Tag Archives: education

Detroit Regional Chamber Receives $765K Grant to Expand Strategy to Fill Talent Gap From Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

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DETROIT, Oct. 17, 2019 – The Detroit Regional Chamber announced an expanded strategy to help fill the talent pipeline for employers and a grant of $765,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation to fund this work for the next 24 months. The Chamber’s effort is targeting the region’s population who have some college experience but haven’t earned a postsecondary degree or credential. The work removes barriers for these individuals to pursue their degree or credential and offers a pathway to a sustainable career.

With a portion of the funding, the Chamber is in the process of hiring two positions – one will focus on program and employers’ partnerships and the other will focus directly on adult college completion efforts.

The expanded strategy will contribute to increasing postsecondary degree attainment in Michigan to 60% by 2030, a goal established by the Chamber in 2016 and was adopted by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer earlier this year. There are nearly 700,000 people in the Detroit region that qualify as “adult learners” – the population aged 25 years or older with varying levels of prior college experience. In addition to growing the number of qualified workers for employers, the Chamber’s work will also help increase the per capita income for these individuals and contribute to cutting the region’s equity gap in half.

“Over the past year, the Chamber’s strategies to fill the talent gap have gained national attention. The grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation will build upon that work by targeting Detroiters who are unemployed or underemployed and connect them with a pathway to earn a sustainable living wage by aligning their skills with the needs of regional businesses,” said Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of the Chamber.

The Chamber is now poised to:

  1. Help employers establish an environment to upskill existing employees
  2. Work with regional community colleges to align programs with business needs and become more adult-friendly
  3. Reach adults from the past 15 years who “stopped out” before earning a degree and help them restart their education
  4. Help adult learners navigate their return to education by connecting them with support services to ensure their success

“With this funding, the Chamber seeks to activate employers and supports community colleges to assist adults in obtaining additional postsecondary training and new skills that prepare them for the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow in Southeast Michigan.  These goals are closely aligned with the Foundation’s priorities in the Young Adults and Working Families focus area, and we are proud to support the Chamber in leading this collaborative regional effort,” said Lavea Brachman, vice president of programs for Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation.

The Chamber is targeting adults and engaging businesses in the following counties – Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne. To execute the full strategy, the Chamber estimates this work will require an additional $1.5 million in funding.

The body of work funded by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation is the result of the Chamber’s Detroit Drives Degrees regional collective impact effort which engages stakeholders from business, government, and education who share the goal to increase regional degree attainment. The work concepts were developed by reviewing national best practices and with critical input from this group. The Detroit Drives Degrees partners will continue to engage in the execution of the work and contribute to its success.

To learn more visit michautodrc.wpengine.com/D3 or contact Melanie D’Evelyn at mdevelyn@detroitchamber.com.

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About Detroit Regional Chamber

Serving the business community for more than 100 years, the Detroit Regional Chamber is one of the oldest, largest and most respected chambers of commerce in the country. As the voice for business in the 11-county Southeast Michigan region, the Chamber’s mission is carried out through creating a business-friendly climate and value for members, leading a robust economic development strategy, and convening Michigan’s most influential audience at the nationally unique Mackinac Policy Conference.

About Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. The Foundation has a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.

Walsh Student Loan Default Rate Drops for Second Consecutive 3-Year Term

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TROY, Mich., Oct. 1, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Education released its three-year student loan default rate and Walsh’s rate has dropped more than a full percentage point to 2.3%, compared to 11.5% across Michigan and 10.1% nationally. Walsh’s student loan default rate has consistently fallen below both the Michigan and national averages for many years.

“Our students tend to be very fiscally conscious and only borrow what they need to cover tuition and fees,” said Catherine Berrahou, director of financial aid. “In some cases, that amount may be less than the original amount in their financial aid offer, but they don’t want to borrow more than they need to.”

Walsh is an upper-division institution offering internationally and nationally ranked business and technology programs. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctoral program and graduate-level business certificates are available. Walsh has partnered with community colleges for more than 50 years to offer students a cost-effective pathway to a bachelor’s degree. Students starting at community college and transferring to Walsh to finish their bachelor’s degree can save between $35,000-60,000 on tuition, compared to four-year public and private institutions.

