Online bachelor degree program

In a move to expand its offerings, Career Education Corp. recently launched a new online bachelor of information technology degree through its AIU Online e-learning division, www.careered.com. A master's degree in the same area is expected to debut in January 2002.

The number of companies creating online courses has expanded dramatically in recent years as businesses realize the potential of capturing new students who may have too many other commitments to be able to attend traditional classes. CEC, which already operates American InterContinental University, the International Academy of Design & Technology and others, is looking to expand beyond its multiple bricks-and-mortar campuses.

In addition to the new bachelor's degree, the company is planning an entire virtual campus that will offer more courses. CEC estimates annual revenues for AIU Online will reach $100 million by 2006.

"At many institutions, e-learning means a few online courses and possibly the opportunity to begin the enrollment or financial aid application process online," says CEC head John Larson, adding that CEC's virtual campus will bring the complete campus experience online.

The total campus experience includes a personalized Internet portal, through which each student can monitor credit hours, the status of their student account, course schedules, grades and assignments.

"We have created a collaborative learning community where students can work in teams on projects that simulate the kind of situations they will face on the job," says Nick Fluge, executive vice president and chief operating officer of CEC's e-learning division.