It’s a chance to get a college degree while balancing the demands of a career without spending all one’s free time in the classroom.

It’s Ohio University’s Executive Series Business Management Degree Program.

Through this an applicant can earn an associate of applied business (A.A.B) degree. Classes begin Jan. 5 at the Ohio University Proctorville campus.

“There are so many people who work every day in management positions and doing a great job. But to advance their career, they need a college degree,” Stephanie Burcham, director of the Ohio University Proctorville, said. “This helps them with that. We have adults who want to continue (their education), but they don’t have time to come to classes two or three times a week. This program was created with that in mind.”

Classes meet from 5:30-9:20 p.m., on every Monday of the term. The rest of the course work is done through a blackboard computer program.

“They can do a lot of work from home, submitting their homework (on line),” Burcham said. “They already have the skills. Now they are getting the college education. This allows them to continue working and get the degree. Once they have the associate degree they can easily build on that to get a four-year degree.”

Students take three classes a semester and by meeting weekly have the opportunity for student-teacher interaction. It’s what Burcham calls “high tech-high touch.”

“You have that personal interaction. There is still a person you can talk to,” she said.

The program is being offered in a cohort-based model where the students move through the program as a unit. Classes will include financial accounting concepts, legal issues in business, management strategies and marketing analysis.

“This is designed for someone not right out of high school, but for someone in the workforce,” Burcham said.

To register for the program or more information, contact Kim Riley, director of business studies at 740-547-3781 or email at rileyk@ohio.edu.