For more information about Walsh, visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of Southeast Michigan’s largest graduate business schools, offering classes in several locations and online. Our nationally-ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, human resources, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Walsh Marks Over 50 Years of Community College Partnerships

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TROY, Mich., Sept. 11, 2019 — For over 50 years, Walsh’s partnerships with community colleges have provided students an affordable, accessible education. In 1968, Walsh began offering coursework for upper-division students who had completed two years at community college or a four-year institutions. Since that time, Walsh has built community college partnerships to include Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College, Mott Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, St. Clair Community College, Washtenaw Community College, Wayne County Community College District and many more across Michigan and beyond. At a time when the cost of a college degree is higher than ever, Walsh’s strong relationships with community colleges offer a number of benefits to transfer students.

Three Degrees in Five Years
Walsh offers several paths to a degree in business or technology to help students save time and money.

Walsh Now allows students to take classes toward their bachelor’s degree while they are still attending community college.

FastTrack is an accelerated program that lets students earn their associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years.

Walsh Online allows students to complete their degree entirely online, from anywhere in the world, with the same small class sizes and personal attention they would receive if they were attending on ground.

An Efficient Transfer Experience
Walsh accepts up to 91 transfer credits and has built a reputation for providing an easy transfer process.

“Walsh values our community college relationships tremendously,” said Marsha Kelliher, Walsh President and CEO. “Students receive a strong start at community college and seamlessly transfer to Walsh to finish their degree at an internationally ranked, private business school.”

Payton Beigler, who is pursuing a bachelor of science in information technology, planned to transfer to Walsh 18 months before she made the move, and worked with the same advisor throughout the entire process. “My Walsh advisor was so helpful,” said Beigler, “She helped me figure out the classes I would need for my degree path to make my transfer from community college smooth.”

Affordability
Community college students who transfer to Walsh to finish their bachelor’s degree have the advantage of saving between $35,000-60,000 on tuition, compared to four-year public and private institutions.

For students who do take out loans, Walsh’s 2015 3-year default rate is 3.4%. According to the U.S. Department of Education, the National 2015 3-year default rate is 10.8% and Michigan’s 2015 3-year default rate is 12.2%.*

Walsh also offers many scholarship opportunities including the Community College Excellence Award, available to Michigan community college students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.750 or higher. Select full-tuition scholarships are also available.

Flexibility
College students are busier than ever, often balancing work, family, and other priorities with school. They need a clear, accessible, and flexible pathway to their degree. In addition to online and evening classes, students can also register for classes a full year in advance, helping them schedule school around their hectic lives.

For more information about transferring to Walsh, visit www.walshcollege.edu/transfer-college-credit

*The 2015 3-year default rates are the current reported rates.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of Southeast Michigan’s largest graduate business schools, offering classes in several locations and online. Our nationally-ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, human resources, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

LIFT Opens Doors to Advanced Manufacturing Learning Lab in Corktown

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Detroit-based LIFT – Lightweight innovations For Tomorrow has opened the doors on its 6,500 SF immersive Learning Lab, located in the LIFT Manufacturing Innovation Institute in Corktown.

Eight unique labs are equipped to prepare incoming students for the most in-demand manufacturing careers, with K-12, community and technical college, and university programs.
CNC Operations and Welding Technician Training Centers, maker spaces for hands-on fabrication, as well as labs to learn Smart Factory basics and explore materials science and metrology are available to partnering organizations.

Detroit’s University Prep Science and Math High School (UPrep) will be utilizing the Fundamental Skills Development and Project Fabrication labs during the 2019-2020 school year. UPrep Schools will roll out the “IGNITE: Mastering Manufacturing” curriculum to students in the Learning Lab to produce the “multi-skilled technician” needed in today’s workplace.

Looking ahead, additional schools, organizations and businesses are invited to partner with LIFT to provide education in a real, working advanced manufacturing setting.

For more information, please visit https://lift.technology or contact LIFT Communications Director, Joe Steele at c: 734-233-4567, jsteele@almmii.org.

About LIFT – Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow
LIFT is a Detroit-based, public-private partnership committed to the development and deployment of advanced lightweight materials manufacturing technologies, and implementing education and training initiatives to better prepare the workforce today and in the future. LIFT is one of the founding institutes of Manufacturing USA and is funded in part by the Department of Defense with management through the Office of Naval Research.

Walsh to Unveil New Programs at Admissions Day July 24

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TROY, Mich., July 10, 2019 — Walsh will host Admissions Day for prospective students on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. at all locations including Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, Port Huron and Farmington Hills. Prospective students can have transcripts evaluated by a Walsh academic advisor, learn about Walsh’s bachelor’s and master’s programs in business and technology and receive an on-the-spot admission decision. Virtual advisor meetings are available and early morning appointments may be made in advance at the Troy location. Application fees will be waived and advanced registration is recommended.

