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Online Education Programs for Franchise Teams

Ficus partners with University of the Cumberlands and Kaplan to provide education opportunities designed for working adults. From college readiness and university-issued certificates to more than 120 online degree programs and executive development, our programs help franchise teams learn, grow and succeed.

 Education Opportunities for Every Stage 

College Readiness | Accredited Degrees | Certificates | PhDs

 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

Programs

Chick-fil-A Team Member Studying on Laptop

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:

  • GED preparation for individuals pursuing a high school equivalency credential

  • ACT and SAT preparation for broader college planning

  • 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. 

 

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
  •  
Cumberlands Student with Free Textbooks
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NEW: 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.

Available 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.

Chick-fil-A Leader

 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 college readiness resources through Kaplan, more than 120 online associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs through University of the Cumberlands, and university-issued graduate certificates for qualified individuals. Operators also receive preferred pricing on graduate-level 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.