Argosy University Announces Approval of Center for Learning Innovation and New Competency-Based Master of Business Administration Program

ORANGE, Calif., July 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Argosy University (www.argosy.edu) today announced that it has received approval from the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) to offer a competency-based Master of Business Administration program. This is the first competency-based program to receive approval from WASC.

In addition, the university also announced the establishment of the Argosy University Center for Learning Innovation. Launching the competency-based MBA program will be the first initiative of this center.

Argosy University is a private, accredited academic institution dedicated to providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students through 28 campus locations in 13 states and online. The Argosy University Center for Learning Innovation is being developed as a center for knowledge and innovation dedicated to developing and introducing personalized and inventive practices in higher education that meet changing student, employer and market needs.

The competency-based Master of Business Administration program at Argosy University is designed for experienced business professionals who bring significant real-world experience. The hallmark of the competency-based degree program lies in the ability of students to demonstrate their knowledge and learning through completing assessments rather than by traditional credits based on time spent in a traditional class. As students demonstrate the required competencies, they are awarded competency units that are applied toward the degree. The university will begin enrolling students in the program in August 2013.

The Argosy University competency-based program is highly personalized, where current knowledge and skill levels are assessed through diagnostic tests called Pre-Assessments. These assessments trigger the creation of a customized study plan that engages students in rich content based on their specific needs. Students will receive additional academic support to master the required competencies. The customized study plan, offered through the university's own web-based, adaptive learning environment for students, separates the program from other competency-based programs available.

"The competency-based Master of Business Administration program helps students demonstrate their competence in the knowledge and skill areas identified by business and industry experts as being critical to any organization's success in the increasingly competitive economic environment," says Argosy University Chancellor, Dr. Craig Swenson. "The program's distinction lies in a robust academic support model backed by an expert faculty that actively engages the students in developing and demonstrating real-world competence."

Argosy University's program is further distinguished by support students will receive in the form of a Personal Progress Mentor. The mentors are provided as a resource to effectively guide each student through his or her program. The model is designed to allow qualified students to quickly move through the program unimpeded by traditional session or semester limitations, thus reducing the time it takes to complete a degree. Students progress through the program at a pace suited to their personal situations. This program can help students complete their studies more quickly at a lower cost than a traditional program.

The program was developed with the support and input of the University's National Professional Advisory Board for the College of Business and was designed to match the standards set forth by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Lumina Degree Profile Guidelines.

For more information, visit http://www.argosy.edu/info.

About Argosy University
Argosy University (www.argosy.edu), with 28 campus locations in 13 states and online, is a private, accredited academic institution dedicated to providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to students through its eight colleges: Clinical Psychology, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Undergraduate Studies, The Art Institute of California and Western State College of Law. With one of the largest communities of graduate students in the nation, Argosy University offers doctoral and master's degree programs in Psychology, Business, Health Sciences, Counseling and Education. The institution offers bachelor's degree programs in Psychology, Business, Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice and, through The Art Institute of California, serves as an important source of education for design, media arts, fashion and culinary students and professionals. Degree levels and programs offered vary by location. Full and part-time law programs are offered through Western State College of Law. Argosy University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100, Alameda, California, 94501, http://www.wascsenior.org). Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2610, 2630. See auprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees, and other costs, median debt, federal salary data, alumni success, and other important info.

This program is not currently available to residents of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Maryland, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

SOURCE Argosy University