Information sessions at the Troy location will include a student experience discussion panel, financial aid lab and an unveiling of new programs for the fall 2019 semester.

“Choosing a school is a major decision, and students who choose Walsh typically have very busy lives,” said Jason Sweet, Director of Admissions and Outreach. “Admissions Day provides all the information and resources a student needs to make an informed decision and feel confident in their future plans.”

To learn more and register for Walsh Admissions Day, please visit apply.walshcollege.edu/register/AdmDay72419.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering classes in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Digital Media Pioneer Lon Otremba Receives Honorary Doctorate from Walsh

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TROY, Mich., July 2, 2019— Lon Otremba, Chief Executive Officer of Bidtellect Corporation, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws and delivered the keynote address at Walsh’s 113th commencement ceremony on June 29 at Zion Christian Church in Troy, Michigan.

Otremba was the founding EVP of CNET Networks, the founding COO and President of Mail.com, EVP of AOL, CEO of Muzak Corp., CEO of Access 360 Media, and CEO of Tylted and holds two patents in mobile ad technology. He shared the five core principles he’s adopted in his 35-year career: work hard and love your work, work as a team, the measured variable is the one that improves, communicate honestly and fearlessly and collapse time.

“I am truly humbled as I stand here, knowing how very hard you’ve worked to get to this day. But don’t rest on your accomplishment now,” said Otremba. “If you work hard and live and work according to positive values and principles, things will likely turn out great for you.”

Student speaker Kabina Bhari, a Master of Science in Taxation graduate and academic award recipient, shared her Walsh story with the audience. Bhari was born in Nepal, also earned her bachelor’s degree at Walsh and works as a tax senior manager for a major accounting organization.

Walsh’s 113th Commencement class included graduates aged 21 to 58 from eight countries. Several graduates were U.S. veterans and four individuals were recognized for achieving a cumulative 4.0 grade point average. They join a network of nearly 29,000 alumni, 86 percent of whom live and work in Michigan.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering courses in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Walsh Golf Event Raises Over $72K in Scholarship Funds

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TROY, Mich., June 26, 2019 — Gray skies didn’t keep golfers away from the 28th Annual Walsh Scholarship Golf Classic on Monday, June 24 at Franklin Hills Country Club in Franklin, Mich., where more than $72,000 was raised to fund scholarships for Walsh students. Presenting event sponsors included Fifth Third Bank, Plastipak Packaging, Inc. and Dynamic Marketing.

More than 100 people attended, including David Girodat, regional president, Fifth Third Bank (Eastern Michigan), event committee chair and double Walsh alumnus. Scholarship recipient Chris Gagnon addressed the audience during lunch. Gagnon will complete his master’s program in the fall and already has a position waiting for him at a major certified public accounting and business advisory firm.

“Knowing there are complete strangers who care enough to support scholarships and see students like me succeed inspires me to someday afford others the same opportunity,” said Gagnon.

“Fifth Third Bank is committed to improving lives of people in the communities we serve, including college students like Chris,” said Girodat. “We are proud to sponsor the Walsh Scholarship Golf Classic.”

Alumnus Richard Pearson (’61) founded the Walsh Scholarship Golf Classic in 1991. To date, it has raised more than $1.5 million in scholarship funds.

For more information about Walsh, visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering classes in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Walsh Leads Second Annual Cyber Day Camp for Girl Scouts

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TROY, Mich., June 19, 2019—Walsh faculty and Microsoft staff will facilitate Cadette Cyber Day Camp for the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan for the second year on June 25-27 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its main location at 3838 Livernois in Troy. An additional session will be held July 15-17.

Cadette scouts, grades six through eight, will participate in hands-on activities and workshops led by faculty, including Raspberry Pi and Micro:bit coding with handheld computers, Python programming, a cyber-themed escape room exercise and how to practice safe online behavior. A photography app exploration workshop will be led by Microsoft staff.

“We look forward to welcoming the Girl Scouts for a second year of Cadette Cyber Day Camp,” said Dave Schippers, Sc.D., CISSP, Assistant Professor and Chair of Walsh’s IT/Decision Sciences Department. “We have added even more activities to give them firsthand experience with coding and programming, spark their curiosity and hopefully lead them to seriously consider careers in technology.”

Scouts completing the camp will earn their Netiquette badge and Walsh Cyber Patch as part of the Girl Scouts’ expanded STEM-(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) related programs.

