In the last 75 years, DeVry University has come a long way from its beginnings as an institute of technology. " We’re now a large university, offering associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees from five colleges: Business and Management; Engineering and Information Technology; Health Sciences, Liberal Arts and Sciences; and Media Arts and Technology, " said Chris Chavez, president of Metro Atlanta DeVry University, which includes the Keller Graduate School of Management.
There are about 5,000 DeVry students attending classes at seven locations and online in metro Atlanta. " About half our students are pursuing business degrees, but no matter what degree you seek, you can count on DeVry to be your career university, " Chavez said. Careerfocused education sets DeVry apart from traditional colleges and universities. It’s possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in three years by going to class yearround. Classes are offered in eightweek segments to fit the schedules of working students.
"We focus on student outcomes and want to make sure that what they’re learning in the classroom meets the needs of the market when they graduate, " Chavez said. More than 90 percent of DeVry graduates who actively seek employment in their field find it within six months. " We’re not just preparing students to find a job, but to enter a career and to be successful, " he said.
DeVry designs its programs based on input from business and industry advisory groups to keep the curricula on target. " We know, for example, that the health care and social assistance sector of the economy grew by 5 percent last year, despite the recession, " Chavez said. " We launched our new Health Information Technology associate degree, knowing that health care is moving to electronic medical records. We expect a growing need for clinical coders, data analysts, patient information coordinators and health records technicians."
Last year, DeVry also rolled out a new associate degree in Web Graphic Design, a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Design and Development and a concentration in Security Management within the bachelor’s of business administration degree. School officials see career opportunities in those fields for firsttime college students and career changers. " We’re seeing increased enrollments across the board, and especially in our MBA program, " Chavez said. " Working adults are earning master’s degrees to strengthen their credentials, and those out of work are seeing this as a good time to get their MBA."
More students are coming back to finish undergraduate degrees to improve their career prospects, he said. DeVry Students benefit from a faculty that is a blend of fulltime, experienced teachers and parttime instructors who come directly from industry. " Those instructors bring realworld experience into the classroom and keep the learning fresh, " Chavez said. " We also connect our students with the local professional organizations in their field. By going to seminars and meetings, they not only increase their knowledge, but begin to develop a network that can help them in their careers."
The university offers multifaceted advisement for students. Admissions advisors introduce students to the school’s various degree programs and walk them through the admissions and financial aid process. DeVry students are eligible to apply for Federal Financial Aid, as well as the HOPE scholarship and other scholarships. Once a student enrolls in a program, he or she is assigned a student success coach, who helps with adjustment to campus and answers questions about academic life.
" Many students establish informal relationships with their instructors as well, " Chavez said. " When students get closer to graduation, they can turn to our career services department for help. Advisors will coach them on résuméwriting, interviewing skills and connecting to employers. " We also have a career services resource room with computers, a copy machine, fax machine and other resources to assist students in their job search."
For information, call 404-270-2700, or visit www.atl.devry.edu .
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