Peirce College Announces First-Ever Master’s Degree Program

Organizational Leadership & Management degree available beginning fall 2013

Peirce now offers a range of college degrees, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs, all targeted toward the working adult learner

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Peirce College announced the launch of graduate level education—a significant milestone in its nearly 150-year history as one of Philadelphia’s most respected institutions of higher learning. The inaugural master’s degree will be a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management (MSOLM), beginning fall 2013.

“While Peirce has offered bachelor’s degrees since 1997, there is still a perception that we are a junior college. This announcement of our first-ever master’s degree program continues the evolution of Peirce College and ends this long-standing misperception of who we really are.”

The introduction of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management program furthers Peirce College’s foundational mission to continually meet the needs of today’s working adult students, and to support their career advancement. The program features a practical- and career-focused curriculum that delivers valuable workplace skills for aspiring leaders in a variety of professional fields, with the flexibility of online and on-campus learning platforms. Within a supportive environment where working adult students can succeed, tuition rates are structured with the goal of keeping education affordable.

James J. Mergiotti, president and CEO of Peirce College, stated, “While Peirce has offered bachelor’s degrees since 1997, there is still a perception that we are a junior college. This announcement of our first-ever master’s degree program continues the evolution of Peirce College and ends this long-standing misperception of who we really are.”

The MSOLM degree program provides essential skills for developing organizations and increasing organizational effectiveness, focusing on organizational behavior, development, structure, leadership, and management. Graduates will be prepared for successful, rewarding careers in organizational change, consultation, leadership, and management.

“We opened our doors as a business school in 1865, began offering bachelor’s degrees 15 years ago, and today offer a complete curriculum of associate and bachelor’s degree programs that span a range of disciplines. We are very excited to introduce this new graduate program, which will further meet the career advancement goals of Peirce College students and alumni,” said Mergiotti.

Patricia A. Rucker, Senior Vice President and Provost noted: “Today more than ever, it’s essential for students to differentiate themselves in a crowded job market. Graduate degrees enable them to open doors and move more quickly into management or leadership roles. This program meets a critical need for career-oriented Philadelphia area residents looking to build a complete resume that grabs attention. This program provides an accessible and affordable means to enhance credentials and secure knowledge that promotes professional success. This program is in response to demand from our undergraduate and alumni base, as well as area employers. It will help our working adult students go further in the workplace; add greater value to their organizations; and become strong managers or leaders in any business, industry, or community environment.”

Graduates of the program will be able to utilize decision-making and business development skills in their careers. The program includes 12 different courses, totaling 36 credits. Prospective students must have a bachelor’s degree with a GPA of 2.75 or above, and will need to submit an application, essay, and letters of recommendation, as well as participate in an interview to be considered for enrollment in the program. Interested students should contact the Peirce Graduate Studies Admissions Office at [e-mail] or 215.670.9325.

About Peirce College

Peirce College offers bachelor’s and associate degree programs in the areas of Business, Healthcare, Information Technology, and Legal Studies, and in fall 2013, will offer a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership & Management. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, Peirce is a non-profit institution that specializes in serving the unique needs of working adults, many of whom work full time and are raising families. In response to the changing demands of the economy and the prospect for future jobs in the Philadelphia market, Peirce recently introduced additional degree programs in Health Information Administration, Human Resource Management, Accounting, and Criminal Justice. Peirce College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104 (phone: [phone]). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs accredits the College's Business Administration and Accounting programs and the Paralegal Studies program is approved by the American Bar Association.

For more information about Peirce College, call 888.467.3472, or visit www.peirce.edu.

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