Educational Opportunities
at your Fingertips
By K. Susan Appleby, SEDCOR
Being successful and competitive in the marketplace requires a workforce which is motivated and encouraged to achieve high performance. This is dependent upon the commitment of both the employees and employers. Opportunities which expand an individuals capabilities for growth in a present job and for the future also benefit companies. Workers can apply their higher level of skills towards new technology applications and improved quality. Knowledge and the new ideas that come with it allow individuals to work more effectively and be more creative in their jobs.
Universities, community colleges and technical schools play a vital role in economic development. Education plays a critical role in creating jobs for economic growth. Opportunities lie ahead at the universities and schools that follow.
Atkinson Graduate School of Management, Willamette University
The Atkinson Graduate School of Management, at Willamette University offers a full-time MBA, which integrates the areas of business, government and nonprofit management in a two-year format. The program is one of two in the world to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). Only 14% of business schools around the world hold the AACSB distinction, with under 50 at the graduate level.
A Professional MBA, accredited by the AACSB, a graduate degree program, is now being held in the Pearl District, in downtown Portland. This program is aimed at providing businesses an opportunity to develop executives through a top-flight program in as little as two years. The Executive Development Center provides customized teaching programs for executives to identify opportunities, uncover inefficiencies and help improve the overall effectiveness of an organization. Some EDC courses count as credit towards an MBA.
Industry-specific management education programs are offered for certification and training for Transit and Utility Management. The transit program is co-sponsored by the Oregon and Washington State Transit Associations. A Certificate in Public Management is also offered with courses designed to meet the needs of managers in public service.
Contact Judy O’Neil, Director of Admissions at 1-866-MBA-AGSM
503-370-6440
www.willamette.edu/agsm
Corban College
Corban College (formerly Western Baptist College), offers 45 accredited majors and programs of study including an Adult Degree Programs in Management and Communications and Graduate Studies in Education. Corban is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top-10 Comprehensive College - Bachelors. Corban is ranked ninth for Best Value in the West.
Their Business Program prepares students with the professional skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive business environment. It emphasizes the application of a biblical worldview to the decisions of economic commerce and management of people. The program started in 1978, and has grown to be the second largest degree program at Corban.
Corban’s Adult Degree Program in Management and Communication is designed for people interested in completing their bachelor’s degree while balancing work and family life. Programs can be completed by attending classes one night a week or through an online format.
Contact Steve Hunt, V.P. Marketing at 503-375-7591
503-581-8600
www.corban.edu
Chemeketa Community College
An agreement between Chemeketa’s Business/Management Program and the College of Education and Business at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande gives students the opportunity to earn a four-year degree in Business Administration without leaving the three-county area. Lower division classes will be taken through Chemeketa, and Eastern Oregon will offer upper division classes in local, convenient facilities. Classes are available this fall term.
Pete Diffenderfer, coordinator for the business program, said Eastern Oregon’s classes will be held days, nights and weekends, both on Chemeketa’s campus and off-site. Other classes may be offered online. “Our focus is on adult learners,” he said, “and the program will emphasize flexibility and mentoring.” Some of the courses that will be offered through the program include accounting, management, ethics and entrepreneurship. Eastern Oregon University has been ranked as the second best value in public higher education in America in 2004, by Consumers Digest.
Ron Hulett, Director of Business Programs in Accounting, Business, Computer Science and Electronics at Chemeketa, said that business faculty members are excited about partnering with Eastern Oregon University. “Since so many of our students work while they are attending Chemeketa,” he said, “this is a terrific opportunity for them to be able to earn their four-year degree without having to leave the tri-county area. In fact, many of the courses are available online.”
Contact Pete Diffenderfer at 503-365-4781 or e-mail pdiffend@eou.edu. To contact Ron Hulett at Chemeketa about getting started call 503-399-2522 or email ron@chemeketa.edu
503-399-5000
www.chemeketa.edu
George Fox University
The George Fox University School of Management emphasizes intellectual, social and spiritual growth in a Christ-centered learning community. At the graduate level, the school offers both professional and executive tracks in its Master of Business Administration Program.
