Northwood University Investing in Challenged Auto Industry Through Expanded Degree, Scholarship Opportunities

MIDLAND, Mich., July 29 -- Northwood University is bullish on the global automotive industry -- so much so that it has invested in a variety of new educational programs and an expanded range of scholarship opportunities for current and future industry professionals.

The University, with campuses in Midland, Mich., West Palm Beach, Fla., and Cedar Hill, Texas, has expanded access to its renowned Automotive Studies undergraduate programs through a variety of new scholarship opportunities. In addition, the University's DeVos Graduate School of Management has introduced the first Executive MBA programs tailored to the needs of vehicle dealership and aftermarket professionals.

Scholarship opportunities remain for full-time students and professionals who want to pursue an industry-specific degree beginning this fall.

"From a career perspective there's a huge upside to the global motor vehicle industry," said Dr. Timothy Nash, Northwood University vice president for strategic and corporate alliances. "Yes, the business is in transition, but with these changes comes the need for degreed professionals who have an entirely new set of strategic skills. Northwood stands alone in preparing these future industry leaders."

Northwood's automotive undergraduate programs offer dual-major Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Automotive Marketing/Management, focusing on all aspects of dealership and vehicle manufacturer operations; and Aftermarket Management/Management, preparing students to work in the automotive and commercial-vehicle parts and service sectors.

The University's new Dealership and Aftermarket Executive MBA programs are designed to help participants develop the strategic management skills needed to succeed in a changing market. These 30-month programs allow participants to earn their degrees through convenient, directed online instruction combined with five intensive one-week classroom sessions at the Midland, Mich., campus. To help ensure maximum return on their investment, each participant must complete a "Capstone" project demonstrating a minimum business EBIT benefit of $75,000.

"The Capstone project is an excellent example of how Northwood differs from other educational institutions," Nash said. "Pursuing your MBA isn't about enhancing your resume; it's a matter of maximizing your professional and, ultimately, organizational success. Our graduates emerge with the skills needed to make a positive difference from day one."

For additional information on the University's automotive programs and degree/scholarship opportunities, call (989) 837-4423 and/or visit www.northwood.edu.