Strayer University

Highlights

• Established in 1892
• More than 36,000 enrolled students
• Over 50 U.S. campus locations and online schools
• Approximately 60 percent of Strayer University students receive financial aid
• Accreditation with Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education

About the School

Strayer University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, information systems, and public administration. The university's focus is to serve the needs of working adults as they seek to expand their career options through practical educational programs.

Academic Programs

Most of Strayer University's programs are offered at each of its onsite campuses. However available courses vary according to the interests of students in each location. Program areas include:

• School of Business – The school's goal is to help students become effective managers in the rapidly changing business environments that characterize today's global markets. The school seeks to teach its students vital management, communication, and decision-making skills. Business topics covered include economics, human behavior, ethics, finance, accounting, information technology, decision sciences, and operations.
• School of Information Systems – The school focuses its curriculum on the integration of information systems and computer concepts. The programs are aimed at both working IT professionals looking to advance their skills and adults seeking entry level IT positions. Courses cover areas including: programming, databases, Web development, networking, security, and information systems.
• School of Arts and Sciences – This school's General Studies program gives students the ability to tailor their studies through courses in economics, English, foreign languages, history, humanities, mathematics, political science, psychology, and sociology. The school's Master of Education is designed to expand the abilities of those involved in education, training, human resources, and career development fields. The Master of Public Administration degree is for students looking to advance their careers in government and non-profit organizations. The Master of Health Services Administration program prepares students for leadership roles in a wide range of health services organizations including hospitals, medical services facilities, nursing care facilities, and social service agencies.

Learning Options

Strayer University's many onsite campuses, year-round curriculum, evening and weekend classes, and online programs give students flexibility in when and how they undertake their studies. For example students might take courses at more than one location and/or online. Students can also pursue their degrees on a part-time basis, which most do.

The university further offers the flexibility of applying program credits towards more advanced degrees. For instance a student pursuing an associate degree in Information Systems might decide to instead pursue a bachelor or masters degree. All credits earned for the associate degree count towards the requirements of the higher level degrees.

Faculty

The University selects faculty based on their academic credentials, related professional experiences, and level of enthusiasm for teaching working adults. To facilitate a focus on teaching the university typically limits full-time course loads to 12 per year and requires full-time faculty to allocate eight hours per week to student support. The University encourages faculty to expand their knowledge by subsidizing their studies in advanced degree programs. The school also annually holds workshops for faculty in each discipline.

Student Life

Most Strayer University students are working adults pursuing an initial college degree. These adults are focused on enhancing their professional skills to be best positioned to move their careers forward. The student body is diverse with students from all U.S. states, foreign countries, active military assignments, a range of ages, and a range of ethnic backgrounds.

The University assists its students and alumni as they seek new career opportunities. Each region has career offices that support student efforts through quarterly workshops, resume preparation, interviewing, and job search assistance. Career fairs are held twice a year. Student Affair Officers are available for consultation via email, telephone, and individual meetings.

The University's Office of Alumni Affairs is a resource for graduates. The Office maintains directory of graduates to foster connections with former classmates and networking. Alumni are invited to school events.

Admissions and Financial Aid

Strayer does not apply a strict set of criteria for admissions – an individual's merits are part of the school's evaluation of candidates. Undergraduates do need a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) Certificate. Graduate degree students must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. International students must meet the same requirements and non-English native speakers must show an adequate proficiency in English.

Students have multiple options for funding their Strayer University education. Strayer's Business Office helps students to explore these alternatives. A large number borrow with government-backed loans. Others receive partial or full funding from their employers. Programs from U.S. Veterans Affairs, the military, states, and private organizations are also available. Students may be able to apply tax credits and deductions. Scholarships are another possibility for many students.