For more information about Walsh’s IT/Decisions Sciences programs, please visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering classes in several locations and online. Our nationally-ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN
The mission of the Girl Scouts is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. There are currently 1.8 million Girl Scouts across the United States.

Walsh Faculty to Present at National Cyber Summit June 6

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TROY, Mich., June 6, 2019 – From the recent ransomware attack in Baltimore to countless national and international data breaches, cybersecurity and keeping our data and systems safe is a focus of Dave Schippers, Sc.D., CISSP, Walsh Chair and Assistant Professor of IT/Decisions Sciences, and it has been for his entire career.

“Agile Cybersecurity Education: Evolving Demands in the Cyber Landscape” is the focus of a presentation Schippers will give at the National Cyber Summit in Huntsville, Alabama on Thursday, June 6 as part of the summit’s Advanced Manufacturing track.

Hundreds of cybersecurity professionals from across the country will attend the event. The summit has a 10-year history of bringing together government, industry and cyber professionals from across the nation, and connecting senior cyber-tech leaders to those just starting in cyber-tech fields.

Schippers was invited to speak at the National Cyber Summit because of how Walsh is responding to industry demand through its information technology programs. “We’ve taken a different approach to cybersecurity than most higher education institutions,” Schippers says. “We combine academic theory, business acumen and hands-on skills development. Our graduates have the ability to apply what they have learned immediately in the workplace.”

Schippers explains that most cybersecurity graduates only have home-based technology as a point of reference when they enter the workplace. Walsh students have experience working with enterprise-level equipment in a custom-designed cyber training environment at Walsh’s Troy location.

“The information that needs to be kept secure is becoming increasingly complex. Most people think it’s just data,” Schippers adds. “It’s not just protecting server data, but also machines on the manufacturing line, medical devices, vehicles, the electrical grid – all things that work in the cyber physical space. We aren’t just protecting our data anymore. We’re protecting our way of life.”

Schippers developed Walsh’s Advanced Team-Based Attack/Defend Techniques class to increase student skills, situational awareness and response capability in hostile cyber environments. Walsh’s Technology Advisory Board members hailed the class as a unique opportunity for students in Michigan to advance cybersecurity skills and awareness.

He also created and designed Walsh’s Automotive Cybersecurity concentration, making Walsh the first institution in the nation with an automotive cybersecurity program.

Whether it’s a major U.S. city, a country, a national retailer or credit reporting agency, cybersecurity is not just about protecting data anymore. “Identity theft, phishing emails and data theft are rampant now,” he adds. “Searching for a security breach is similar to a digital manhunt, or CSI on a cyber level.”

Schippers earned his Doctor of Science in Cybersecurity from Capitol Technology University and his doctoral research focused on source device authentication, assessing engineering and forensic authentication techniques. He earned his MS in Information Systems Management and his undergraduate degree in Information Security and Intelligence with a concentration in digital forensics from Ferris State University. Additionally, he has earned multiple industry certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Encase Certified Examiner (EnCe). He also has a professional investigator license in Michigan.

For more information about the National Cyber Summit, visit www.nationalcybersummit.com/.

For more information about Walsh information technology degree programs, visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school. Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township and Port Huron, as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Industry Experts Convene for Tax Symposium at Walsh

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TROY, Mich., June 5, 2019 — Tax experts, industry leaders and Walsh graduate taxation students participated in the annual Walsh Spring Tax Symposium, hosted by Walsh with Grant Thornton, on Thursday, May 30, 2019, in Troy, MI. This invitation-only event provided the opportunity to discuss current trends, share insights on industry changes and network with other tax professionals. As part of their capstone experience, Walsh graduate taxation students presented alongside Grant Thornton professionals.

Presentation topics included federal income tax developments, current state and local tax issues, international taxation, tax developments and the impact on accounting for income taxes and tax reform legislation. Attendees could also earn continuing professional education (CPE) credits. This event is one of two tax symposiums hosted by Walsh annually.

“Grant Thornton is a natural partner for this symposium,” said Richard Davidson, associate professor and chair of Walsh’s taxation and business law department. “They have been very supportive of our students, providing mentoring and giving them the opportunity to present at this symposium.”

Walsh offers a Master of Science in Taxation and a Master of Science in Accounting with a taxation concentration. The Walsh library has one of the most comprehensive tax collections in the U.S. and is used by tax researchers throughout the state of Michigan.

For information about Walsh degree programs and certificates, visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering classes in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).