The University of Scranton Awards Master’s Degrees to 379 Online Graduates

Students Praise Program Quality and Convenience on Their First Trip to Campus

TAMPA, Fla., June 29, 2009 – Among The University of Scranton students who gathered for the May 30 spring commencement ceremony were hundreds who visited the Pennsylvania campus for the first time.

“The campus is beautiful and although I took all of my classes online, I still felt a part of the campus life,” said Ayanna Thorne Gass, who received a Master of Science in Educational Administration. “Everyone, from the other students I met to the professors, was warm and welcoming. I felt like a long-lost relative and not a stranger.”

As a single mother working both full- and part-time jobs, Gass said the convenience of online education made earning a master’s degree possible. Her experience at The University of Scranton has given her the confidence and desire to earn another advanced degree – a doctorate, which she plans to begin working on soon.

Teresa Marie Tyson and several family members made a special flight to attend the ceremony, where Tyson was awarded her Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction. “It was the proudest moment of my life,” said Tyson, who emphasized the academic excellence for which The University of Scranton is known.

Other students also lauded the quality and convenience of online education, describing how the Internet-based classes fit their busy lifestyles. “When I first enrolled in the online program, I had an hour commute to work and the closest college was another hour on top of that,” said Bobbie Bie, who earned a Master of Science in Educational Administration. “The flexibility and convenience of the online program really appealed to me. It allowed more time to spend with my family since I was avoiding the commute.” Bie said her master’s degree will help her become a department head or curriculum coordinator, plus she can now teach courses at her local community college.

For Marguerite Musgnug, a 10-year teaching veteran, the online master’s program provided stability and assurance that life’s interruptions would not derail her educational goals.

“My husband and I moved around a lot the first few years we were married, and each time, I was in the middle of a master’s degree program,” she explained. “I wanted the online format in case we moved again, since it would allow me to finish, no matter where I was living.”

Whether students choose to focus on Curriculum and Instruction or Educational Administration, all online participants benefit from an interactive learning experience that features streaming video lectures, online message boards, live chat rooms, virtual office hours and more.

Students Recognized for Outstanding Performance
Four of The University of Scranton’s online graduates were honored for superior academic achievement, which included maintaining a 4.0 grade point average:

• Laura Anne Bell, Vienna, VA – MS in Educational Administration
• Lori Leigh Wilt, Waynesboro, VA – MS in Educational Administration
• Jaime Leann Ottinger, Vail, AZ – MS in Curriculum and Instruction
• Jennifer Ann Counselman, Charlotte, NC – MS in Curriculum and Instruction

For a complete list of graduates, visit
http://matrix.scranton.edu/news/images/summer2009/2009_CGCE_Commencement.pdf.

The University of Scranton is currently accepting applications for the next online session. For more information about earning a master’s of science degree in education, call 800-605-5346 or visit http://www.uscranton.com/.

About The University of Scranton
Nestled in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The University of Scranton was founded in 1888 and has been educating students in the Jesuit tradition since 1942. It is consistently ranked among the top 10 Master’s Universities in the North by U.S. News &World Report. The University of Scranton is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) as well as the Commission of Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Graduate and Continuing Education is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

About University Alliance Online
The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments —making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
The University of Scranton/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.uscranton.com/

Florida Tech University Online Offers Professionals a Competitive Edge With New MBA Degree Programs in Two of Today’s Most In-Demand Fields

Applications Are Now Being Accepted for 100% Online MBA Degrees in Project Management and Information Technology Management

TAMPA, Fla., June 18, 2009 – As organizations continue to downsize in the face of a continuing recession, employees are discovering that seniority and solid performance no longer guarantee job security. To survive and thrive in today’s economy, they must demonstrate mastery of core business strategies and possess technical expertise in a functional area deemed essential to operations. Florida Tech University Online (Florida Institute of Technology) helps professionals gain the edge they need with two new 100% online MBA programs in Project Management and Information Technology Management.

“When faced with important workforce decisions – from layoffs to promotions – companies will make a special effort to retain employees who add the greatest value to the organization,” said Adrian Marrullier, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of University Alliance Online, which provides enrollment and support services to Florida Tech University Online. “Professionals can position themselves as an indispensible asset to any employer by developing broad-based business knowledge and targeted skills that translate directly into profits. And there’s simply no better way for them to accomplish that than by earning an online MBA degree from Florida Tech.”

