Adults in today’s workplace need every advantage they can get. Higher education is one of the greatest advantages. Northwood University helps students earn a bachelor’s degree offering options that meet their needs.
Northwood University in Troy offers non-traditional adult education in business through an accelerated format of night, weekend, independent study, and online classes. Dedicated advisers assist students throughout the entire program.
‘We prepare the adult learner for today’s workplace using faculty who are experts in their fields,? said Karyn Miller, Troy Program Center Manager.
‘Our advisers are dedicated to personalized service, helping the students realize their educational goals. Given the economy in southeast Michigan, it’s more evident than ever that mature, working adults need higher education to compete in the workplace,? said Miller.
Miller and Assistant Manager Melissa Kraemer, along with Troy Program Assistant, Shannon Stribling, assist students through degree completion.
‘We try to eliminate all the barriers an adult learner faces going back to school,? Miller said.
‘Students choose how quickly they will complete their degree by the number of courses they take each term. If you need your degree in a year and a half to two years, we’ll work with you so you can earn your degree within that time frame.?
Miller, a Clarkston resident, is a Northwood graduate. She advises students, schedules classes, and works with instructors. Stribling, of Fraser, provides administrative support to Miller and Kraemer, of Livonia, to ensure all students and prospects have the information they need.
Northwood is an ideal setting for established business employees looking to higher education to help further their career or for adults wanting to change careers.
‘The students are amongst their peers,? Miller said. ‘They have real work experience. It’s not just read the book and take a test. They learn from each other.?
Candidates for admission include individuals with a minimum of five years solid work experience. Northwood accepts transfer credits from all accredited colleges and universities, and offers work life credit for learning outside of the classroom.
‘Not all learning takes place at a desk with a professor at the front of the room,? Miller said.
Northwood University was established in 1959. It opened its Troy office in 1991 and has been at its current location since 2000. Most classes are six weeks long, one night a week, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Other options are also available such as online and independent study courses.
Northwood offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with majors in management and healthcare management.
Ideal candidates for the new healthcare major include those who are interested in a career in healthcare, middle or entry-level managers of a healthcare unit, facility, or operation, and staff at medical clinics, nursing homes or doctor’s offices.
Registration is going on now for Spring classes that start April 2nd. Summer term starts July 16th. In addition to the bachelor degree, Northwood University is currently accepting students for its new part-time master’s program. Graduates of the 27-month, evening program, which will meet once a week in four-hour sessions, earn a Masters of Business Administration degree.
The next session begins in September. Up to 25 students will be accepted.
‘We use the case-study method,? said Kathryn Marchak, associate director of graduate admissions for DeVos Graduate School of Management.
‘Instructors don’t lecture. They facilitate discussion. It’s a dynamic, nontraditional style of learning.?
Modules include Leadership; Thinking, Reasoning & Analysis; External Environment; Measurement; Satisfying Customers; Satisfying Shareholders; and Integration of leadership concepts and skills.
‘Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is a valuable learning tool developed throughout the course of the program to help students become more effective leaders.? Marchak said. ‘EQ involves relationship management along with self and social awareness aiding in personal and professional development.
Northwood University, a private, non-profit college, is located at 1900 W. Big Beaver, Ste. 200, in Troy. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Accreditation Association.
For more bachelor degree information, go to www.northwood.edu/adults or
call 248-649-5111, or for the DeVos Graduate School 248-649-8641.