US Open University's Certificate in Management Program Provides Entry to an MBA Without a Bachelor's

Business Wire, Jan 10, 2001

Business Editors

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 10, 2001

Today, US Open University launched the country's first management development program that provides entry to an internationally accredited MBA without having a bachelor's degree.

The part-time, online Certificate in Management program offers courses in managing, managing people, finance and information, customers and quality.

"Students don't have to go back and get an undergraduate degree that doesn't directly prepare them for management," said Chancellor Richard Jarvis. "In this tried and tested program, students study key management issues, which prepare them for entry to the MBA."

US Open University is the sister school of The Open University, chartered over 30 years ago in the United Kingdom. The Open University has awarded over 28,000 Certificates in Management since the program's inception in 1991. Recognized as the world's leader in part-time education for working adults, The Open University currently serves over 260,000 students in 41 countries.

To earn entry to the MBA, students must successfully complete the Certificate in Management and the Advanced Certificate in Management. In the first year, students can earn a Certificate in Management for successfully completing 16 credit hours of management courses in the program. Courses are four credit hours each and cost $840 each, which includes tuition, all course materials and fees. In the second year, students can earn an Advanced Certificate in Management for successfully completing an additional 16 credit hours of management courses in the program.

Courses may be studied individually or in pairs. Students may also choose to study only one course to meet a specific training or development need and continue the program at a later date.

Certificate in Management courses start February 12, 2001, and will be offered each semester. Students can apply for admission and register for the Certificate in Management online at www.open.edu. Advanced Certificate in Management courses will be introduced in February 2002.

United States Open University is a nonprofit university specializing in high-quality, part-time, distance education for working adults. US Open University uses The Open University's distinctive Supported Open Learning method, specifically designed for learning at home and at work.

Each course combines a variety of learning materials, which may include audio and video tapes, CDs, software, textbooks and study guides. Each student is assigned an Associate Faculty member who provides expertise, feedback and personal one-on-one support. Students download their study calendar, assignments and other learning resources from specialized course websites and can interact with their classmates and instructor via web conferencing.