Students can now study franchising and earn a bachelor’s degree in the USA
As franchising continues to expand in the United States, franchisors and many franchisees are keen to hire employees with an education in franchising. However, no American university offers a degree in franchising – not yet, anyway – but a private university in Florida now offers a franchise concentration leading to a baccalaureate degree.
The Rinker School of Business at Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) in West Palm Beach, Florida, offers students the opportunity to study franchising and earn a bachelor’s degree in management. The university houses the Titus Center for Franchising, which recently was endowed by the founder and president of United Franchise Group (UFG), Ray Titus.
“United Franchise Group is investing in Palm Beach Atlantic University with the creation of the Titus Center to educate and promote the importance of franchising as a viable and global career opportunity for students,” said Titus, who already employs 200 people at his corporate offices, and plans to hire more .
“Franchising captures the entrepreneurial spirit,” said William M.B. Fleming, Jr., Palm Beach Atlantic’s president, when he announced the Titus Center. He continued, “The Titus Center characterizes that spirit and the ideals of free enterprise that are foundational principles of Palm Beach Atlantic University.”
PBA students can enroll in Principles of Franchising beginning the fall semester, 2017. Two additional courses – Franchise Creative Ventures, and Franchise Management & Operations – will be offered in succeeding semesters. Students who select the franchise concentration must also complete an internship in franchising. All of the courses are three credit hours and lead to a B.S. in Management.
The PBA franchising concentration will be taught by Dr. John P. Hayes, a seasoned franchise educator and practitioner who has been both a franchisee on numerous occasions, and a franchisor. For many years, Dr. Hayes provided marketing and public relations services to franchisors internationally. PBA recently hired Dr. Hayes as Titus Chair for Franchise Leadership, and director of the Titus Center for Franchising.
As a professor in the Rinker School of Business, Dr. Hayes will be responsible for the development and implementation of the franchise curriculum. He also will develop certificate programs to serve individuals who are interested in becoming franchisees, franchisors, or working for a franchise company. The Titus Center expects to attract students from across the USA as well as other countries.
“Emerging franchisors, and even more experienced franchisors, are searching for solutions to the challenges they face in terms of not only selling franchises and supporting franchisees, but in marketing, human resources, and other disciplines,” explains Dr. Hayes. “The Titus Center will provide assistance to franchisors, as well as franchisees.”
“Given his extensive academic and industry experience, John Hayes is the consummate leader for this one-of-kind program for business students,” said Fleming upon announcing the appointment of Dr. Hayes. “We believe that the knowledge, skills and abilities acquired by our students through the teaching of franchising principles and our partnership with United Franchise Group will have a local focus and a global impact as it attracts students from around the world who wish to benefit from hands-on franchising experience.”
For additional information, contact Dr. John Hayes at the Titus Center for Franchising: www.tituscenter.com.
