Successful outcomes, accreditation and experiential learning noted in recognition
Alvernia University’s business program earned a national endorsement from Colleges of Distinction (COD), an online platform that aids college-bound students in the college decision process and honors colleges and universities for their excellence.
“Advanced technology, alternative business models and the rise in entrepreneurship are redefining the way we do business and creating new and innovative platforms for global commerce,” said Provost and Senior Vice President, Dr. Glynis Fitzgerald. “Alvernia University’s business programs put students at the forefront and prepare them to excel in the workforce of the future.”
Combining classroom and experiential learning, business education at Alvernia provides the foundations for careers in accounting, finance, marketing, human resources and specialized areas of management. Students learn from accomplished practitioners with decades of experience in their respective fields and regularly research and publish on the latest business trends. Every program emphasizes ethical business practices in the spirit of the University’s Franciscan tradition.
“Our core Franciscan values, along with our community, teaching excellence, experiential learning and academic quality comprise the hallmarks of our unique learner experience,” said the Dean of the College of Business, Communication, and Leadership, Dr. Travis Berger. “Developing ethical high performers who are prepared to make an immediate positive impact is what we are known for and is the main reason why organizations love to hire our graduates.”
There are various additions to the business department at the John R. Post Center at Reading CollegeTowne in Downtown Reading, including the installment of the stock market ticker and the Bloomberg Terminal, which provides real-time and historical data, market-moving news and analytics. It enables students to become familiar with tools used in financial services, reinforcing classroom theory, while professors can use it to further their research. In addition, The O’Pake Institute’s Spark business incubator provides students with real-world, experiential learning opportunities with local entrepreneurs in all stages of the business cycle.
“We complete a thorough review of the programs in question before giving the awards,” said Tyson Schritter, Chief Operating Officer for Colleges of Distinction. “We are looking for such qualities as accreditation, breadth of program, advising and mentoring, integration of career services and successful outcomes for students. It’s wonderful to see how Alvernia University really exemplifies these qualities within the field.”
Alvernia provides a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business, with various concentrations available. The university also offers a minor in business, an Associate Degree of Science in Business, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and an MBA Health Care Emphasis Program. The programs are also accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Earlier this month, Alvernia University was recognized by the COD for being named a 2022-23 national, Catholic and Pennsylvania College of Distinction.