Hoboken, NJ - January 10, 2017 - John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (NYSE: JWa and JWb) George Mason University have entered into a 10-year agreement that will expand the scope of George Mason's online graduate programs and strengthen the university's commitment to providing transformative educational opportunities for working adults and non-traditional students.
Mason's partnership with Wiley, a global provider of knowledge and learning services, is critical to the university's efforts to answer a growing demand for online educational options. The partnership will allow Mason, Virginia's largest public research university, to reach more students who want to advance their education but may not have the ability to spend time in a physical classroom.
"Students want to be able to fit education into their busy schedules and not be forced to adapt to a more traditional version of higher education," Mason President Ángel Cabrera said. "This partnership is about creating options for students, so they can craft a more personal education plan."
Mason, which serves 35,000 undergraduate and graduate students, is one of 115 universities ranked in the highest tier of research institutions in the country by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Wiley has more than 20 years experience providing online services to colleges and universities in areas of academic research, professional practice and higher education. It has 37 university partners and services 231 programs.
"Every conversation with our Mason colleagues has remained focused on the institution's broader mission, the expansion of capabilities and reach, and the importance of care for each of its students," said Greg Finkelstein, managing director of Wiley Education Services. "We are honored to be chosen by George Mason University and look forward to supporting the Mason mission and vision."
The partnership allows Mason to focus on its education mission and delivery of high quality programs while leveraging the expertise and resources of Wiley. Under the agreement, Mason will provide the programs, courses, faculty and academic support. Wiley will provide market research, marketing, student enrollment and retention services, and technological support.
"Enrollment in distance education is increasing nationally as overall higher education enrollments are stagnant, or even decreasing in some areas. This suggests an important shift in the way students want their education," said Michelle Marks, Mason's vice president for academic innovation and new ventures. "Mason has to be ready for that new generation of learners. The partnership with Wiley is one critical step to expanding our program delivery options. It's critical to Mason's long-term strategy of access to high quality and innovative education."
The initial master's programs offered by Mason through the partnership will be in business, health systems management, health informatics and special education with certificates in applied behavioral analysis and autism. Programs will be available beginning January 2018 and will expand as additional programs that align the needs of students and employers are brought online.
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About George Mason
George Mason University is Virginia's largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., Mason enrolls more than 35,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. Mason has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity and commitment to accessibility. Learn more at http://www.gmu.edu.
About Wiley
Wiley, a global company, helps people and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our online scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, combined with our digital learning, assessment and certification solutions help universities, learned societies, businesses, governments and individuals increase the academic and professional impact of their work. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to our stakeholders. The company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com