Logo: University of Southern California

Korean Air and USC Reach International Distance Learning Agreement

DEN Deal Follows Pacts with Two Other Multibillion Dollar Companies

September 07, 2005 —

KAL CEO  Yang Ho Cho:  "Offering this benefit to our employees is not  only a benefit, but a privilege."
The University of Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering has reached an agreement with Korean Air to offer a wide range of graduate engineering programs to Korean Air employees worldwide through the school’s Distance Education Network (DEN).

“I am thrilled that Korean Air engineers in Asia and other parts of the world will have an opportunity to earn advanced engineering degrees through our Internet-based distance learning program,” said Yannis Yortsos, dean of the Viterbi School.  “USC’s strategic plan calls for expanding the university’s global reach and this is in keeping with that plan.”

Korean Air, which last year became the world’s largest commercial air cargo operation, is a global airline with more than 15,000 employees and one of the industry’s youngest fleets.  It is also Korea’s flagship carrier.

“USC is one of the top engineering colleges in the world, and offering this opportunity to our employees is not only a benefit, but a privilege,” said Yang Ho Cho, Chairman and CEO of Korean Air. “This fits perfectly into our corporate theme of Innovate Excellence that calls for an employee culture fueled by innovation.  Our employees will be able to apply knowledge from USC’s leading research and technology into an energized workplace.”

The Korean Air students will be able to enroll in any of the 28 fully-accredited Master of Science programs, or six certificate programs that the Viterbi School currently delivers over the Internet via streaming media technologies.  Students can view course lectures live as they are given on campus, or archived lectures.  Under the agreement, DEN will provide a full scope of student services including academic advisement, enrollment, homework processing, exam proctoring and technology support to Korean Air students. 

“Our distance learning system gives working engineers the flexibility to balance education with jobs and family commitments.  They take the same courses taught by the same faculty as students on campus.  They must meet the same admissions criteria, do the same homework and pass the same exams as any other USC student,” said Kelly Goulis, executive director of DEN.

The agreement with Korean Air for international distance education is DEN's third with a multibillion corporation, following pacts announced in January with Chevron (CVX) and in April QualComm (QCOM).

About Korean Air
Korean Air, with a fleet of 113 aircraft, is one of the world's top 20 airlines, and operates almost 400 passenger flights per day to 90 cities in 32 countries. It is a founding member of SkyTeam, the global airlines alliance - partnering AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, CSA Czech Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, KLM and Northwest Airlines to provide customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. More on Korean Air's programs, routes, frequency and partners is available at www.koreanair.com.
 
About DEN
Established in 1972, the Viterbi School’s Distance Education Network (DEN) remains a pioneer in the field, utilizing advanced e-learning technology to provide a seamless experience for students.  The USC Viterbi School is ranked third among private engineering schools and seventh overall in the current U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate engineering programs.