Westwood College in Top 20 Ranking

Westwood College, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is an institution that has garnered significant attention for its commitment to providing quality online education. Founded with the mission to help students achieve their educational and professional goals, Westwood College has earned a reputable place among the top online educational institutions. It offers a diverse range of programs, including career-focused diplomas, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various fields such as business, design, technology, healthcare, and industrial services.

Westwood College is particularly known for its focus on offering practical and industry-relevant skills that are directly aligned with current job market demands. It provides students with the opportunity to earn credentials that prepare them for professional careers in growing industries. With 17 campuses located across six states, including California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Virginia, and Texas, alongside its online learning platform, Westwood College offers flexibility for students from a variety of backgrounds to pursue higher education in a manner that suits their needs. This accessibility and adaptability make Westwood College an attractive option for students who are seeking to earn a degree from home or those who prefer the option of traditional on-campus learning.

The college's online learning platform has been particularly noteworthy, as it allows students to access the same curriculum and courses as those offered on-campus, ensuring that the educational experience is consistent and of high quality regardless of the mode of delivery. In fact, the college's online education model has been widely recognized for its strength and effectiveness, as evidenced by its consistent rankings among the top online colleges and universities in the United States.

Westwood College’s Online Learning Programs and Career-Focused Approach

Westwood College offers a broad array of programs through its online campus, with degrees ranging from diplomas to master's degrees. The primary goal of the college is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers. With a variety of disciplines available, students can pursue degrees in fields like business administration, fashion merchandising, information technology, healthcare, design, and justice. The online programs are designed to provide the same high-quality education as their on-campus counterparts, and they are delivered through a flexible, user-friendly platform that allows students to balance their studies with work and personal commitments.

The online campus offers degree programs that cater to a wide range of professional aspirations. For example, students pursuing a degree in business administration can choose from several specializations, such as accounting and financial management, marketing management, and healthcare management, to name a few. Similarly, students interested in design fields can study programs in animation, computer-aided design (CAD), interior design, web design, and multimedia. For those seeking a career in technology, Westwood College provides programs in areas such as game software development, network management, systems security, and computer forensics.

The college’s career-focused approach ensures that each program is aligned with industry standards and employer expectations. This emphasis on real-world applications enables students to develop the skills necessary for success in today’s competitive job market. Many of the programs also feature opportunities for internships or hands-on training, allowing students to gain practical experience while still in school. This helps them build a professional portfolio that enhances their job prospects upon graduation.

Specialized Schools within Westwood College

Westwood College is organized into various schools that each focus on a particular field of study. The School of Technology, for example, offers several academic programs designed to prepare students for careers in technology. Programs in the School of Technology include Game Software Development, Computer Forensics, Network Management, Systems Security, and Cisco® Network Systems. These programs focus on providing students with the technical skills and knowledge needed to excel in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive industry.

Another important division of Westwood College is the School of Design. The School of Design offers both associate and bachelor’s degrees in a variety of creative disciplines, including Animation, Computer-Aided Design/Architectural Drafting, Game Art, Graphic Design & Multimedia, Interior Design, Visual Communications, and Web Design & Multimedia. Students in this school are equipped with the tools, techniques, and creative vision needed to succeed in fields that require both artistic talent and technical expertise. As design industries continue to grow, these programs give graduates a strong foundation for a career in a range of industries, from digital media to architecture and interior design.

In addition to the School of Technology and School of Design, Westwood College offers a comprehensive School of Business. The School of Business offers degree programs in areas such as Business Administration, Healthcare Management, Fashion Merchandising, Marketing Management, and Retail Management. Students can pursue specialized degrees that align with their career goals, whether they aim to become managers, marketers, or entrepreneurs. Westwood College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is available entirely online, giving students the flexibility to earn a prestigious graduate degree while maintaining their professional commitments.

The healthcare industry is another important area of focus at Westwood College. With programs designed to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals, the college offers degrees that prepare students for careers in fields such as healthcare management, medical billing and coding, and medical assisting. The healthcare programs are designed to provide students with the technical and managerial knowledge they need to excel in a variety of roles within the healthcare sector.

Accreditation and Recognition

Westwood College is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), depending on the campus. These accreditations ensure that the institution meets specific standards of academic quality and rigor. Additionally, the college received candidacy status with the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in October 2007, indicating its ongoing efforts to pursue regional accreditation.

The recognition of Westwood College's quality and reputation is further solidified by its consistent ranking among the top online colleges and universities in the United States. According to the Online Education Database (OEDb), Westwood College was ranked 16th out of 44 online institutions in 2009. This ranking was based on a variety of factors, including financial aid, retention rates, graduation rates, acceptance rates, student-faculty ratios, and the quality of the institution’s programs. In 2008, Westwood College was ranked even higher, placing 9th in the OEDb’s Online College Rankings. These rankings are a testament to the college’s commitment to providing students with a high-quality educational experience that prepares them for success in their careers.

Student Support and Outcomes

One of the key strengths of Westwood College is its focus on student support. The institution offers various resources designed to help students succeed academically and professionally. These resources include career services, academic advising, tutoring, and access to a comprehensive online library. Additionally, the college’s online platform is equipped with tools that make learning easier and more interactive, including discussion boards, multimedia lectures, and group projects.

The student support network extends beyond the classroom as well. Westwood College understands the importance of career preparation and offers career services that help students secure employment upon graduation. These services include job search assistance, resume writing, interview coaching, and access to job fairs and employer partnerships. This comprehensive support system is designed to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also professionally prepared to enter the workforce.

As evidenced by its rankings, Westwood College has shown a strong commitment to student success. The institution’s emphasis on career-focused education, along with its robust student support services, has contributed to positive outcomes for graduates. Many alumni report that the skills they gained through their Westwood education were critical in helping them secure employment and advance in their careers.

Conclusion

Westwood College has firmly established itself as a leader in online education, particularly in the fields of business, technology, design, and healthcare. Through its commitment to providing career-focused programs, accessible learning options, and a strong support system, the college has earned recognition among the top online institutions in the United States. With consistently high rankings, a broad range of degree programs, and a focus on student success, Westwood College provides an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to further their education and enhance their careers. As the demand for online education continues to rise, Westwood College’s reputation for quality and flexibility makes it a top choice for students looking to pursue their professional goals.