The Institute for Professional Development (IPD) is a corporation dedicated to the enrichment of lives through higher education. As the premier provider of educational consulting and related products and services, IPD assists organizations and adult learners in the achievement of their educational goals.

IPD accomplishes its mission by contracting with colleges, universities, and other organizations to assist them in developing adult-oriented academic programs specific to the needs of the institution and market. Clients benefit from IPD's expertise in the areas of academics, accounting, enrollment, finance, institutional services, and marketing.

The Institute for Professional Development holds several principles as the foundation of its general mission:

Innovative Practices for Educational Needs
Institutions of higher education must exercise appropriate leadership in the development of educational structures and programs capable of meeting 21st-century needs. Although current educational practices have made important intellectual and cultural contributions to society, innovative educational methods and practices will be required to meet not only future needs but needs that remain unmet today. IPD principles and practices, when adopted by the private college or university, are examples of how innovative educational methods can be successfully institutionalized to meet the changing educational needs of American society.

Higher Education for Working Adults
The cornerstone of IPD’s educational philosophy and practice is the recognition of the distinction between the younger college student who is still deciding on a career and the adult student who has established personal and professional goals and has experience in achieving those goals. By assisting partner institutions in successfully serving thousands of working adult students, IPD has found that students tend to be responsive to educational programs that acknowledge the proper role and place of their experiences in the learning process. This important distinction is reflected in the content of the adult program curriculum, instruction, and administrative infrastructure.

Application of Classroom Learning
IPD understands that education for working adults must harmonize with the students' personal and professional lives. This harmony is important because it ensures the working adult’s educational experience will be of lasting benefit as a source for personal growth, professional renewal, and career advancement. For the educational experience to be academically and practically sound, it must form a relationship with the adult’s professional growth and responsibilities. This integration of theory and practice is, in part, accomplished through a thesis, a business research project, applied management project, or a comprehensive capstone case study at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Integration of Theory and Practice
To facilitate this vital integration of theory and practice, the curriculum for each adult degree program is developed by the faculty of the institution in collaboration with local businesses, industries, and professional organizations related to the degree program. These programs are generally taught by full-time and adjunct faculty, working professionals with advanced degrees and teaching experience who understand the needs of today’s workforce.

IPD, a subsidiary of Apollo Group, Inc., offers a stimulating work environment with a comprehensive benefits package.

IPD Extends Partnership with Cardinal Stritch University

IPD is pleased to announce that it has recently extended its contract with Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. IPD has worked with Cardinal Stritch since 1982 and serves adult students in Wisconsin and Minnesota in the following cities: Milwaukee, Brookfield, Kenosha, Appleton, Madison, Beloit, Reedsburg, Wassau, LaCrosse, Eau Claire, Edina, Woodbury, Plymouth, North Metro, Rochester, and Red Wing. Programs offered include an Associate of Science in Business; Bachelors of Science in Business Administration, Human Services Management, Management, and Strategic Management of Information Systems; Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Management; and Certificates in Human Resource Management, Project Management, Sales, and Sales Management. Currently under development is an online Master of Business Administration.

The renewed partnership with Cardinal Stritch University was made possible through the outstanding leadership of Sister Mary Lea Schneider, President, Peter Holbrook, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and Karen Walrath, Vice President for Business and Finance.

Cardinal Stritch University is an independent Franciscan Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi. The University, rooted in the liberal arts, provides graduate and undergraduate programs to prepare students for life and for professional careers. The University assists women and men in pursuing lifelong learning. It provides both traditional and nontraditional approaches to meet the educational needs of a diverse student body. The University strives to be a caring community. Its faculty and staff regard superior instruction and personal attention to each student as keys to quality education. In addition, faculty members model and promote meaningful integration of theory and practice.

IPD is very pleased to be working toward continued growth and development with Cardinal Stritch University. IPD is excited and honored to continue the opportunity to assist Cardinal Stritch in changing the lives of adult students and their families.