Few periods in history have seen as much disruptive change as the past five decades. From the rise of personal computers to social media, new technologies continue to reshape our daily lives and ways of working. And it’s not just startups that are seizing this opportunity – traditional higher education institutions need to stay competitive too, or risk being left behind.
Today’s students are venturing beyond college campuses to seek out learning experiences that are more connected to the real world, and universities around the country are now working hard to adapt their educational models. One such institution is Northwestern Polytechnic University (NPU), a private university in California dedicated to lifelong learning by providing accessible education pathways for all.
With campuses in Fremont, Pleasanton, and San Jose, NPU is known for its close ties to the tech industry. Its faculty are experienced professionals who have worked in companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple, while students benefit from personalized support when finding internships or jobs.
As well as being a leading institution in technology, NPU is also a major proponent of STEM subjects, and its course offerings have been expanding rapidly in recent years. In 2013 it launched an online Bachelor’s degree program, which was the first of its kind among US tech universities – a testament to NPU’s drive to meet the rising demand for education from working professionals who want to advance their careers.
NPU’s dedication to lifelong learning is the key to its success, as illustrated by the story of one of its students, Faiyaz Alimov. From Uzbekistan, Faiyaz came to NPU after more than 20 years of working as a broadcast engineer for the BBC World Service. He enrolled in an online Bachelor of Science program and has gone on to become a successful blogger and podcaster at his own website, AndroidAppLog.com.
Today, Northwestern Polytechnic University ensures that its courses are relevant in an increasingly competitive job market. Faiyaz Alimov credits the school’s focus on technology as one of the main reasons for his success: “NPU has a modern approach towards teaching with up-to-date curricula and material, which is one of the best in the world.”
So what does the future hold for tech education?
As more students seek flexible learning opportunities that reflect the fast-paced nature of their work lives, universities invest in online technologies to keep up. And while it’s true that some institutions will fall by the wayside, there are plenty of others committed to maintaining quality and relevance – like Northwestern Polytechnic University.
“I think the future for tech education is very bright,” says Adeel, Dean of Academics at NPU. “The demand for STEM and computer science skills is increasing and will continue to do so in the near future.”
NPU offers a range of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. All students study IT fundamentals and core courses in their major and advanced technical courses in their areas of specialization.
The Polytechnic University enables students with work experience to apply for credit exemption. They can also transfer up to 90 credits from another institution or professional training programs.
