Online Education Programs for Franchise Teams
Ficus Education brings together trusted education partners and flexible learning opportunities designed for working adults. From Language Learning and ESL to college readiness, 120+ online degree programs, certificates and advanced education, our programs help Team Members build skills, pursue their goals and create new opportunities for their futures.
Education Opportunities for Every Stage
Accredited Degrees | Language Learning & ESL |
College Readiness | Certificates & Advanced Degrees
From preparing for college to earning a university degree or advancing into executive leadership, Ficus offers multiple educational pathways designed to meet team members and Operators where they are.
Academic Partners
120+ Fully Online Degree Pathways
Eligible team members have access to more than 120 fully online associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs through University of the Cumberlands.
Programs are designed specifically for working adults with:
- Tuition covered by participating Operators
- Required textbooks included
- No graduation fee
- Flexible 8-week courses
- Multiple start dates throughout the year
- Dedicated student support
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Language Learning with ESL
Not every Team Member's next step is a college degree.
Language Learning gives Operators another way to invest in their teams through English as a Second Language (ESL) support and 13 additional languages.
The program combines flexible technology with live instruction to support working adults.
Language Learning includes:
- Self-paced language learning that fits around work and life
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Available 24/7 on mobile and desktop
- AI-powered practice personalized to each learner
- Live, instructor-led group lessons for conversation, feedback and practice
- English (ESL), Spanish and 12 additional languages
By combining flexible, self-paced learning with real human interaction, Language Learning helps Team Members build practical communication skills and confidence they can use at work and beyond.
College Readiness Through Kaplan
Not every team member is ready to begin a college degree and that's okay.
Kaplan-powered readiness programs support team members who are not immediately positioned for degree enrollment.
These pathways include:
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GED preparation for individuals pursuing a high school equivalency credential
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ACT and SAT preparation for broader college planning
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Academic readiness support prior to enrollment in accredited degree programs
Readiness seats are allocated annually and integrated into the Ficus workforce education model. These programs provide another entry point into higher education while helping more team members participate in your education benefit.
University Certificates
Continue your professional development with university-issued graduate certificates from University of the Cumberlands.
Designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree, these graduate certificates help professionals build specialized knowledge in high-demand fields while continuing their educational journey.
Example Graduate Certificates
- Leadership
- Artificial Intelligence
- Marketing Analytics
- Business Analytics
- Financial Management
- Criminal Justice
Exclusive Operator Benefit:
Preferred Pricing on Doctoral Programs
Operators can continue their professional development through preferred pricing on doctoral programs offered by University of the Cumberlands.
This exclusive benefit supports executive leadership, organizational growth and lifelong learning.
Invest in Your Team's Growth
Whether someone is preparing for college, earning a university certificate, pursuing a degree, or continuing into executive education, Ficus provides structured educational opportunities designed to help your team grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What education programs are available through Ficus?
Eligible Team Members have access to a range of education opportunities, including more than 120 online associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through University of the Cumberlands, college readiness resources through Kaplan, and Language Learning with English as a Second Language (ESL) plus 13 additional languages. University-issued graduate certificates are also available for qualified individuals, and Operators receive preferred pricing on doctoral programs.
Who can earn a university-issued graduate certificate?
Graduate certificates are designed for individuals who have already earned a bachelor's degree and want to build specialized knowledge in a focused area of study.
What graduate certificates are available?
University-issued graduate certificates are currently available in:
- Leadership
- Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain
- Marketing Analytics and Digital Strategy
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship and New Venture Development
- Business Analytics
- Financial Management
- Criminal Justice
- Project Management
Are textbooks included?
Yes. Required textbooks are included for eligible degree programs through University of the Cumberlands.
Are doctoral programs included in the education benefit?
No. Graduate-level doctoral programs are available to participating Operators through preferred pricing and are separate from the team member tuition benefit.