The University of Phoenix plans to double the size of its campus in Brookfield, as demand continues to grow for its degree programs.
The expansion will increase the size of the campus from 30,000 square-feet to about 60,000 square-feet, said Chris Huff, campus director of the Wisconsin campuses.
Briohn Building Corp. of Brookfield is the general contractor for the expansion project, which will be completed in September.
The Apollo Group, based in Phoenix, Ariz., is the owner of University of Phoenix. The school has 142 campuses in the United States, including Appleton and Brookfield.
Working adults attend the campuses to receive bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The Brookfield campus opened in 2001, and enrollment has grown significantly since then, Huff said. He declined to provide specific enrollment numbers or the cost of the expansion.
"We have grown, and we are continually growing," he said. "Our classrooms are pretty much occupied every night and on the weekends, except Friday. The parking lot at night is just packed."
About 10,000 students attend University of Phoenix campuses in the Midwest, Huff said. The next graduating class from the Brookfield campus, with 200 students, will receive degrees July 10.
The Brookfield campus is in a former movie theater building along Interstate 94 at 20075 Watertower Boulevard. The school will grow from about 17 classrooms to 34 after the addition is completed.
Students attending the University of Phoenix can receive a master’s degree in business administration or management and a bachelor’s degree in business management, business administration or business information technology.
Most master’s degree programs can be completed in two years, and bachelor’s degree programs can be completed in two to four years, depending on a student’s previous education, Huff said.
The typical University of Phoenix student is about 35 years old and is seeking a promotion or a career change. Some students want to improve communication skills, such as public speaking.
"Mostly, they’re trying to get ahead in the workplace," Huff said.
The school also offers a FlexNet program, in which students attend the first and last sessions for a particular class on campus, while the other sessions are conducted online.
Huff said the school provides a convenient way for working professionals to improve their education and still work full time.
"We are dedicated to serving the educational needs of working professionals and their employers," Huff said. "We are very serious about our academic integrity and quality."
Eventually, more University of Phoenix campuses may be added in Wisconsin, Huff said.
People interested in enrolling at the University of Phoenix in Brookfield can call (262) 785-0608 and ask for an admissions counselor. More information is available at www.universityofphoenix.com.
May 14, 2004, Small Business Times, Milwaukee, WI
