Cypress, CA December 31, 2013 – Trident University International (TUI) announces the launch of their all-new website focused solely on Ph.D. programs. The new site, located at www.TridentPHD.com, is unique in that it completely focuses on TUI’s three Ph.D. programs and eleven concentrations. Trident is one of the oldest online universities and the only higher educational institution regionally accredited by WASC that offer 100% online Ph.D. degrees.
The new website was designed through a committee of Ph.D. experts with an emphasis on Ph.D. prospective students. The objective is deliver clear, concise and focused Doctoral information that is easy to navigate. Trident strives to position the University as the leader in online higher education with a special focus on their history of online academic excellence. “Trident University was founded through Ph.D. programs in 1998,” noted Andy Vaughn, President and CEO. “And this new site reaffirms our commitment to doctoral studies.”
Trident University is a Doctoral granting university that offers degrees in three disciplines including Business Administration, Educational Leadership and a Ph.D. in Health Sciences. They are rigorous research-based programs that include many requirements which require the site to be uniquely structured to ease the pain of information gathering. “Our new website was developed as a Ph.D.-minded site integrated with three program-focused microsites to support their individualized requirements.” explained Brandon Rowe, Director of Digital Marketing. “We leveraged a cross-functional committee of subject matter experts and married them with a team of marketers and digital architects. This gave our site rich content delivered through a platform that is dynamic and mobile-optimized using responsive web design.”
The Trident team used advanced analytics to understand visitor traffic patterns which drove site section definitions and navigational organization. From this information they determined that prospective Ph.D. candidates not only seek direct access to their programs of choice, they also look to navigate to key decision drivers including details about the faculty, accreditation, the admissions process, tuition and aid. Through spending time with the Admissions Advisors and Ph.D. Program Directors, the committee learned that students questioned the online format for earning a Ph.D. degree, and a site section to support this was a new requirement.
Site architecture and construction are only a few factors in delivering a successful website. Relevant content is the most important last step before deployment. Trident University leveraged its in-house video production, photography and creative department to deliver an incredible array of content. Although TridentPHD.com has less than thirty total pages it delivers 9 custom videos, 3 custom program overview diagrams and every section includes personalized and relevant images. “We are an online university. Our visual assets are our people and we have made a conscious decision to use no stock imagery.” Explained Art Duran, Trident’s Associate Creative Director. “From videos to all images, a prospective student will get to see real students, real employees and meet faculty.” In addition to the site’s unique structure and custom content, the creative team felt it was important to add a globally-accessed feature called “The Faces of Trident.” “This asset will be updated regularly and will feature all faces of Trident, not just executive leadership,” noted Duran. “Our ‘faces’ make up everyone including students, alumni, faculty and staff members.”
Since TridentPHD.com’s official deployment in November, the University is experiencing an increased interest in their Ph.D. programs. Quarter / Quarter Leads have increased nearly 8% while applications are up 19%. Most impressive is enrollments have risen nearly 27% over last quarter indicating the site is doing its job to bring in the most qualified applicants.
About Trident University International
Founded in 1998, Trident University International (TUI) is a leading online postsecondary university serving all adult learners. Trident uses traditional case-based learning in a proven online setting to teach critical thinking skills so students earn high-quality baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. TUI offers academic excellence: over 80% of its faculty members have doctoral degrees. TUI offers a real-world, practical curriculum that provides students with the tools to enhance their lives and help further their careers. Please visit www.trident.edu, join our Facebook page or call Trident University International at to learn more about Trident’s wide range of bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. programs.