Service with a global reach is the hallmark of the executive track of the MBA. The program stresses an ethical approach to management and the importance of giving back to the community. Seminar-style classes are designed for senior-level managers, so the classroom environment is conducive to the exchange of ideas and experiences.
George Fox also offers a Doctor of Management program that prepares managers for service in business, nonprofit and public-sector organizations. Candidates for the program include executives seeking further academic validation, consultants and trainers, and those interested in serving as faculty members at colleges and universities.
George Fox University is a Christian university of the arts, sciences and professional studies ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top-tier western regional university. It was founded in Newberg, Oregon, in 1891 by Quaker pioneers. Today, more than 3,000 students attend classes on the university’s campus in Newberg, at its Portland, Salem and Boise centers, and at other teaching sites in Oregon. It offers Bachelor’s Degrees in more than 35 majors, degree-completion programs for working adults, a seminary, and 10 Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
Contact Debora Sepich at 503-554-2826
888-888-0178
www.georgefox.edu
Marylhurst University
Marylhurst University is a private institution of higher learning, located 10 minutes south of Portland. Marylhurst has a rich tradition of excellence and has been serving the needs of the community in the Willamette Valley and the Northwest for over 100 years.
Marylhurst offers several educational services for business and industry:
• Classes at your worksite, Marylhurst or online
• Classes during the evening, weekend and daytime
• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs
• Professional certificates
The Center for Learning Partnerships at Marylhurst helps your organization determine specific training needs and will develop training programs to make your workforce better trained and motivated. Marylhurst instructors are recognized leaders in their areas of expertise – managers, marketers, and entrepreneurs. Each faculty member brings relevant experience, tested from the workplace, into the classroom.
Our existing degree programs and certificates are designed with the input of corporate and industry leaders. Our programs are flexible and convenient, with an average class size of 12 students. Our Bachelor of Science in Business and Leadership and our MBA are highlighted below.
B.S in Business and Leadership – Marylhurst’s Bachelor of Science in Business and Leadership program helps students develop the critical thinking and business skills required to manage and lead in the rich, dynamic environments that drive today’s economy.
Master of Business Administration – The MBA is a flexible, convenient program designed especially for the working business person. Classes are offered evenings, weekends and online. You can begin studying at any time – year-round admission allows you to enter the program when it is convenient. Concentrations in Management and Technology, Finance, Marketing, Organizational Behavior and International Business meet the needs of today’s global employees.
800-634-9982
www.marylhurst.edu
Portland State University
A major part of any economic development effort is the area’s access to educational infrastructure and here in Salem/Keizer area, Portland State University has been one of the best-kept secret resources for almost 10 years. PSU offers classes at the Chemeketa Community College campus, allowing students to graduate with a four-year bachelors degree without ever leaving the Salem area. For local employers and employees, this is a great resource to help meet personal and workforce educational needs.
Portland State University’s Degree Completion Program provides the flexibility and convenience employers and employees need to meet their educational goals. While enrolled at Chemeketa, students can co-admit with PSU, to earn credits that apply toward both the Associates and Bachelors degree requirements. The program provides PSU academic advising and, if qualified, financial aid for both PSU and the community college courses.
Dr. Bee Jai Repp, has been the Director of the Salem Campus program for years and continually works to address the needs of the local communities and students. “We are a local education program and serve students who work, have families and are looking to finish their four-year degree. Our expertise is with understanding the special needs of these busy professionals. We offer student services that meet their needs, such as, evening hours for advising, assistance with financial aid, admission and disability services. Our class offerings are held evenings, weekends and online. “Currently we have enrolled over 300 students in a variety of courses and are constantly looking at other subject areas to offer, like business and urban planning” Dr. Repp added.
The Degree Completion program is part of the PSU’s School of Extended Studies in cooperation with other academic departments. The School of Extended Studies offers programs in Professional Development, Independent Study, Online classes, continuing education for teachers, international special programs and much more.
