News Releases
Women Enrolled in Capella University's Information Technology Program on the Grow
User-friendly and flexible online IT courses allow females convenient study, ability to advance personally and professionally
MINNEAPOLIS, July 31, 2000 - Women are taking themselves off the path to high-paying jobs in the computer industry, according to a recent report released by the American Association of University Women. But that's just not the case at Capella University. The Minneapolis-based online university offers an information technology (IT) undergraduate degree program where more than 30 percent of enrolled students are female.
A U.S. Census Bureau report also indicates that the number of women serving the IT industry is on the decline. However, Capella University's enrollment statistics show that women interested in its new online IT coursework is increasing.
The program, according to Allen Jaisle, associate dean of Capella's School of Undergraduate Studies, is perfectly suited for women.
"Capella designed its online undergraduate IT program to benefit today's learner," said Jaisle. "We conducted focus groups, sought advice from IT professionals and studied findings provided in texts like, 'Women's Ways of Knowing' and 'What Business Wants from Higher Education,' in order to understand women's thinking habits. The result is a program that incorporates advanced learning ideas to teach IT skills and help students develop thinking habits that build on their own natural strengths."
As Capella University designed its IT program, it learned that women find online learning an effective way to further their education.
Unveiled earlier this year, Capella's IT program is a two-year, 96-credit information technology program designed to help students round out their education and complete upper-level IT coursework. The program, which features specializations in Web application development, e-business and project management, provides the training students need to advance professionally. Expert IT educators from around the country, including several female instructors, serve as faculty members who share both real-world experience and textbook instruction for students who log on from their home PCs. "Unlike the traditional classroom, a few students can't dominate our online classroom discussions," said Jaisle. "Everyone gets the opportunity to collaborate and contribute equally. In general, women feel the online learning environment is more conducive to their learning style. In the online classroom, they can carefully contemplate their thoughts and take charge of their responses, which is often difficult in a traditional classroom often dominated by one or two students. In our online classes, it's easy to 'raise your hand' online and provide insight and ideas without feeling pressured."
The program is also project based, so graduates have tangible results to show their future or current employers. "Students need concrete proof that they can apply what they've learned," said Jaisle. "While it's important to test well and understand the concepts, Capella's IT graduates enjoy a variety of projects they can include in their work portfolios."
"This program is truly the first of its kind in the IT industry," said Steve Shank, president of Capella University. "In our research, we quickly learned that many women want to further their education, but feel limited by personal and professional obligations. In short, they don't think they have time to enroll in a traditional program. Capella's online program provides the convenience and flexibility they need so they may accomplish their personal or career goals."
About the School of Undergraduate Studies
Capella University opened its School of Undergraduate Studies in April 2000, after receiving accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The goal of the program is to develop professionals capable of assuming significant responsibility for independent thinking and collaborative action. By balancing technical, business and human competencies, students will develop the capacity for effective thinking, speaking, acting and living in the 21st century.
About Capella University
Capella University (www.capella.edu), is an accredited university that offers an MBA, an undergraduate degree in information technology, as well as certificates, Master's and Ph.D. degrees in business, human services, education and psychology. Through its online campus and its directed study programs Capella University currently teaches more than 1,600 students throughout the U.S. and in 20 countries. Capella University is affiliated with the for-profit Capella Education Company headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information visit Capella University at www.capella.edu or call 1-888-879-6745.