With many qualified MBA holders competing for management-level positions, Marrullier noted that Florida Tech grads can distinguish themselves by specializing in a high-demand field such as project management or information technology management. “Students will gain proficiency in business tools and techniques that can dramatically impact a company’s efficiency, productivity and profitability. And thanks to the flexibility and convenience of online learning, they can earn their degree in two years or less while maintaining a full-time job – so the return on investment is almost immediate.”

Each of Florida Tech’s new online Master of Business Administration programs offers outstanding career opportunities:

MBA in Project Management – Mid- to upper-level managers in virtually any industry can increase their professional worth and improve their ability to plan, organize and manage resources simply by developing project management expertise. The value employers place on this skill set is reflected in average project manager salaries, which are upwards of $100,000 per year according to recent surveys by the Project Management Institute and Dice.com. Rooted in the case method approach, Florida Tech’s program delivers a rare combination of academic principles and practical, real-world applications to ensure successful business outcomes.

MBA in Information Technology Management – As technology continues to evolve, businesses have a growing need for highly trained information systems managers to stay on top of emerging opportunities and threats. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment of computer information systems managers will grow 16%* through 2016. Like all of Florida Tech’s MBA programs, the MBA in IT Management is rooted in the case method approach. It prepares students for this high-growth career field with the in-depth technical knowledge required to meet complex technology and business challenges and quickly advance within any organization.

In addition to these two new MBA degrees, Florida Tech also offers online MBA programs in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance, and Healthcare Management. To learn more about any of the master’s degree online programs from nationally recognized Florida Tech, visit http://www.floridatechonline.com/.

About Florida Tech
Florida Tech is world renowned for its distinguished faculty, comprehensive curriculum and unyielding innovation. It continues to be ranked a best national university by U.S. News & World Report. Florida Tech is rated by the Fiske Guide to Colleges and named a best buy in Barron’s Best Buys in College Education. Among its more than 50,000 alumni include several astronauts, many CEOs of major corporations, Senior Executive Service (SES) members and nearly two dozen generals including three four-star generals, four three-star generals, nine two-star major generals and three one-star brigadier generals. Florida Tech’s main campus is located in Melbourne, Florida.

About University Alliance Online
The University Alliance (UA) facilitates the promotion and online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Powered by UA’s technology and support services, our university partners have surpassed 300,000 online enrollments — making UA the largest facilitator of e-learning in the country.


* Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008–09 Edition

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
Florida Tech University Online/University Alliance Partner
813-621-6200
http://www.floridatechonline.com/

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Accounting Professionals are Speaking Out on the Current Financial Industry Crisis in a Nationwide CPA Poll Provided by U.S. News

U.S. News & World Report teams up with Bisk Education and CPEasy to survey accountants nationwide on the current economic crisis and other hot industry topics

TAMPA, Fla., June 16, 2009 – As part of an industry that is closely tied to and deeply affected by the nation’s economy, CPAs have been provided an open platform by U.S. News & World Report to voice their opinions about the current economic recession, rapidly changing regulations and related financial topics.

American taxpayers want to know the accounting professionals side of the story on today’s hottest issues. Responses to the poll will be included in a national news forum published by U.S. News & World Report.

It only takes a few minutes to take part in the poll. CPAs can log into the poll at http://www.usnews.com/speakup with the user name: usnewscpa and password: accountant.

Once logged in CPAs will be asked thought-provoking questions, such as:

• What kind of influence will the new administration have on the accounting industry?
• Could the accounting profession have prevented today’s financial crisis?
• Who or what is most responsible for the global economic crisis?
• Some industry bloggers contend that auditors should be taking more responsibility for the financial crisis. Do you agree?
• What is your opinion of the government bailout of the financial services industry?

As a CPA, you have a better-informed perspective of financial industry issues than almost anyone. That’s why U.S. News & World Report is reaching out to accounting professionals nationwide to express their views on the recent financial headlines and controversies. Not only will your opinions be published in a national news forum, but you’ll also receive a FREE eight-week digital subscription to U.S. News Weekly!

