Education Direct

Center for Degree Studies

Scranton, Pennsylvania

DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM

Achieving success means having in-demand skills, and Education Direct's at-home education is the fastest, most convenient way to acquire them. Programs allow busy adults to train for better careers without quitting their current jobs or rearranging their schedules. The Education Direct commitment to education is reflected in every part of its training method, from the ease of enrollment to toll-free instructor support.

First, students choose the program that most interests them, reading online about the projected salary and growth figures and the description of career possibilities. Students should begin their lessons as soon as they receive the learning materials. Each Education Direct program has been written by experts in the field and features the latest techniques and information. All exams are open book and are submitted either online; via Tel-Test, a telephone-based testing system; or by mail. Once students pass an exam, they can proceed to the next lesson.

Students have up to two years to complete a career diploma program and up to eighteen months to complete each semester of a Center for Degree Studies (CDS) degree program. Upon graduation, students receive an official CDS degree or career diploma from Education Direct.

DELIVERY MEDIA

Students can learn online or through the mail, whichever they prefer. They can also choose to take open-book exams by mail, telephone, or online.

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

Education Direct offers a variety of programs. The Associate in Specialized Business (A.S.B.) degree helps students master the business skills and management techniques the modern executive needs to succeed. Degrees are offered in accounting; applied computer science; business management; business management, with an option in finance; business management, with an option in marketing; early childhood education; hospitality management; and paralegal studies.

The Associate in Specialized Technology (A.S.T.) degree is available in civil engineering technology; electrical engineering technology; electronics technology; industrial engineering technology; Internet technology, with an option in e-commerce administration; Internet technology, with an option in multimedia and design; Internet technology, with an option in Web programming; mechanical engineering technology, and veterinary technician studies.

Education Direct offers career diplomas in more than sixty accredited training programs, which can be completed in less than a year, but students may take up to two years. Career diplomas are offered in specializations within the following categories: administrative, building trades, computers, creative/design, education, electrical/electronics engineering, legal/medical management, mechanical, security, and travel and hospitality.

An overall program average of 70 percent or above is required to graduate and earn a career diploma. An overall QPA of 2.0 or above is required to graduate and earn a Center for Degree Studies A.S.B. or A.S.T. degree.

The Thomson High School Program is designed to do more than help students earn their diplomas—it can provide the special job skills needed to achieve success. More information can be found online at Education Direct's Web site.

Education Direct is one of the oldest and largest distance-learning institutions in the world, providing programs and services designed to meet the lifelong education needs of the adult learner. Programs of study lead to specialized associate degrees and career-specific diplomas. The mission of Education Direct is to empower adult learners to advance or change their careers, learn a new skill, or gain personal satisfaction. The school strives to fulfill this mission by providing breadth and depth of courseware, applicable technology, and a wide array of flexible services. Programs not only teach current marketplace skills but also present liberal arts offerings and develop critical thinking, writing, and mathematical abilities. Education Direct is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Education Direct and the Center for Degree Studies are licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools.

STUDENT SERVICES

Each program is designed so that students can learn at home, with little or no guidance. Should any questions arise, however, Education Direct has a toll-free instructional-support hotline. Staff members are on duty to answer questions from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday. After 9 p.m., and on weekends and holidays, students can leave a message, which is answered the next business day. Instructors can also be contacted by mail or e-mail.

ADMISSION

Most Education Direct programs are designed so that even beginners with no experience can get off to a fast start to an exciting new career. As long as applicants can read and write—and have at least average intelligence—they should be able to complete the training without any difficulty. Some career diploma programs and all Center for Degree Studies degree programs require that applicants have a high school diploma to enroll. This prerequisite is noted in the individual program descriptions, where applicable.

TUITION AND FEES

The cost of study for one semester of most A.S.B. and A.S.T. degree programs was $808 in 2004, which included $573 for tuition, a $150 registration fee, a $25 credit application fee, a $35 technology fee, and a $25 shipping and handling charge. The total first-semester price of the A.S.B. in paralegal studies degree was $1008 and the A.S.T. in veterinary technician studies program was $908. Books, equipment, and learning aids were included.

FINANCIAL AID

Although Education Direct offers no financial aid, the cost of study is minimal. Unlike many schools, Education Direct offers its programs through easy, monthly payments for the same price as if paid in full. "Zero percent financing" means never paying a penny in interest or finance charges. A variety of payment methods, including the full, automatic, and standard payment plans, ensure that students can easily afford their education.

CONTACT

Education Direct
P.O. Box 1900
Scranton, Pennsylvania 18501
Telephone: 800-275-4410 (toll free)
E-mail: info@educationdirect.com
World Wide Web: http://www.educationdirect.com/

APPLYING

Students can start immediately. Once an applicant's down payment and enrollment are received and processed, the first shipment of learning materials is sent immediately to the student.