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East-West University
The Microsoft® Office Specialist program at East-West University provides students the opportunity to earn Microsoft certifications in addition to earning a college degree. Dr. Ekkehard Wilke, dean of program development, explains the primary reason for adopting the program. "Microsoft Office certification allows the university to combine practical skills and academia to give our students a competitive edge in the job market," he says.
East-West University offers courses with curricula that closely correspond to the objectives of Microsoft Office certification exams. These courses serve the dual purpose of giving students a broad knowledge of the features within Office programs and preparing them to pass certification exams. Students are required to take certification exams to earn a grade in the course. "Students are thrilled with our Microsoft Office courses," says instructor Sigmund Johnson. "With certification as an added incentive, it is much easier to concentrate on each application and fully learn its features."
Wilke also chose Microsoft Office certification because of the immediate benefit to his students. "Many of our students work while attending school," he says. "Microsoft Office certification is recognized everywhere, and students will be able to immediately use the benefits of certification in the workplace." Deloris Reynolds, director of enrollment development, adds, "Students look forward to certification to enhance their careers, master the skills needed to be proficient in today's workplace, and earn higher wages."
East-West University has expanded Microsoft Office training and certification to the general public through its evening and adult education programs. Now anyone can schedule a certification exam or attend concentrated training courses to prepare for certification. Adopting certification into these programs has created courses that are more focused and fast paced. "Demand for our courses has significantly increased because people want short-term, comprehensive courses that allow them to put their knowledge to use immediately," says Reynolds. Since Microsoft Office certification was added to the evening and adult education programs this March, demand for the courses has increased as students and employees of corporations have enrolled to become certified.
With such impressive initial success, East-West University continues to offer Microsoft Office certification as part of its degree program and will expand its evening and adult education courses to meet the increasing demand. "With certification," says Reynolds, "we are able to offer rich and comprehensive Microsoft Office courses that students and corporations need."
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