“The benefit of this nationwide CPA poll is to find out what CPAs really think about our current economic situation and then to publish those informed opinions in the national forum published by U.S. News & World Report,” stated Nathan M. Bisk, Founder and Publisher of Bisk CPEasy. “This is our industry’s chance to speak up and speak out about issues affecting our nation and to get our voices heard by regulators and lawmakers.”

The nationwide CPA Poll and U.S. News & World Report subscription offer are available through June 30, 2009. Don’t miss this opportunity to speak out today!

1. Visit http://ww.USNews.com/SpeakUp
2. Enter the User Name: usnewscpa
3. Enter the Password: accountant

About Bisk Education
Founded in 1971 by Nathan M. Bisk, JD, CPA (FL), Bisk Education is the world’s largest exclusive provider of professional education online. Bisk CPEasy, which has awarded over 14 million CPE credit hours since 1971, currently offers over 300 multimedia continuing professional education programs in a variety of multimedia formats. To learn more, visit http://www.cpeasy.com/.

Contact:
Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services
Bisk Education CPEasy
9417 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL 33619
813-621-6200
http://www.cpeasy.com/

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Bisk Education Unveils New CPEasy Catalog Featuring Unlimited Access to Online CPE Courses

With the economy in turmoil, CPAs nationwide are turning toward Bisk Education, the most trusted name in CPE to stay current with timely insight on critical industry changes

TAMPA, FL (June 11, 2009) – America’s best selling CPE provider, Bisk Education, is proud to announce the 2009 CPEasy catalog, a FREE publication for accounting professionals, which is now available online at http://www.cpeasy.com/.

With dramatic changes rocking the economy, clients and businesses are more dependent on CPAs expertise than ever before. To help your clients survive and fight through this recession, CPAs need a comprehensive, in-depth understanding of current industry developments. And there is simply no better way to gain that timely, relevant knowledge than with Bisk CPEasy.

From bankruptcies and bailouts to new regulations and a new administration, “recent industry changes pose both new challenges and new opportunities for CPAs,” stated Nathan M. Bisk, Founder and Publisher of Bisk CPEasy. “It’s imperative for CPAs to stay informed of the latest news and understand how developments will impact their business and clients.” The CPEasy catalog conveniently offers Bisk’s CPE solutions, products and services all in one place.

This year’s 2009 CPEasy catalog features unlimited access to hundreds of NASBA and QAS approved
CPE courses, which are available in individual or group formats, online or on CD-ROM, via textbooks, CD or DVD, and even through expert-led Webcasts and interactive question-and-answer sessions. Course topics include taxation, accounting and auditing, ethics, and consulting services, management and specialized knowledge.

“We are receiving a tremendous response from our CPEasy catalog and pleased CPAs are taking advantage of our (exclusive catalog savings),” said Sandy Levine, VP of Marketing Services for Bisk Education.

Considering the state of the economy, price and convenience have become a major factor in CPE planning for accounting firms and CPAs. Bisk Education acknowledges these tough times and CPEasy OnDemand is offering up to 20% off Platinum subscriptions. The premier CPEasy product, a Platinum subscription includes a full year of unlimited online CPE with over 1,000 available credit hours and delivers an hour-long industry news report each month via online streaming audio. What’s more, the Platinum subscription is the only CPEasy product that includes live, interactive, for-credit quarterly Webcasts.

“There is no CPE delivery system that is more affordable, more convenient or more comprehensive than Bisk’s CPEasy OnDemand,” said Levine. “And with special catalog savings, there has never been a better time to see why CPEasy is the best-selling CPE solution.”

About Bisk Education
Founded in 1971 by Nathan M. Bisk, JD, CPA (FL), Bisk Education is the world’s largest exclusive provider of professional education online. Bisk CPEasy, which has awarded over 14 million CPE credit hours since 1971, currently offers over 300 multimedia continuing professional education programs in a variety of multimedia formats. To learn more, visit http://www.cpeasy.com/.

Contact Information:

Sandy Levine, Vice President of Marketing Services
Bisk Education
9417 Princess Palm Avenue, Tampa, FL 33619
813-621-6200

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