Fayette

College degree designed for adults gaining interest at Fayette campus

A revitalized bachelor of science degree program designed for adults is launching this fall with a dozen new students at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. The Organizational Leadership degree program offers working, adult students an opportunity to build on technical skills they may already have and add the leadership component that can help them advance their careers.

“Penn State has offered the OLEAD program for quite a while, but it did not seem to appeal to adults in our area. So, after some investigation, we determined that a program with more flexible course offerings would be a better fit for the Fayette campus," said Peter Eberle, OLEAD program coordinator and business instructor. "As of this fall, we are offering classes in an eight-week compressed format and online. Evening, weekend and traditional daytime classes also are available. This new variety of options has led to a surge in interest in the program and a dozen adult students have enrolled in the program over the summer.”

Adults who enroll in the OLEAD degree program can choose relevant coursework in leadership, information technology, labor relations and ethics that can be applied immediately on the job. The program’s flexible scheduling allows adults to balance work, family commitments and college. And support services also are in place to help adults returning to college. Assistance is available related to transferring college credits obtained at other educational institutions; taking College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams to receive college credit for knowledge acquired through work, life experience or other learning opportunities; and financial aid for those who qualify.

A special open house event is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, at Penn State Fayette’ Williams Building for anyone interested in learning more about the OLEAD degree program.

“In today’s competitive job market, it is important to have an edge. Making a decision to acquire leadership skills that can help navigate a career upwards in management might be the right choice for a number of adults aspiring to get ahead,” said Eberle. “As the word is spreading about the program, phone calls are coming in for more information. That’s why we’re hosting a special open house event, so adults interested in learning more can stop by and get the answers to any questions they may have about the program and learn how they can accomplish their education goals.”

For more information about the OLEAD degree program at Penn State Fayette or the open house, call 724-430-4255 or send an e-mail to OLEAD-Fayette-Program-Contact@psu.edu.

Last Updated September 13, 2010

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