[Bridgeview, IL] Northwestern College first opened its doors in 1902 with just two programs: Stenography and Bookkeeping. For well over a century, the College has offered a variety of career programs, with new ones added over the decades in order to meet the needs of Chicago’s rapidly growing business community. However, the highest degree level for any of the College’s programs to date has been an Associate of Science. Therefore, it is with great excitement that Northwestern College announces that it is now offering its first Bachelor of Science (“BS”) degree program, with classes to commence during its next quarter in January of 2018. Enrollment is underway for this new Business Administration BS degree, which offers two tracks for students to enter: 1)Logistics – Supply Chain Management, and 2)Human Resources Management.
According to Northwestern College President Lawrence Schumacher, the selection to put forth Business Administration as the first BS program was highly appropriate in that the College was
originally founded as a business school. “When our doors first opened, we were named Northwestern Business College,” President Schumacher stated. “But in order to incorporate more health-related programs, particularly the opening of the College’s Violet L Schumacher School of Nursing, we made the decision in 2008 to remove the word ‘Business’ from our name. Thus, the decision to launch Business Administration as the College’s first BS program is of sentimental significance.”
Northwestern College’s BS in Business Administration is a four-year program designed to prepare students for a number of careers in both local and global environments. The program will prepare students to work in nearly every industry, including small and large corporations, colleges and universities, health services, social services, government agencies, financial services, insurance companies, and marketing and public relations firms.
In addition to obtaining knowledge in general business principles, this BS degree will provide students two tracks to choose from in the completion of their degree. The Human Resources Management track will provide a depth of knowledge specific to human resources, including workplace health and safety; strategic staffing; organizational leadership; compensation and benefits; employment law; training and development; and HR information systems. The Logistics – Supply Chain Management track will prepare students for careers as logistics/supply chain managers within a broad selection of industries and enterprises in companies involving air cargo; parcel delivery; warehousing; distribution; transportation; manufacturing; and large-scale retailers.
Northwestern College’s expansion to offer BS degree programs has burgeoned a level of excitement throughout the Northwestern College community, with the greatest excitement experienced on its Bridgeview Campus where the BS programs will be taught. There is a lot of buzz and anticipation from faculty, staff and students as Northwestern College and its Bridgeview Campus prepare for the first entering class. Leading up to that January 8, 2018 first day of classes, staff and faculty from every corner of the institution are busily meeting to make final preparations for this milestone event.
Changes in degree levels offered by a higher education institution require far more than an institution’s decision to do so. Northwestern College’s journey to expand its degree level offerings to include Bachelors of Science (BS) programs began with its Board of Directors, followed by review and approval by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. The new degrees were then submitted to the College’s accrediting body (the Higher Learning Commission) to consider. With all approvals in hand, the College is now ready for the final leg of this journey – enrolling BS students!
Completion of a BS program will take two more years after fulfillment of an associates degree. In order to ensure greater flexibility for its students, many of which have existing families and jobs to balance while obtaining their degrees, the 300 and 400 level courses of this BS program will be offered online. This will allow students the ability to continue working and caring for their families while simultaneously moving forward with the final years of their educational journey.
In total, four BS programs were approved for Northwestern College to offer. The decision to launch these programs one at a time was made so as to provide ample time to prepare the College departments and faculty, as well as to iron out any hiccups to ensure an even smoother roll-out with each succeeding program. In addition to the two-track Business Administration program that is currently open for enrollment, plans are underway to launch the remaining three programs, including Accounting, Criminal Justice, and Health Information Management.
“The launch of our BS in Business Administration comes with great emotion,” commented President Lawrence Schumacher. “Northwestern College is a family-run institution, one that my family has been a part of since the 1930’s when my mother first enrolled here as a student. She went on to work here for two decades before she purchased the college in the 1950’s. My mother then spent 20 years as its President until I assumed the position in 1978.”
According to President Schumacher, the expansion to Certificates and Associate of Applied Science degrees was accomplished between the mid-1970’s through 1990’s. The goal of offering Bachelor of Science degrees had been on the table since then, for the College’s students and graduates have been requesting such expansion.
“Finally, Northwestern College’s first BS degree will be available to our students in January 2018!” President Schumacher proclaimed. “I have no doubt that my Mom up in Heaven is smiling down as she sees her life’s work progress forward with yet another academic achievement!”
About Northwestern College:
Northwestern College (NC) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 S. LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604, (312) 263-0456, www.hlcommission.org. The college offers focused career-oriented associate degree and certificate programs with flexible schedules and a supportive faculty. Day, evening, weekend, online classes and online programs are available. More information can be found at www.NC.edu or by calling toll-free (888) 205-2283.
Media Contact: Laura Pollastrini
847-233-7700, Ext. 2116
lmpollastrini@nc.edu