SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Advancing Careers Through Strategic Leadership Program
( 800 ) 641-5678 | fairmontstate . edu 1201 Locust Avenue , Fairmont , WV
Fairmont State University has unveiled a new , completely online degree program that is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in business and other sectors .
The Bachelor of Science in Strategic Leadership ( BSSL ) is a new degree program housed in the College of Business and Aviation , home to other popular degree programs such as accounting , aviation , business administration , health care management , information systems management and business management . Like those programs , the new BSSL will help graduates advance their careers or even change careers .
The BSSL has been specially designed for students who possess some college credit or have graduated from a twoyear program . Studies show that , compared to those with a two-year degree , graduates with bachelor ’ s degrees enjoyed more job opportunities , higher wages and increased job stability and have better chances of career advancement or even changing careers . According to the U . S . Bureau of Labor Statistics , the wages of bachelor ’ s degree holders , nationally , are nearly 30 % higher than those with a two-year degree .
Timothy Oxley , dean of the College of Business and Aviation , says that advantage is even better for those in West Virginia .
“ West Virginians who are 25 years of age or older with a bachelor ’ s degree earn nearly 40 % more per year than someone with some college or an associate degree ,” he says .
The BSSL program has been designed for working adults , and Oxley believes the program is an ideal option for place-bound , working adult learners who want to pursue a leadership degree .
“ The convenience of online learning , combined with an accelerated approach , allows qualified students to earn a business degree quickly and affordably ,” Oxley says . “ Depending on how many college credits they already possess , some students may even be able to finish the BSSL in as little as one calendar year .”
In addition to being completely online , the BSSL is being offered at an accelerated pace . Courses are designed using an accelerated approach over a seven week half-term , with two courses being offered each half-term , allowing students to complete 12 hours each fall or spring term . The remaining six hours are offered over the full 12-week summer term . Full-time , a student may complete the entire 30-hour curriculum from August through July .
Students will take several core classes that prepare them for the challenges of leadership , including strategic communication , negotiation and conflict transformation skills for leaders , crosscultural leadership , global business strategies and leading strategic innovation and change initiatives , among others . BSSL students will finish their program with a strategic leadership capstone project that synthesizes their strategic leadership learning .
“ We know the benefits of earning a four-year degree ,” Oxley says . “ But we also realize that for many working adults , taking time off to earn that degree is impossible . We created the BSSL because we believe that every adult should have access to an affordable , fast-paced degree program that can help them take control of their careers and take the lead in their sectors .”
To learn more about Fairmont State University ’ s completely online , accelerated BSSL program , visit www . fairmontstate . edu / strategic-leadership .