Many universities already provide online courses aligned with their traditional curriculums.
But Temple would be among the first to establish a for-profit arm designed solely to produce online courses that would help it break into new markets. The venture is one example of how America's higher education system is starting to be transformed by the Internet and the competition it generates, with traditionally slow-moving, nonprofit universities being forced to act like aggressive, agile corporations. Martin Dorph, Temple's chief financial officer, said the university hopes to take advantage of its campus footholds in Asia and the broad appeal that American higher education has among Asian students. Virtual Temple would not be accredited, and would be unable to offer Temple degrees without obtaining approval from the university board of trustees. Instead, it would most likely offer certificate programs aimed at adult learners or those who want job-related training.