Pittsburgh, PA — Six months after receiving the 388-acre Eden Hall Farm Campus as a gift from Eden Hall Foundation, Chatham University will launch its first academic programs designed exclusively for residents of northern Allegheny County and Butler County, according to an announcement by its College for Continuing and Professional Studies (CCPS). The University will begin by offering two master's degree programs, two certificate programs and a degree completion program for adult women. More information is available at www.chatham.edu/edenhall, by phone at 412-365-1147 or by email at ccps@chatham.edu.

The first programs will include small class sizes and convenient class times on weekday evenings and on Saturdays. Terms begin January 12, February 28 and March 3. CCPS will host open houses and information sessions at the Eden Hall Farm Campus Lodge, 6035 Ridge Road in Richland Township:

• Thursday, January 15, 2009, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, January 17, 2009, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

The programs and tuition include:

• Master in Business Administration (MBA) Program: $686 per credit
• Master in Liberal Studies (MALS) Program: $686 per credit
• Enterprise Program for Women (Bachelor of Arts): $642 per credit (with a tuition reduction available)
• Women in Business and Leadership Certificate: $550 per non-credit course; $1,200 per for-credit course
• Environmental Studies Certificate: $550 per non-credit course; $1,200 per for-credit course

"We are very excited to launch five distinctive programs that not only draw from Chatham's academic strengths but are also tailored specifically to the fast-growing neighborhoods surrounding Eden Hall Farm Campus," explained Janet Littrell, Ed.D., dean of CCPS. "We are also planning the first extension of our popular Summer Music and Arts Day Camp, which has served generations of families at our Shadyside Campus, for families throughout the area."

The academic programs are:

Enterprise Program for Women
Modeled after Chatham's popular Gateway Program, the Enterprise Program for Women provides an academic environment for women age 24 and older to complete their bachelor's degree while attending college on the weekends. Classes are held Friday evenings and during the day on Saturday. Students can choose to complete the program at their convenience: meeting every week, or every other week during ten-week terms. Students receive a 50 percent tuition reduction for every second course enrollment. Cora Helen Coolidge Scholarships are also available.

The program is designed so that students with no college experience and enrolling in two classes a semester can complete the program in four years. A maximum of 75 credits may be transferred in to the Enterprise program from prior coursework and learning. Students in the program will benefit from orientation, advising, career counseling, and academic support specifically tailored to meet the needs of Enterprise students. Students may major in Psychology, Business, or Communication.

Master in Business Administration (MBA)
Chatham's MBA is distinctive in its focus on the differences between women and men as leaders as well as the value of diversity in business organizations. In small classes, students apply management concepts to diagnose and solve practical problems in a supportive and collaborative environment. The challenging and technologically-relevant curriculum is taught by faculty whose business experience and academic credentials enliven the small interactive classes. Chatham's long-standing commitment to educating future leaders broadens the learning experience of all students. Students will be able to access programs and resources available through Chatham's Center for Women's Entrepreneurship.

Chatham's MBA courses continually link theory and practice and provide fundamental business skills in accounting, finance, marketing, economics, operations, computer and Internet technology, and business strategy. Courses such as Organizational Behavior, Management and Leadership, Managing a Diverse Workforce, and Human Resource Management explicitly address the organizational challenges, both subtle and obvious, that women and minorities encounter in the workplace. Electives provide the opportunity for students to explore a variety of business topics in greater depth and to enrich their understanding or organizational complexity.

Master in Liberal Studies (MALS)
The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) provides a broad-based, highly diverse approach to graduate education. The MALS is a liberal studies program consisting of ten interdisciplinary courses drawing from a wide range of disciplines and a capstone, or thesis, course. Students can complete the degree in two years or less by taking classes in five seven-week terms.

The Master of Arts in Liberal Studies program provides students with the opportunity to read, study, and discuss issues of interest and importance to the communities surrounding Eden Hall Farm Campus. Students will gain both a breadth of knowledge informed by many disciplines, and depth of knowledge in the exploration of specific courses and ideas. The MALS program is particularly well-suited to students with bachelor's degrees in professional fields who are seeking a master's degree as a way to broaden their knowledge base in arts, science, and the humanities.

Certificate Program in Women in Business and Leadership
Chatham University's Certificate Program in Women in Business and Leadership consists of a cluster of four courses that can also be taken not-for-credit. The WBL Certificate supplements current experience and degrees, furthers knowledge about business and leadership, and provides students considering a bachelor's or graduate degree program with classroom experience. Courses taken for credit may be applied to Chatham undergraduate degree programs as electives. The curriculum includes Theories of Leadership; Effective Community Leadership; Introduction to Entrepreneurship; Introduction to Business; Start-Up 101; and The Business Plan. Students will also be able to access programs available through Chatham's Center for Women's Entrepreneurship.

Certificate Program in Environmental Studies
The Certificate Program in Environmental Studies consists of a cluster of four courses that can also be taken not-for-credit. Grounded in Chatham's commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability, the curriculum includes Global Environmental Challenges; Plants, People, and the Environment; Women and Nature; Landscape Ecology; and Introduction to Sustainability.

About Eden Hall Farm Campus
Chatham University's Eden Hall Farm Campus is located north of Pittsburgh in Richland Township and approximately 45 minutes from Chatham's historic Shadyside Campus. A gift from Eden Hall Foundation to Chatham University, the Eden Hall Farm Campus supports a variety of educational, environmental, women's leadership and community programs. Amenities on the 388-acre campus include a working conference and retreat center, the Sebastian Mueller House, swimming pool, bowling alley, and trails. Originally assembled by Sebastian Mueller, one of the first executives at the H.J. Heinz Company, Eden Hall Farm served as Mr. Mueller's summer estate and a retreat for generations of the company's working women. Chatham honors the legacy of Sebastian Mueller, Eden Hall Farm's founder, by creating an academic retreat that will allow community members to expand their horizons and explore their potential.