The New Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies offered by Northcentral University is just one of several Online Education Programs Designed to Allow Master's Degree Holders a Convenient and Affordable Way to Stay Current in Their Field or Explore New Career Opportunities Prescott, Arizona (PRWeb) February 2, 2007 -- Accredited online university Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu), a leader in 100% online higher education, announced today the addition of the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) program to its current curriculum. Northcentral University (NCU) developed the CAGS online education program in response to a high demand from students already holding master's degrees, who wanted a more convenient way to stay current in their field or explore new career opportunities. Students earn a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies by completing six courses in one of 26 specializations offered in business and technology management, education, or psychology.

"The CAGS program is a new direction for NCU, where over 73 percent of the student body is enrolled in doctoral programs," commented Dr. Bob Branch, Chair of the School of Business and Technology Management at accredited online university, NCU. "CAGS was developed to meet a growing need among professionals desiring advanced level continuing education, as well as organizations that want to offer their staff the ability to upgrade their skill and knowledge base without missing work."

Graduate students enrolling in the CAGS online education program can begin courses on the first of each month and complete each 3-credit course in 12 weeks or less. Those successfully completing six courses of prescribed coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or better will be awarded the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and credits earned can be transferred into doctoral degree programs at NCU.

CAGS Benefits the Individual and the Organization
The CAGS program fits the needs of professionals in business, education, and psychology holding master's degrees who want to maintain or advance their career within their current discipline or to prepare for a career in a new discipline. In addition, those interested in pursuing education beyond the master's degree but not yet ready to apply for doctoral degree programs have an opportunity to explore advanced graduate education knowing the credits will transfer to a doctoral program at an accredited online university if they choose.

Employers will also be interested in the CAGS online education programs as an advanced education alternative to offer professional employees already possessing master's degrees. "NCU's CAGS program offers organizations an education alternative that is considerably more in-depth than the standard training model, and a more focused and far more time- and cost-efficient investment than a doctoral degree," added Branch.

For more information about the CAGS program and all 100% online education programs offered by accredited online university Northcentral University, please visit http://cags.ncu.edu or call 866-776-0331.

About Northcentral University
Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Prescott, Arizona, Northcentral University (www.ncu.edu) is a private, 100% accredited online university serving adult students worldwide. Students seeking higher education from a premier university experience the convenience of 100% online education programs and Northcentral University's flexible term format designed to meet the needs of busy professionals. NCU focuses on customizing academic programs to each student's personal and professional interests, and NCU faculty provide one-on-one guidance to ensure academic success. Northcentral University offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees and a new certificate in advanced graduate studies program in business and technology management, education, and psychology and is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Chicago, Illinois.

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