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Introducing PGS100 - 100% Sustainability Curriculum, 100% Online

Presidio Graduate School’s First Online Cohort Enables the Next Generation of Changemakers to Learn from Anywhere, at Any Time

Introducing PGS100 - 100% Sustainability Curriculum, 100% Online

Presidio Graduate School’s First Online Cohort Enables the Next Generation of Changemakers to Learn from Anywhere, at Any Time

Published 03-22-17

Submitted by Presidio Graduate School

Applications Received by June 1st Can Start Online Classes in August!

Presidio Graduate School (PGS) is the undisputed pioneer of Sustainable Management MBA, MPA, Dual Degrees, and Certificates. The curriculum is deeply and wholly rooted in sustainability principles and a systems-thinking approach to business and policy. With the acquisition of Pinchot University, formerly Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI), in 2016, this powerhouse now boasts over 1,600 combined alumni/ae leading the way in all areas of business and government. Today PGS demonstrates its leadership again as they announce that they are actively accepting applications for PGS100, the first online-only cohort to begin in August 2017.

This inaugural class offers full- and part-time MBA, MPA, Dual degrees in Sustainable Management, as well as Certificates in Sustainable Food & Agriculture and Sustainable Energy. These are the same classes as the signature San Francisco-based hybrid program while the online-only format allows the school to reach a more global market by serving international and domestic students living abroad, as well as any graduate-level learner, who can benefit from learning in a primarily asynchronous manner.

PGS is fully committed to the success of this program. When asked how they will distinguish themselves in this highly-competitive market, Carla Walter, Provost stated, “With the school’s strong history and track record for graduates who make a real difference in the world, we are thrilled to be launching into the online frontier. Thanks to the research, strategy development, and experience garnered over the last year, we are easily able to pivot from working with a partner to offering this program on our own. While most highly-ranked online MBAs offer an average of 37 semester credits, we are at 60 and have more robust offerings than most existing programs.”

This shift isn’t as monumental as it might be for other schools since the online component of the school’s other programs is already well established. Because PGS’s in-person, weekly Metro program in Seattle, both of its hybrid programs (with monthly classes in San Francisco or Seattle), and PGS100 all use uniform, state-of-the-art learning technology, virtual study groups, streamed community events, and other virtual interaction will be possible right away and seamless within the existing infrastructure.

Online Program Director Mary Kay Chess says, “The PGS online team is proud to roll this program out to individuals interested in creating long-term change in the world. What’s important to note about this new program is not only what makes it distinct from our other programs, but what stays the same; a consistent vetting process for top caliber faculty, a rewarding virtual Experiential Learning (EL) program, individualized career counseling, our high standards of academic excellence, the ability to tap into our laudable Change Agents in Residence (CAIRs), and, of course, the lifelong access to our powerful, ever-growing alumni/ae network.”

This format brings a new kind of student into the PGS community. PGS100 is ideal for learners who want or need to absorb material, and engage with others, at their own pace. These students can now easily flex their credit hours to accommodate work or family priorities. Class learning will be a combination of weekly synchronous and asynchronous lessons. The key value-add of PGS100 is the extreme flexibility to access and refer back to recorded class content at literally any time of the day or night.

Eric Centarski, EL Program Director, states “In four MBA courses and three MPA courses, student teams are paired with companies or organizations to help address pressing business and policy issues. The virtual EL program allows students to apply their learning immediately, build strong industry connections, and enhance their professional portfolio. It also presents opportunities to survey myriad verticals and job roles.”

Although the first year there will be no blending of PGS100, Hybrid, and Metro classes, this is part of the long-term plan. The flexibility to take courses across PGS programs and modalities is targeted for 2018/19. For the 2017 PGS100 students however, wherever applicable, any benefits or perks offered to the San Francisco and Seattle campuses will also be available to PGS100 students including invitation to attend any optional in-person meetups, clubs, study groups, etc.

Sam Ruben, an alumnus and current Teaching Assistant says, “I couldn't be more excited about the launch of PGS’s online program. If humanity is to not just survive, but also thrive over the coming century, it will be because people all over the world have learned to think like Presidians. The bottom line is that the new approaches to problems that we teach is invaluable and how we teach it has proven to be effective. Using technology to equip more people with these critical concepts and strategies accelerates the spread of our mission across the globe. There is no doubt that creating more Presidians is good for the world and now there are no limits to who we can reach.”

Provost Carla Walter believes that PGS100 is a monumental step toward increasing engagement with the global community. Providing online access for worldwide learners, regardless of logistics or time constraints, opens the doors wider than ever before, and clears the path to this powerful network dedicated to conquering sustainable challenges. Now, more people who believe in PGS’s mission, and can benefit from its sustainability-centered approach, will be able to earn an MBA, MPA, or Dual degree with personal meaning and real-world application.

Click here to learn the latest about PGS100: Presidio.edu/PGS100
About Presidio Graduate School:
Presidio Graduate School (PGS) is more than a graduate school, we are a community of innovative, passionate, and committed change-makers who aim to leave the world a better place for future generations. We attract and nurture a diverse and dedicated student body, people looking for a practical, systematic way to take an active part in their government and the way business is conducted, in America and abroad. At PGS students gain the business and leadership skills to impact change and follow a career path with meaning.

PGS is an accredited, nonprofit graduate school founded in 2003, offering several unique degree programs — three MBAs, the only sustainable MPA, and one of the only Dual MBA/MPAs — as well as several certificates, all taught with our systems-thinking methodology at the core. The premise we adhere to is that real change happens at the intersection between private enterprise and the public sector, and across commerce, and the common good.

Flexible, hybrid programs with monthly classes in San Francisco and Seattle, a weekly in-person program in Seattle, and PGS100 an online-only program, ensure that location and lifestyle aren’t an obstacle to pursuing a career with meaning. The full- and part-time degrees, and certificate programs meet almost any needs. Join the movement, invest in yourself, and improve the world – Become the solution. Learn more about PGS, our mission, and our programs at presidio.edu or call us at 415-561-6555.

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If you would like more information about this topic or PGS in general, please contact: Tanya Weliky Marketing Director, by email at pr@presidio.edu or by Phone: 415-655-8972

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Presidio Graduate School

Presidio Graduate School

Founded in 2002, Presidio Graduate School (PGS) is a values-driven graduate school offering MBA, MPA, and Dual MBA/MPA degree programs and Professional Certificates in Sustainable Solutions. All courses in the first of its kind curriculum integrate social justice, environmental responsibility, and systems thinking.

A world-class faculty academy of full and part-time scholar-practitioners possess subject matter expertise across the full spectrum of sustainability disciplines. With over 1900 business and public administration alumni at the forefront of the field, PGS is a global hub for sustainability innovation and regenerative impact, helping forge a new definition of the common good at the intersection of for-profit and for-benefit. Learn more about PGS programs, people, and impact at presidio.edu.

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