(528 kb)
(528 kb)
It is being billed as the world's first private online university. It started in 2000 when 12 students in an executive master of business administration (eMBA) program began coursework at a virtual university based in Fredericton. Since the courses are delivered over the Internet and there are no residency requirements, participants can study anywhere in the world at any time of the day.
Students are required to earn 48 credits for their eMBA degree in a continuous two-and-a-half-year period. Launched by a high-tech company, the program targets technology professionals.
The Canadian government awarded $600,000, or 40% of the initial investment, to the venture. Unlike Canada's publicly funded universities, this virtual university is run for profit as part of a publicly traded company. It is not accredited under provincial legislation. Continued student enrolment will be the barometer of its success.