Online MBA Offered To Insurance Pros

NU Online News Service, Jan. 11, 10:11 a.m.EST?Walden University in Minneapolis announced it ispartnering with the American Institute for Chartered PropertyCasualty Underwriters and the Insurance Institute of America tooffer insurance professionals a masters degree in businessadministration via an online learning program.

The university, which offers online graduate education andprofessional development certificate programs, said it has signedan agreement with both AICPCU and IIA.

Under the agreement, Walden will apply AICPCU/IIA credits towarddegree requirements in Walden's online master of businessadministration program with a focus on institutional finance andinsurance.

The program will allow the AICPCU's 150,000 members to advancetheir careers by earning an MBA in less than two years. In additionto saving time, the online course will generate technologicallysavvy individuals and can educate employees at any location, thegroups said.

"Walden's MBA is particularly beneficial for professionals inthe insurance industry because it's tailored to meet the student'sspecific business needs," said Christine Lewis, senior vicepresident and corporate secretary for the American Institute forCPCU/IIA. "The students learn by using a case study curriculum,which allows for the exploration of current issues that challengeprofessionals in the workplace."

Walden University President Kent Morrison said, "The AICPCU is aproven and outstanding organization. We are delighted to have anagreement with them, and believe that our accelerated MBA program,in conjunction with the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter[curriculum], will result in an educational opportunity andcredential that insurance professionals find invaluable."

Mr. Morrison said the specialized degree offering "comes at atime when the industry is experiencing significant changes, andemployees with additional education will be looked upon as moreaptly suited for the job."

Eligible MBA candidates must have a business undergraduatedegree, appropriate business experience and their CPCU designationas well as a professional credential in property-liabilityinsurance.

The university said that the AICPCU/IIA relationship is thelatest in a series of recent alliances that further Walden'sstrategic goal of serving the learning needs of industry with ahigh-quality degree program that is highly accessible andcost-effective.

Walden said information about enrollment is available by callinga toll free line at (866) 4WALDEN or (941) 498-4700 from outsidethe U.S., as well as (800) 925-3368, ext. 1232 for information onprograms for groups of CPCU designees.