Even though Wilkes University’s campus is in downtown Wilkes-Barre, it offers a variety of classes at more than 40 places throughout the state. Its latest expansion means students who live in the Poconos and want to earn certain degrees in business will be able to take courses much closer to home.
This fall Wilkes will open its new center in Bartonsville and offer classes toward sped-up bachelor’s degrees in business administration, along with master’s degrees in business administration and engineering management. “We think our programs are timely,” says Michael Speziale, dean of Wilkes’ College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
He says research on the region’s educational needs showed a demand for business degrees, so more than a year ago it began holding classes for a group of students who wanted to earn their bachelor’s degrees in business administration more quickly than a traditional college calendar allows. Interest in that program led to the two business degrees being offered in Bartonsville. The town is also close to the Tobyhanna Army Depot, which has employees who are interested in engineering management degrees.
The classes will take place at night and on the weekends. Wilkes is looking to enroll a total of about 40 students this fall. Speziale says more degrees might be offered in Bartonsville later, depending on what research shows is in demand locally.
Source: Michael Speziale, Wilkes University
Writer: Rebecca VanderMeulen
