In the dynamic landscape of professional careers, higher education at Laurentian University plays a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities and propelling professionals toward greater success.
Laurentian University’s MBA program offers academic excellence and experiential learning. Professor Matthias Takouda, Director of the School of Business Administration says, “The MBA program has a diverse group of students represented, including professionals from healthcare, public administration, the mining industry, and public safety sectors.”
Leadership skills
At the core of Laurentian University’s MBA program is a commitment to the development of leadership skills, specifically a type of leadership that supports an effective, ethical program, societal organization, and good governance in a global environment. The program equips students with essential competencies including:
- Problem solving
- Communication
- Strategic thinking
MBA students must learn how to integrate the main concepts and principles of strategic management. They are also expected to take a hands-on, experiential, project management role. Takouda says, “These are foundational skills for career advancement, enabling individuals to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities with confidence. Many of our students have been working and advancing in their career. With additional responsibility in these upper echelon managerial roles they want to enhance their leadership skills and receive their managerial credentials.”
Skills development includes:
- Advanced knowledge of business
- Critical thinking
- Decision-making abilities
Takouda says, “There’s a lot of group work required. The online courses are designed as mini projects each week, in which each student must assume a leadership role. It’s hands-on and experiential. Students learn about strategy management and most importantly, they learn by doing. In addition, MBA students acquire financial management expertise and can specialize in global management for which there is growing demand in the workforce.
For healthcare professionals, the MBA program offers an opportunity to complement clinical expertise with managerial skills. In our current environment, the ability to understand healthcare economics and lead healthcare teams is indispensable. For a wide range of professions, the MBA program serves as a catalyst for career progression. Takouda says, “The program’s industry-relevant curriculum integrates real-world case studies and experiential learning opportunities and is tailored to meet the needs of diverse sectors of the economy. It also offers a wealth of networking and professional development opportunities to enrich students’ career trajectories.”
Flexibility is key
Laurentian University’s MBA program is flexible: It can be taken on-campus, online, or through a combination of both. It is offered to anyone who has earned a 4-year degree, regardless of professional background. Takouda says, “You do not need any prior knowledge or experience in business. The program is accessible to anybody and is built around a set of core courses.”
The online option is a game changer for those wishing to continue in their careers but planning a progression through the ranks. Many professionals choose to pursue their studies on a part-time basis. A full program is comprised of 10 courses or more, depending on the student’s selected pathway.
Micro-credential and non-credit courses
Non-credit and micro-credential courses at Laurentian University play a crucial role in advancing the careers of educators, giving them an opportunity build their resumes and enhance their teaching skills. Christina Sckopke, Manager of Micro-Credentials and Non-Credit Programming says, “These courses provide a flexible, accessible pathway for professional development, catering to the evolving needs of educators in today’s dynamic educational environment. By acquiring specialized skills and credentials, educators not only enhance their career prospects but also contribute to the overall improvement of teaching and learning outcomes.”
Teachers can take non-credit or micro-credential courses to gain additional qualifications to teach in certain divisions or subject areas. For example, a teacher may be qualified to teach grade 9, but not grade 9 math, so they would need to take the subject course. Some of the more popular courses include Special Education, Religion (a requirement of the Catholic School Board) and French as a Second Language which allows educators to teach in a French Immersion School Board. Sckropke says, “Laurentian University currently is the only institution in Ontario that offers teaching in a French immersion setting. All qualification courses are accredited by the Ontario College of Teachers.”
Additional qualification courses for teachers allow them to become counsellors or to take on an administrative role. Sckropke says, “Micro-credential programs are growing in popularity, not only with teachers but also with other professionals who want to reskill or upskill, such as police officers. We’re also looking for feedback from teachers to guide Laurentian on which additional courses to develop to support the Northern Ontario School Boards.”
Course flexibility
One of the key advantages of non-credit and micro-credential programs offered by Laurentian University is their flexibility. Unlike traditional degree programs, non-credit and micro-credential programs are shorter in duration, focused on specific skill sets or subject areas and can be completed online. Sckopke says, “This flexibility allows educators to engage in professional development without disrupting their teaching responsibilities.”
Laurentian offers 46 different non-credit and micro-credential courses in French. They offer 11 courses in English which will soon be expanded. Programs are offered four times a year, in the spring, summer, fall, and winter terms. But for teachers, the most popular semester is the summer. Sckopke says, “The wonderful thing for teachers is that these are all asynchronous online courses. There is no set class time, it’s study at your own pace while meeting the assignment due dates. This offers a lot of flexibility for teachers while they’re on summer vacation.” The summer semester is 6 weeks, while the other semesters are 11 weeks in duration. Every course requires 125 hours of study to meet the accreditation that is an Ontario College of Teachers standard.
Laurentian University’s Non-Credit, Micro-Credential, and MBA programs are a transformative platform for advancing the professional careers of a wide range of professionals. Through its leadership development, curriculum, and networking opportunities, the program equips students with the tools to thrive in today’s complex and dynamic work environments.
By fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Laurentian University empowers its students to become ethical leaders, and catalysts for positive social impact in their respective fields. Laurentian graduates emerge prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow and shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Registration is now open for the Spring semester, with classes starting May 6th. Start planning your career trajectory online here.