Here are answers to questions about the Bluffton Cohort-based Organizational Management (BCOMP) program that are most frequently asked. Click on the question to go directly to the answer.
How do I qualify?
To be admitted to the program, you must have a minimum of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of transferable college credit. To qualify you must also have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and be regularly employed or actively involved in an organization. Due to the interactive classroom environment, the student must have prior work experience and be 23 years of age or older.
How do I learn more about BCOMP?
Information meetings are conducted on a regular basis. A program representative gives detailed information. At this meeting, you will also have an opportunity to find out more about transfer credit. Transfer credit evaluations are done at no fee to the prospective student.
What is the curriculum for the organizational management program?
The curriculum is a current, integrative, comprehensive approach to management using courses especially designed to take advantage of the contributions that adult students bring to the classroom. The major curriculum is complemented by required courses in the liberal arts.
How can I apply for work experience credits?
Bluffton University recognizes that not all learning takes place in the classroom. There are two types of prior learning that may be awarded college credit through the Portfolio Development course: learning through work, home, community and other environments and through your professional and technical training. Credits awarded for prior learning may be related to your major, general education or elective requirements. The Portfolio Development course is now a directed study online and is offered each semester. During the class, you will prepare documents such as resume, summary of college course work, chronology, autobiography, technical/professional training and life-learning essays. Through the portfolio assessment and course, you may earn up to 20 semester credits.
What is the independent research project and how will it benefit me and my employer?
The purpose of the project is to convey the value of the research process in business and management. It will also improve skills in recognizing, stating and solving problems creatively, objectively and systematically. Throughout the program, you will learn skills in evaluating proposals for change, research and results, and become a competent empirical researcher. The project experience will also enhance oral and written presentation techniques. You will combine research with practical implementation of theories and concepts to develop an individual project. In the project, you will empirically examine a problem within an organization. Library research methods and resources are introduced to assist you in the development of this project. The total project is then presented in a written and oral form. The project is intended to help the student solve a real workplace problem, as well as foster change in the organization for which it is designed.
Where are your students employed? Will I fit into this program?
Sixty-six groups, or cohorts, have completed or are currently in the process of completing their bachelor's degree. Our students represent a cross section of both the private and public sector. They are employed in the banking industry, health care professions, engineering, manufacturing, social services and law enforcement.
How will a degree in organizational management benefit me? What can I do with this degree?
The degree in organizational management prepares students to be better managers or to advance to a management position. It qualifies students to be a general manager in a variety of settings such as manufacturing (plant manager, line supervisor, etc.), banking, public service organizations and health care, to name a few.
What is a cohort?
A cohort is a group of people with some factor in common such a membership in a class or age group. In BCOMP a class of up to 20 students go through the course sequence as a group over a period of four semesters. The advantage of this is that over the course of the program students build a strong supportive network in their group. Students often cite this as one of the very positive factors in their success in the program. Classes for this program are scheduled to begin in August at Edison, Owens Findlay, and Northwest State, and in January at Bluffton and Edison. A group of up to 20 students remain together throughout the program. Classes meet one evening per week from 6 to 10 p.m.
When do classes start and what are the class hours?
Classes for this program are scheduled to begin in August and January. A class of students (up to 20) remain together throughout the entire program. Classes meet one evening per week from 6-10 p.m.
Where do you offer this program?
We offer this program on our campus in Bluffton, Owens Community College in Findlay, Ohio, Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio, and Northwest State Community College, in Archbold, Ohio.
Is Bluffton University accredited? Are your off-site locations accredited?
Bluffton is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association. This accreditation covers Bluffton courses at Owens Community College in Findlay, Ohio, Edison Community College in Piqua, Ohio, and Northwest State Community College, in Archbold, Ohio.
Will I qualify for graduate school upon completion of this program?
Many graduates who have completed the BCOMP program have been accepted into master's programs. Because we are fully accredited, students should not have any difficulty in being accepted into a master's degree program. Bluffton also offers an accelerated graduate program in which students earn a Master of Business Administration or Master of Arts in Organizational Management.
Will I qualify for financial aid and what options fo I have for paying for the program?
Students in BCOMP are considered full time and may be eligible for state and federal grants or loans. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to determine eligibility. Most students qualify for the Federal Stafford Loan Program.In addition to grants or loans, we offer a deferred payment plan to qualified students who are eligible for reimbursement by their employer. Check with your employer to see if they offer educational assistance. Another option is to arrange a personal payment plan, either by the semester or monthly.
How do I get started?
We encourage you to schedule an information meeting by contacting our office. There is no cost fee for this meeting. The program representative will explain how transfer credit applies toward this program, what to expect in the curriculum and how to apply.
For additional information, contact:
Office of Adult and Graduate Education
Bluffton University
1 University Drive
Bluffton, OH 45817
E-mail: adulted@bluffton.edu
Phone: 800-488-3257, option 4
FAX: 419-358-3399