503-315-4587
www.pdx.edu/statewide
Tokyo International University of America
In 1965, Professor Taizo Kaneko founded the International College of Commerce and Economics (ICCE) in Japan. He established a relationship with Willamette University, in Salem because they too were interested in international exchange. The two schools became sister universities and subsequently, in 1986, the City of Salem established a sister city relationship with Kawagoe, the home of Tokyo International University (formerly ICCE).
In 1989, with the cooperation of Willamette University, TIU developed a local campus, Tokyo International University of America (TIUA). The goal of the one-year English and American Studies program at WU/TIUA is to broaden and deepen the exchange among TIU and Willamette students and faculty, as well as to develop exchanges with the Salem community. Approximately 100 students participate each year.
In addition to our year-round academic program, we offer the Oregon Intercultural Management Institute (OIMI). Today’s world requires professionals who are as comfortable working overseas or being part of a multinational team as they are working in their own hometown. We all need to have skills that allow us to cross borders, and find solutions that reflect multiple world views. The OIMI is designed to give professionals the language, cultural, and international management skills they need to succeed in the global marketplace.
OIMI offers a six-week intensive program focusing on English language study intercultural communication skills, and the development of management skills for the intercultural workplace. OIMI has a world view with a Pacific Rim perspective. This program is hosted jointly by TIUA and the Atkinson Graduate School of Management at Willamette University.
TIUA and Willamette University are always looking for ways to expand and improve both their international exchanges and their local outreach.
Contact Barby Dressler, TIUA Director of Univ. Relations & Special Programs
503-373-3300
www.tiua.edu
University of Phoenix
In Oregon since 1997, University of Phoenix has five local campuses including Salem, Tigard, Hillsboro, Clackamas and Vancouver, WA.
With over 250 practitioner faculty in Oregon, the University offers expert instruction from working professionals in their field. Undergraduate programs include Bachelor’s Degrees in business administration, business management, business marketing, business accounting, human services, criminal justice and information technology. Graduate programs include Master’s Degrees in business administration, organizational management and education.
Since opening their door nearly 30 years ago, University of Phoenix has made its mission to remove barriers for busy adults looking to meet their educational and professional goals. Students may complete their studies at a local campus or in a combined online/on campus program called Flex Net. Flex Net allows students to attend several classes in a traditional setting while completing the majority of their work online. This option provides flexibility for adults with business and travel considerations.
The University of Phoenix is the largest private accredited university in North America and is owned by parent company Apollo Group, Inc. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
877-867-4748 or 503-495-2900
www.phoenix.edu
Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University offers majors and minors in business and economics and minors in entrepreneurship and sports management. With more than 400 majors, the business program is one of the most popular at the university. Many of those students choose to include an internship or other service learning as part of their degree program. They are able to explore different career opportunities and establish business contacts. From an academic perspective, they can compare the theories taught in the classroom to the approaches that businesses use in the real world.
Just as there are many career paths in business, student internships cover a wide range of fields. In the area of accounting, students have worked for Salem-area CPA firms, corporations and government agencies. Students focusing in finance often arrange internships at banks and brokerages. For marketing and management, opportunities range from small business to Fortune 500 firms, retail to manufacturing, and local to international. One of their long-term relationships has been with the Salem Chamber of Commerce, so be sure to ask them about their experience with Western Oregon interns.
One of the distinguishing features of Western Oregon University’s program has been their focus on small businesses. Student teams have consistently won regional small business consulting competitions. With the addition of the Entrepreneurship Program, students have chances to work with local businesses. In a blend of academic learning and practical business research, students in the Entrepreneurship in Action course team with the Small Business Management Program at LBCC to help local entrepreneurs improve their operations. Projects have included a mystery shopper program, advising mid-valley producers on exporting to Mexico and China and developing point-of-sale systems.
In short, the opportunity to apply business concepts outside of the classroom provides students with valuable experiences and local businesses with an additional resource.
Contact Hamid Bahari-Kashani in the Division of Business & Economics at 503-838-8421
503-838-8000
www.wou.edu/las/business