Academics
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that Ottawa University is not in cold Canada, but in warm and sunny Phoenix, where many of its students are adults looking for a jump-start on a career change. A private, accredited university with a diverse student body, Ottawa University is an excellent choice for those who are looking to start over again at any age.
Because so much of the student body attending Ottawa University – Phoenix is already out in the working world and living busy lives, classes are nontraditional when it comes to scheduling. If there is something that a student cannot make during traditional daytime school hours, chances are there is an equivalent course offered either exclusively online or during the evenings. This allows for greater flexibility with incorporating earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree with continuing to manage previously existing life responsibilities.
For those who think that attending college to earn a degree will take too long, one of the unique and truly incredible things about Ottawa University is that it awards credit for life experience. Students will find that not just previous college coursework can net you some credit towards a degree, but military, work, and general life experience, too. Eligibility is determined by speaking with an admissions counselor or someone in the academic office, but this nontraditional approach has done wonders in attracting students.
Ottawa University – Phoenix is split into three schools: The School of Arts and Sciences, The School of Education, and the School of Business. Popular courses of study include Biology, English, Mathematics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education. There are also various degrees to be earned in different and more freewheeling subjects, such as Dance, Music, and Psychology.
As far as master’s programs go, Ottawa University – Phoenix offers a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, a Master of Arts in Human Resources, a Master of Arts in Education, and a Master of Business Administration. Established in 1865, the university now has campuses in a number of cities around the country, including its Phoenix location. Those searching for a nondenominational college environment should be aware that the school does have a religious affiliation, but that this does not slip into the classroom when it comes to education.
