This school appears in our ranking Top 20 Best Value MBA Online Degrees 2018.
Baker College began as Muskegon College, founded by Woodbridge Ferris in 1888. Mr. Ferris went on to become the Governor of Michigan and a United States Senator. In 1911, after the founding of Muskegon College, Eldon Baker came to Flint after founding a successful business college in Kansas to create Baker Business University. The new school stood at the corner of Court Street and South Saginaw.
Robert Jewell, who owned an academic group out of Muskegon, purchased the business college in 1965. Although both schools were brought under a single management group, they operated separately. In 1969, Muskegon College became a non-profit corporation and, in 1974, Baker Business University became Baker Junior College. Baker became a non-profit corporation in 1977. The schools merged in 1985, becoming the Baker College System.
Baker College Accreditation Details
Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission which indicates that the school meets the criteria set forth by the agency that demonstrates students receive an education that prepares them for their career goals. The college also agrees to periodic reviews to confirm that they have the resources necessary to meet their missions and objectives. Baker College also holds specialized accreditations for the following programs:
- Business Administration
- Engineering and Technology
- Health Sciences
- Human Services
- Running Start
- School of Education
- School of Nursing
- School of Occupational Therapy
Baker College Application Requirements
Undergraduate students should complete an online application to attend Baker College. They must provide an official high school transcript as well as official SAT or ACT scores. Students who have earned college credit after high school graduation are considered transfer students. Transfer credits are accepted based on the relevance to the program offered at Baker as well as the GPA of the student. Students who wish to transfer into Baker College must contact an enrollment coordinator.
Graduate students who wish to attend Baker College must complete an online application and provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. They must also hold a bachelor's degree or higher in order to apply. A current resume as well as a 500 to 1,000-word essay explaining the student's career goals is also required. Students are not required to provide GMAT or GRE scores, but they may be submitted if the student has them.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition at Baker College is $390 per credit hour for most undergraduate programs and $695 per credit hour for graduate programs. The military tuition rate is $247 per credit hour for undergraduate studies and $367 per credit hour for graduate studies. Baker College offers one of the lowest graduation rates among private colleges in Michigan. As a non-profit college, they are invested in their students, not stockholders. This allows them to keep tuition rates down and focus on the learning experiences of each student. There are also no extra fees or hidden costs.
Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships and loans. Students must complete the FAFSA. Students should also discuss their financial situation with a financial advisor to learn what options they have for covering the cost of higher education.
Online Degrees Available
Associate's in Accounting
Baker College offers an associate's degree program in accounting that is completely online. Students learn the skills they need for entry-level programs in accounting like bookkeeper, accounting assistant or payroll assistant. All classes are led by professional accountants and provide students with an understanding of finance, accounting technology and other skills related to accounting. Students gain an understanding of one of the most vital functions of business, accounting. Students are able to record, present and analyze financial data in order to evaluate operational performance. Students are able to implement concepts related to accounting and integrate technology into the work process.
Bachelor in Accounting
The bachelor's in accounting program at Baker College is available in a completely online format. The program emphasizes practical applications as well as a theoretical understanding of accounting. Students develop the social, ethical and legal skills necessary in a field that changes rapidly. Students who complete the program may sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination in Michigan, but it will not qualify them to apply for a Certified Public Accountant license which requires additional credit hours. The program is taught by professional accountants who work in the field. This allows them to bring real-world knowledge into the classroom. Students are provided a well-rounded understanding of accounting. Although the program prepares students for entry-level positions, it allows them better opportunity for advancement.
Master of Business Administration in Accounting
Students who hold an undergraduate degree in accounting can earn their MBA in Accounting at Baker College completely online. Students gain an understanding of high-level accounting concepts that prepare them for management level careers. Students must have a minimum of 9-semester hours in undergraduate accounting with at least two principles of accounting courses and one intermediate accounting course. The program provides the necessary credits for CPA licensure in Michigan, but students should check the regulations in their state to determine what is necessary.
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Baker College offers a bachelor's in Civil Engineering that is available online. Students gain an understanding of structures as well as management and government regulations. Students gain an understanding of building roads, tunnels, bridges and other infrastructure that helps shape the world. Students learn from civil engineers who work or have worked in the industry, so they are able to bring real-world understanding into the classroom. Students gain an understanding of engineering tools and design systems used in the industry today. Students learn through classroom instruction as well as hands-on projects. Students gain an understanding of design and planning as well as factors that impact structures like topography, soil, materials, regulations, environment and cost.
Baker College offers students online programs that allow them to achieve their higher education goals even when they have obstacles that may keep them from attending traditional classes. The curriculum taught in Baker College's online programs are the same rigorous curriculum taught to students in their traditional classes. Through the online programs at Baker College, working adults are able to move into a new career or advance in a current career while still meeting their obligations.