John Wiley and Sons, Inc. (NYSE: JWa and JWb) and 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.
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 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 www.wiley.com
Media
Wiley
Dawn Peters (US), +1 781-388-8408
Tom Griffin (UK), +44 (0) 1865 476213
sciencenewsroom@wiley.com
Follow us on Twitter @WileyNews
or
To speak with someone at George Mason University, please contact:
Damian Cristodero (US)
703-993-9118
dcristod@gmu.edu