes at a time of significant advancement for graduate engineering education at AUS, marked by the launch of CEN 2.0 Graduate—a comprehensive enhancement of all graduate programs within the college. This new framework introduces coursework-only tracks across all master's programs, providing students with the flexibility to choose between thesis and non-thesis options. To accommodate working professionals, classes are offered in the evenings and on weekends. Core and elective courses have also been updated to reflect global trends and market demand, with an emphasis on areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainability. Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of CEN, said: 'This renewed accreditation affirms the strength and strategic direction of our graduate programs and their alignment with national development priorities and global innovation trends. It reflects the trust placed in AUS as a hub for advanced engineering education and research excellence. Through our rigorous academic frameworks and industry-relevant curricula, we are preparing future leaders who will shape the technologies, infrastructure and sustainable solutions of tomorrow.' CEN will further expand its graduate offerings with the introduction of two new doctoral programs in Fall 2025—one in civil and environmental engineering and another in electrical and computer engineering—strengthening the college's interdisciplinary and research-driven approach. The college is home to a vibrant community of over 2,700 students—of which 350 are graduate students—from 70 nationalities. Twenty-one members of CEN's faculty were recently named among the world's top 2 percent of scientists by the latest Stanford-Elsevier ranking. The college also recently announced several new partnerships with top engineering schools, enabling its students to experience a world-class graduate education. AUS ranks second in the UAE for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings, 2025), and CEN's graduates regularly go on to work for leading companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Schneider Electric, Petrofac, PWC, EY, the UAE Cabinet, the UAE Space Agency and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre. Applications are open for Fall 2025 for all CEN graduate programs. All applicants are encouraged to apply for graduate assistantships. These are awarded on a competitive basis and provide students with both financial support and hands-on experience in teaching and research. To learn more, visit For more information, please contact: Samar Saeed, PR and Media Specialist, Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing at AUS, smahmoud@ About AUS American University of Sharjah (AUS) was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Sharjah. Sheikh Sultan articulated his vision of a distinctive institution against the backdrop of Islamic history and in the context of the aspirations and needs of contemporary society in the UAE and the Gulf region. Firmly grounded in principles of meritocracy and with a strong reputation for academic excellence, AUS has come to represent the very best in teaching and research, accredited internationally and recognized by employers the world over for creating graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills and drive to lead in the 21st century. AUS values learners not driven only by academic success, but by those that embrace our dynamic campus life and embody our ideals of openness, tolerance and respect. This combination of academic excellence and community spirit ensures AUS is filled with world-class faculty and students, poised to become the innovators, thinkers, contributors and leaders of tomorrow.
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
College Enrollment Increases Again, Now Approaches Pre-Pandemic Level
Total college enrollment increased again this spring to an estimated 18.4 million students. The nation's colleges and universities received good news on the enrollment front today. Total college enrollment grew by 3.2% this spring compared to spring 2024 and now stands at about 18.4 million students nationally, just .9% less than the pre-pandemic level of spring, 2020. This year's gain is equivalent to about 562,000 students. The latest numbers are contained in the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center's Current Term Enrollment Estimates Spring 2025 report. Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.5%, reaching 15.3 million, which is about 2.4% (378,000 students) fewer than the pre-pandemic level. Enrollment in graduate programs increased 1.5% (46,000 more students) compared to last year. Graduate enrollment now totals slightly more than 3.1 million, 7.2% higher than in 2020. That cumulative gain represents 209,000 more graduate students than the pre-pandemic number. While undergraduate enrollment increased across all higher education sectors, community colleges experienced the largest growth at 5.4%, or 288,000 more students, compared to last spring. Undergraduate enrollment increased 3.3% at private for-profit schools, 2.7% at public, four-year institutions, and 1.9% at nonprofit, private colleges. Historically Black Colleges and Universities enjoyed very positive numbers, with undergraduate enrollment increasing by 4.6%. Undergraduate certificate program enrollment increased by 4.8%, propelling it to a 20% higher level than in 2020. But other types of degrees increased as well, with enrollments in associate degree programs growing by 6.3% and bachelor's programs up 2.1%. Institutions focused on vocational/trade programs saw particularly strong gains. High vocational public two-year schools grew enrollment by 11.7%, or 91,000 students. Enrollment at these trade-focused institutions has increased almost 20% since the spring of 2020 and now comprises 19.4% of public two-year enrollment. 'This is great news for community colleges, and especially for those with strong vocational programs,' said Doug Shapiro, Executive Director of the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, in a news release. 'Four-year colleges can also feel good about higher numbers of undergraduates this spring, but their growth rates are slower.' The number of students enrolled in Master's programs grew by 1.1% over last spring, while doctoral enrollment was up 1.2%, and enrollments in first-professional programs increased 3.2%. Male and female students showed similar increases in undergraduate enrollment of 3.2% and 3.3% respectively. All four of the largest racial/ethnic groups saw enrollments grow at the undergraduate level, led by a 10.3 % increase among Black students, followed by gains of 6.7% for Asians, 5.3% for Hispanics, and 1.8% for white students. The increase for white undergraduates was noteworthy because it marked the first time since the pandemic that their spring enrollment has grown. Enrollment of international undergraduates, on the other hand, was down by almost 12% over last year. At the graduate level, Black students again had the largest percentage gain at 8.7%, followed by Hispanics (7.1%), Asians (6.2%) and white students (1.1%). International graduate students declined in number, but only by .4%. Another encouraging sign was that the number of undergraduates in their twenties increased this spring (+3.2% for students 21-24 and +5.9% for students 25-29), beginning a recovery in enrollments after consistent decreases among this age group since the pandemic. More than half of the total undergraduate gains occurred in two traditionally large fields of study — business majors and health professions, which saw enrollment increases of 4.8% and 6.3%, respectively. Biological sciences (4.1%), engineering (6.4%), and public administration (7.2%) all posted healthy increases, while the category of liberal arts, general studies, and humanities suffered a 3% decline. Shaprio said that one of the bigger surprises in the latest data is that the number of computer science majors appears to have peaked after several semesters of significant growth. The enrollment gains come at a crucial time for the nation's colleges and universities as they try to manage the difficult combination of funding cuts, a tumultuous federal policy environment and the upcoming demographic cliff, which will see the number of high school graduates decline steadily over the next decade. Institutions will try to lock in these solid enrollment gains through renewed efforts to improve student retention, at the same time they pull out all the stops to recruit new students for the upcoming fall semester. The NSCRC is the research arm of the National Student Clearinghouse. It collaborates with higher education institutions, states, school districts, high schools, and educational organizations to gather accurate longitudinal data that can be used to guide educational policy decisions. NSCRC analyzes data from 3,600 postsecondary institutions, which represented 97% of the nation's postsecondary enrollment in Title IV degree-granting institutions in the U.S., as of 2020.
