Abstract

University of Phoenix (UoP) was the pioneer in the e-learning industry of the US. Set up in 1976 with the mission of providing advanced degrees to working adults, the university began experimenting with providing online education in the 1980s. In 1989, it set up an online division called UoP Online, through which it offered a variety of bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees to working professionals who did not find it convenient to attend regular college. The case discusses the events that led to the setting up of UoP and how it has functioned since. The operational features of a provider of online education are clearly discussed as well as the pros and cons of online education in general, and UoP in particular. The case ends with an analysis of the future of UoP Online.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the operational aspects of e-learning institutes’ vis-à-vis traditional universities.

Keywords

University of Phoenix, Online Education, e-learning, Apollo Group Inc., University of Phoenix Online, Distance Education, Online University, Digital Technology, Adult Education, Collaborative Learning, UNext.com, Cardean University, University of Chicago, Carnegie Mellon, London School of Economics