The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Lake Erie College’s Parker MBA program now more accessible
Lake Erie College continues to try and make higher education more customizable, accessible and attainable for students.
In the fall, students seeking a master of business administration degree from the Parker MBA program will be able to complete their coursework entirely online.
The online MBA track will follow a predetermined curriculum based on two courses per semester in fall, spring, and summer over a two-year completion period, a college news release states.
Parker MBA Director Doug Bird said the flexible track will have the same admission standards, faculty and curriculum.
“The courses are taught by the same distinguished, hand-picked faculty who boast a wealth of experience and credentials and provide meaningful experiences in each course,” said Bird, who is also an instructor. “The virtual world Lake Erie College provides enables you to earn the same prestigious Parker MBA, your way – online.”
Students enrolled in the online program may also combine their courses with the college’s face-to-face offerings. The college offers face-to-face courses on the east side at the Holden University Center of Lakeland Community College in Kirtland and on the west side at
the University Center of Lorain County Community College in Elyria.
Lorain County Community College President Marcia Ballinger and Lake Erie College President Brian Posler formally announced the new University Partnership agreement in March. As part of that agreement, the Parker Master of Business Administration program is also offered at LCCC.
The Parker MBA program at Lake Erie College was initiated in 1981, and since then, more than 1,300 students have completed it. The program was renamed in 2010 in memory of the late Patrick S. Parker, chairman emeritus of Parker Hannifin Corporation and global industrial leader.
The Parker MBA is accredited
by the International Assembly for College Business Education. Lake Erie College’s online MBA track is only available to residents of Ohio. Individuals enrolled in the program’s daytime cohort are not eligible to take online courses.
“The online MBA is yet another example of our commitment to flexibility and program innovation,” said LEC Chief Academic Officer Bryan DePoy.
DePoy, who is also the vice president for academic affairs, said offering the fully online degree option is a logical step in the evolution of this storied program.
Students enrolled in the online track will have the option of pursuing a concentration in one of three areas: health care administration,
health informatics or information technology management.
They will also benefit from LEC’s Lifelong Learning Guarantee, which allows Parker MBA graduates to take additional MBA courses at the college for the rest of their lives, free of charge.
Students interested in pursuing the online MBA are advised to apply soon as seats are limited. The first semester of the online MBA track will begin on Aug. 21.
For complete admission requirements and program details, visit www.lec.edu/ parkermba. Additional inquiries may be directed to Bird at dbird@lec.edu or Bridget Conway, associate in the Parker MBA Program, at bconway@lec.edu.