In January, the University of Miami’s UOnline program launched two of its master’s programs fully online for working professionals: a master’s in Finance and a master’s in Sport Administration.
So, who enrolled? Nearly a third were UM alumni returning for a second degree. Half were from Florida, but others live as far from campus as Washington and California. Four are active duty military.
One working professional who enrolled in the master’s in Finance online is Michael Watkins. He worked his way up from junior consultant to senior product manager before joining Lowe’s Home Improvement, where he now serves as vice president of credit services at its corporate office in North Carolina. With more than 20 years in the industry, he has experience in supply chain, logistics, strategy, and business process improvement redesign. He loves learning, which is why he has been asked to lead several teams during his tenure at Lowe’s.
“This role has given me the opportunity to turn over new rocks about accounting, risk management, and driving the financial performance of the business,” Watkins explains. “I’ve always had a hunger to learn more. Numbers don’t always tell you the whole story, but they play a big part in being effective as an executive.”
That’s why he chose to enroll in the master’s in Finance. “The program will enhance my skill set. I’m able to put what I’m learning into practice immediately, which will open up more leadership opportunities for me at my company.”
Not only has he enjoyed immersing himself in the coursework, he also appreciates the attention professors give to students. “I’ve been very impressed with how accessible and open the faculty is. They treat us professionally, answer our questions, and ask our preferred method of communication,” he said. “There is no professor/student divide.”
UOnline also offers an online master’s in Professional Accounting and will launch its Master of Business Administration (MBA) online this fall. Learn more at www.miami.edu/online.
