Walden University Launches MBA Specializations in Accounting for Managers, Health Care Management

Minneapolis—May 30, 2006—Walden University, an accredited online institution, continues its tradition of developing advanced degree programs for working professionals by adding two specializations in its Master of Business Administration program: Accounting for Managers and Health Care Management.

Because today’s business environment requires that managers have a firm understanding of accounting and regulatory issues, the Accounting for Managers MBA degree specialization is designed for students in a managerial or supervisory role seeking greater knowledge about accounting, budgeting and regulatory controls. Courses have an emphasis on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, auditing and the regulatory environment, as well as financial reporting and analysis and value-based budgeting.

The Health Care Management MBA specialization is designed for students who seek to enhance the management skills needed to succeed in today’s health care organizations. Courses have an emphasis on vital health care topics such as the patient as a consumer; medical systems; the importance of payment via Medicare, Medicaid or private sources; and overall health care quality. The specialization is geared toward the individual who currently works in a health care setting or would like to pursue a career in this field.

“Walden’s MBA program features practical case studies, business simulations and “virtual executive” roles that give students the opportunity to apply business strategies in their workplaces and industries,” said John Vinton, PhD, dean of the university’s School of Management. “The program emphasizes leading-edge management and business practices, with the option to choose a specialization in areas relevant to today’s competitive business environment.”

“Health care accounts for more than 15 percent of our GDP and continues to grow each year. Because of this, the marketplace, politics and affordability issues are exerting more and more pressure on the health care system. As a result, there is strong demand for highly trained, professional managers with a far deeper understanding of the key issues impacting today’s health care organizations,” said Dr. Vinton.

“Significant new legislation, including the passing of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, has increased demand for corporate reporting accuracy and thoroughness,” said Douglas Letsch, lead faculty for Accounting and Finance at Walden and former CFO of several high-technology companies. “Today’s business environment demands an understanding of accounting concepts and principles, not just for senior executives, but for managers up and down the management chain.”

About Walden University
Since 1970, Walden University has offered working professionals the opportunity to earn advanced degrees through distance learning. Today, this comprehensive, accredited online university offers master’s and doctoral degrees in education, psychology, management, public policy and administration, and health and human services, as well as master’s programs in engineering and IT and bachelor’s completion programs in business. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.hlcommission.org; 312-263-0456.