Date: April 28, 2009
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Offers Graduate Certificate in Economic Development

WESTVILLE – The Purdue University North Central College of Business has received approval from the Purdue University Graduate School to offer a Graduate Certificate in Economic Development. Students will have the opportunity to enroll in the program in fall semester of 2009.

This certificate is appropriate for business and economic development professionals, elected and appointed officials, chambers of commerce employees and members, real estate professionals and others who are interested in strengthening their knowledge and expertise in the process and practice of economic development.

Students enrolling in this program will be required to have earned a bachelor's degree. To earn this certificate, students will successfully complete three graduate-level courses, “The Competitive Advantage of a Region,” “The Process of Economic Development” and “Economic and Social Analysis.” Classes will meet on Saturdays as part of the MBA program taught at PNC – Porter County in Valparaiso . These courses may also be applied as electives in the PNC Masters of Business Administration (MBA) program.

“Today we have an unpredicted need for individuals with a background in economic development in Northwest Indiana and throughout the state and nation,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “In recent years, Purdue North Central has willingly committed its academic resources to aiding and supporting this area's economic development initiatives. This program affirms our willingness to take the lead to create and deliver dynamic academic programs that benefit the region.”

Research conducted by Purdue North Central indicates that no graduate-level economic development program, certificate or degree exists in Indiana . A past meeting of the Northwest Indiana Forum's education committee identified a definite need for a graduate-level program such as this.

Further information on the PNC Graduate Certificate in Economic Development can be obtained by contacting the PNC College of Business at 785-5200, ext. 5263.

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