Kaplan University's New Bachelor's Degree Gives Students an Opportunity to Customize Their University Education.

Three new certificate programs prepare students to work in some of the fastest-growing fields

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Kaplan University today announced the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies degree, and three new Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE) certificates designed to prepare students to work in competitive industries.

"Kaplan University is committed to providing adults with greater access to higher education to put them in a better position to compete for jobs even during tough economic times," said David Clinefelter, Ph.D., Kaplan University's Provost. "Our new bachelor's degree program gives prospective students an opportunity to build a degree program that fits their academic and career goals, and the certificate programs provide them with opportunities to enter or advance in professions experiencing growth."

The Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies degree is a customizable program designed to help students with prior learning credits and those who wish to have flexibility in creating a degree program that fits their talents and career interests.

Students enrolled in this degree-completion program will submit a personalized program proposal for approval, which may include transfer, experiential and Kaplan University courses in a professional field, including a core of 45 credits in a recognized occupation. The program is designed to help build expertise in five key areas central to professional success -- creativity, research, socially responsible leadership, technology and communications. The Professional Studies degree integrates courses from schools across the University.

For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies program, visit www.online.kaplanuniversity.edu.

KCE's Medical Transcription Certificate was developed to prepare students for entry-level positions as medical transcriptionists, whose duties include translating and transcribing physician dictation into medical documentation for third-party payers, regulators, and consumers. Students will be taught relevant grammar, punctuation, formatting and medical record proofreading skills. The six-course program is designed to be completed in six months or less. Medical transcriptionist jobs are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

KCE's Medical Office Specialist Certificate is designed to provide students with training in state and federal health care regulations, medical record management, medical insurance requirements, medical terminology and other skills necessary to become a successful medical office specialist. Graduates may pursue career opportunities in physician's offices, hospitals, clinics and other medical care facilities. The program can be completed in 12 months or less.

KCE's Business Management Certificate program is designed for professionals who wish to advance their knowledge of business theory, capitalize on new professional opportunities or explore new career paths. The certificate is also suited for those with no formal business education who want to build a strong foundation in business theory and practice. The six-course certificate program includes four specialization tracks -- general management, marketing, corporate finance and international business. The program should take approximately six months to complete.

For more information about the Kaplan Continuing Education certificate programs, visit www.kce.kaplancontinuingeducation.com.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their untapped talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. Based in Davenport, Iowa, the University is regionally accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Kaplan University offers more than 100 academic programs and currently serves more than 48,000 online and on-ground students. To learn more about Kaplan University, visit www.kaplan.edu.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 100,000 students through 70-plus campus-based schools and online operations across the United States and abroad. It also has online programs through Kaplan Virtual Education and Concord Law School of Kaplan University. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from high school diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a Juris Doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO). For more information, visit www.kaplan.com.