Optimal Performance Institute and University
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Will a college degree really make a difference in my career? In our increasingly competitive marketplace, employers put greater value on education than ever before. Today, college graduates earn an average of 75% more income than high school graduates ($23,000 per year more income with a bachelor’s degree). Over the course of a career that means a college graduate will average almost one million dollars more than a high school graduate. Individuals with a master’s degree will average of 110% more income than high school graduates.* Does the online format provide the same quality of education offered by a traditional campus? Yes. Numerous studies have proven that distance learners perform as well or better than their on-campus counterparts. The book, The No Significant Difference Phenomenon, by Thomas L. Russell, cites 355 research reports, papers, and summaries dating back to 1928 that found no significant difference between distance learning and in-class learning. Where a difference was identified, it generally favored the distance-learning student. How do I apply?Download the application on the website and either email it or mail it to OPI and you will be contacted when it is received. What happens if I have a technical problem with my computer?We can assist you as needed. Simply call our toll free number: 1-866-796-6716 for assistance. If we are helping other students we will return your call. Which degree programs are offered?Please see our catalog for a listing of courses. Is financial aid available?In some cases employers will assist with your education. Ask about scholarships that cover most of the tuition for you. Does the Optimal Performance Institute accept transfer credits?Yes, The Optimal Performance Institute accepts transfer credits for education learning online from regionally and nationally accredited institutions or BPPVE approved colleges of higher learning. Tuition payments will still apply. How fast can I complete my degree?The general amount of time in which degree programs can be completed is twenty months, but the time it takes to complete your education learning online will vary depending on several factors, including prior coursework and whether or not you elect to go through an entire program without taking time off between courses. Most students complete their degrees in two to three years, but can take four or five years if their schedules dictate it. The more credits you transfer in, the faster you’ll complete your degree. You may be able to earn credits from professional training or previous college courses they’ve taken. At a traditional university, a working professional can struggle to finish 9 credits in a semester. That’s only 18 credits per year. At The Optimal Performance Institute our courses are designed specifically for the working professional. By taking education learning online one class at a time, you can complete up to 36 credits per year. That’s much faster than a traditional university! What happens if I move to a new location?No problem. You can continue with your degree program by taking online college classes at The Optimal Performance Institute from anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the Internet. How long has the Optimal Performance Institute been around? Is it accredited?The Optimal Performance Institute started in 1995. Approved by the State of California's Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education as a degree granting university, OPI moving through re-accreditation currently. Please email us at Admin@OPI.edu for up-to-date information. Do OPI faculty hold Master's or doctoral degrees?To ensure the value of your education, all of our faculty members have Master's or Doctorate degrees. In addition, they hold high-level positions within the fields they teach. When they are not teaching class, our instructors are successful leaders and professionals in the health, fitness and performance psychology fields. Will my degree from The Optimal Performance Institute be accepted in the business community?Yes. To ensure that our programs provide the skills and expertise that are in high demand, we develop our curriculum based on the current needs of industry. We then draw our faculty from among the leaders of that industry to provide the most valuable, real-world education possible. Our education learning online is continually updated to reflect the latest proven concepts, methods, and practices. Is the Optimal Performance Institute program 100% distance learning?Almost. We have some courses that are in-person. However, in most cases for our associate, bachelor and master degree programs you can complete the program from home. This includes registration, ordering books, posting assignments, interacting with classmates, receiving feedback from instructors, etc. Imagine, no long commute, no waiting in lines to register, no separate trips to buy books, and no babysitter to pay. You’ll never again have to use the phrase, “No, I can’t, I have class.” When and how often do I have to be online for class?Classes are up to you. You make your schedule as needed and complete the program at your own pace. How do I get started?Fill out our Information Request Form and we will contact you ASAP. You may submit your application and apply immediately as well. Call 1-866-796-6716 Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time. What’s the question we ask most frequently?What's keeping you from getting started NOW and completing your degree?
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