Results for: Westwood_College
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Westwood College, owned by Alta Colleges Inc., is an institution of higher learning with 17 campus locations in six states and online learning options. Westwood is nationally accredited, and became a candidate for regional accreditation in October 2007 and hopes to attain this level of accreditation in 2009.[1] Since its inception in 1986, Westwood has graduated more than 20,000 students.[2][clarification needed] Westwood offers career-focused diploma, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs ranging from business administration to criminal justice to game art and design to computer network management to medical assisting. Westwood College was founded in Denver, Colorado in 1953. For many years the school was known as Denver Institute of Technology, offering diploma and degree programs in a variety of technical fields. As the school expanded into other industries, the name was changed to Westwood College. Today, Westwood is part of Alta Colleges Inc. (Alta), a system of higher education institutions that also includes Westwood College Online and Redstone College (once known as Colorado Aero Tech in Denver). Currently, there are 17 Westwood College campuses located in six states. These campuses along with Westwood College Online support more than 15,000 students. Westwood College Online offers 25 degree programs ranging from business administration to fashion merchandising to criminal justice and more. Coursework is completed entirely over the Internet via audio/visual technology designed to mimic an actual classroom. The virtual classrooms are supplemented with real textbooks. Westwood College Online is part of Westwood College – Denver North; along with Redstone College, these schools make up Alta Colleges Inc., a system of higher education institutions that currently enroll more than 15,000 students. Westwood Online was founded in October 2001 and now serves approximately 4,700 students [3]. Depending on the degree program, students can earn an associate degree in 20 months or bachelor’s degree in three years in the online program. Westwood College Online has a more than 85% post-graduate career rate. Students that have graduated from Westwood can return for tuition-free retraining, which allows them to evaluate and review courses that were within their degree program. Westwood College offers degree programs in four schools: School of Business, School of Design, School of Justice and School of Technology. Program curriculums include a combination of degree-focused and general education courses. Westwood College's various locations are nationally accredited by either the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)[4] or the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).[5][6][7][8][9] In addition, each campus is licensed and approved to operate by the appropriate state regulatory bodies.[1] As part of the Denver North campus, Westwood College Online is accredited with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT),[4] a private, non-profit, independent accrediting agency whose goal is to maintain educational quality by striving to assure academic excellence and ethical practices. The ACCSCT is a national accrediting commission. Students attempting to transfer credits from Westwood Online are not likely to be successful.[10] Westwood College is approved by all branches of the military to offer benefits and tuition assistance opportunities.[11] Westwood College became a candidate for accreditation by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in October 2007.[12] To become HLC accredited, a school must provide a mission and integrity, prepare students for the future, provide effective teaching, encourage the discovery and application of knowledge and provide an engaging environment and dedicated service.[citation needed] Westwood College is not regionally accredited.[10] The Online Education Database (OEDb) listed Westwood College in ninth place in its 2008 Online College Rankings, and in its top 10 for the second year in a row.[13] The rankings highlight Westwood College's support provided throughout a student's educational career, the "real-world" experience of instructors and their training as educators. The report also pointed out Westwood's use of virtual classrooms, free tutoring and computer support, graduate retraining program and focus on career development. Graphics and creative design students from the college's Anaheim campus took home 14 ADDY in June from the American Advertising Federation. [14][1] Westwood College Online was listed on The Online Education Database’s top 10 list for both 2007 and 2008. In 2009, the Online Education Database dropped Westwood's ranking to number 16. The largest difference in the rankings came as Westwood's acceptance rate changed for 41% to 98.9%, a number much similar to schools with similar enrollment methods.[13] The Consumer Warning Network, a website that is operated by members of James, Hoyer, Newcomer, Smiljanich & Yanchunis[15] and describes itself as "an independent, consumer advocacy group," has reported on Westwood's recruiting tactics, its CEO's record and federal complaints as well. In May 2009, Westwood also settled a federal lawsuit over misrepresentation of its graduation statistics for $7 million.[16] Westwood faces a class action arbitration filed by the firm, challenging its admissions and financial aid practices.[17] Al Lewis, a business columnist, commented on the lawsuit for the Denver Post.[18] ABC World News took a closer look at schools run for profit and featured the lawsuit.[19] Several entries have posted on Ripoff Report, a privately-owned and operated for-profit website with the stated purpose of giving consumers a voice in disputes with companies. ROR allows users to post complaints known as “reports” which contain details of the user’s experience with the company or individual listed in the report. Several people have claimed that Westwood lied to them during the admission process, offered a poor education, and charged more in tuition than consumers were led to believe.[20] Newsweek.com, one of the country’s leading sources of news coverage, featured a story about the high-interest loans leveraged on unsuspecting students by colleges like Westwood.[21] Westwood College operates on a term schedule. Degree programs start five times a year, and courses are offered year-round with day, evening and online options. Depending on the degree program, students can earn an associate degree in 20 months or a bachelor’s degree in three years. The school also offers diploma programs in various fields. Westwood College offers degree programs in six schools: School of Business, School of Design, School of Justice, School of Technology, School of Healthcare and School of Industrial Services. Students that have graduated from Westwood can return for tuition-free retraining, which allows them to evaluate and review courses that were within their degree program. Westwood alumni can audit a class they took during their tenure, take an updated course after graduation and continue to learn about new equipment and software. this shit sucks
Westwood College
Motto
A Place Where You Can Succeed
Established
1953
Type
Private, For-profit
Location
Southern California, Denver, Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Westwood College Online, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Texas and Virginia, United States
Website
Westwood College
Contents
History
Accreditation
Ranking
Complaints
Westwood College campus locations
Westwood College Online
California
Colorado
Georgia
Illinois
Texas
Virginia
Curriculum
School of Business programs
School of Design programs
School of Justice programs
School of Technology programs
School of Healthcare programs
School of Industrial Service programs
School of Professional Studies programs
Each campus has a different program focus and some programs are not available at certain locations. See also
References
External links