Another comment on an SEOmoz.org post that I made, which I am recycling as per usual:
Danny,
I will argue that all formal education is always at least 5 years behind the appropriate "real world" education. Its probably more so with fast-moving industries, but even true in more steady fields.
That all said, I think you may just not be looking hard enough.
I personally have a Bachelor's degree in E-Business from Towson. Check out the courses. And I graduated ALMOST 5 YEARS AGO!
Again, its not the most relevant. No they don't teach practical applications of SEO. But then again that's no different than how my roommate who was a Com Sci major couldn't program a lick of code. Lots of theory.
Colleges and Universities are typically places that teach theory and the process of learning more than practical job skills for early-career success.
Trade schools and IT training schools like this one or this one can teach you the nuts and bolts of online marketing, etc. if you want to go that route. Certainly you can also learn it on your own as well.
I've also found that many schools bring in outside professionals to give guest lectures to expose students to the "nuts and bolts". I believe Rand has taught a few, and I've taught about a half-dozen myself. Check out the powerpoint slides (bottom of page) if you like.
I think you are simply expecting the wrong thing from a college (university) education. Its about theory and learning to learn. If you want practical skills consider a trade school or certification program. Its not just you here though, IMO far to many people go to a university seeking "job skills" b/c that is simply the status quo in the US. I would like that to change. We need more technical people with tangible skills.
Another item I didn’t address here though is the issue of qualified teachers. There is already a huge shortage in business schools. Few available, willing teachers to teach SEO and Internet Marketing. Those who can are too darn busy.