Economic uncertainty leads to online university growth

According to Mr. Kapoor, "When University of Phoenix first arrived in Dubai it faced certain challenges - one of the most challenging was being the change agent for online higher education. By providing exceptional admission services and a physical presence, together with our ability to build lasting relationships with our students - we have been able to significantly improve the regional mindset toward online degree programs."

Currently, the Dubai Student Service Center assists more than 900 students. Further growth in University of Phoenix enrollment is anticipated as the Center's 30 multilingual staff members, comprised of 14 different nationalities, continue to enroll increasing numbers of students seeking quality, fully-accredited American degree offerings.

As a veteran in the education sector, Mr. Kapoor is poised to spearhead campus operations in the Middle East, where unprecedented population growth of one of the world's largest populations of young people (ages 15 - 24) has put added pressure on educational services. According to Mr. Kapoor, online advanced degree programs offered through the University of Phoenix in Dubai have provided some relief for the influx of local students pursuing higher education.

Mr. Kapoor said:

"I have no doubt that online learning will continue to play a major role in this region if the economy continues in its downward trend." He explained, "The recession is impacting both the student and their institutions of higher learning. The costs associated with operating brick and mortar campuses, coupled with the personal compromise of losing career footing if one must take course work full-time at a ground-based university, is what makes the appeal of online education a popular and practical solution."

Kapoor, currently enrolled in an online Doctorate of Business Administration program, knows first-hand about the personal need for intellectual and career growth. "I, like many others, find that access to online education makes a difference in both personal and professional lives."

"In my opinion, with today's technologically advanced society, the appeal of e-learning is evident around the world. Not only is online education more cost-effective than its ground-based predecessor, but as I can personally attest, it is accessible for working adults who want the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while maintaining full-time employment."

Mr. Kapoor said: "When we show students this very real and rigorous learning, they begin to understand how dynamic their opportunity is. When students enroll with University of Phoenix, they join a global online community at the core of which is an inclusive network helping thousands of students from more than 130 countries achieve their personal and professional career goals.

Added to the strain on the region's education system are recent global economic developments that are generating greater competition in an already tight job market.

"By way of recent developments in the global economy, we are seeing some organizations demand higher qualifications from their potential employees in order to control and maintain quality,"

says Kapoor.

Moayyad Zeidan, a University of Phoenix student working toward a Doctor of Management in Information Systems and Technology, attests to the growing popularity of online degree programs in the Gulf region and the need for an advanced degree in his field.

Working and living in Dubai, Zeidan enrolled in the University of Phoenix online doctorate program after being referred by friends and colleagues. Zeidan said he is pleased with e-learning and the quality of education provided by the university noting, "The doctorate studies are empowering my knowledge and skills, and the online teaching model allows me to be in a state of constant learning - making the education process enjoyable." Since beginning his studies, Zeidan said he has encouraged other working professionals to pursue higher education through University of Phoenix.