Baker College: A Century of Career-Focused Education in Michigan
Baker College is a private, non-profit institution of higher education with a rich history rooted in Michigan. With campuses across the state and a robust online presence, Baker College has been empowering students for more than a century, driven by a clear mission: to deliver a transformative, student-centered education that opens doors to lifelong academic and professional success. As one of Michigan’s largest private, non-profit colleges, Baker prides itself on creating an inclusive, innovative environment where every student is supported on their unique journey.
The Origins: Muskegon College and Baker Business University
Baker College started its long history as two separate entities: Muskegon College, which was founded in 1888, and Baker Business University in 1911. Just two decades later, Eldon E. Baker-an educator who built a highly successful business college in Winfield, Kansas-moved to Flint and founded Baker Business University, which stood at the corner of Court Street and South Saginaw. Baker Business University was founded in 1911 in Flint, Michigan by Eldon E. Baker.
In 1965, these two institutions came together under a single academic group headed by Robert Jewell of Muskegon. Throughout the years that followed, the schools continued to thrive, and the group began to expand its outreach through the acquisition of other schools and locations. The two colleges received authorization to grant an Associate of Business degree.
Evolution and Expansion
In 1974, the schools formally merged as Baker Junior College. John Wesley College, the third school in the triad, was acquired in 1983, and formally became the Baker College System in 1985. After each college received regional accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the three campuses merged to form the Baker College System. The Baker College System was authorized to grant a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
Baker College acquired locations in Pontiac, Mount Clemens, and Port Huron, forming Baker College of Eastern Michigan. The Center for Graduate Studies opened in Flint, launching the System’s first graduate degree program. Record enrollment was achieved with more than 21,000 students across the System. Baker College Online enrollment topped 4,000, reinforcing its position as a leader in distance education.
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Baker College gained preliminary approval to offer the Elementary and Secondary Teacher Preparation programs. The Nursing program was expanded to Flint and Owosso. The Baker College Center for Graduate Studies received approval from the Higher Learning Commission to offer a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree, becoming the fourth graduate program at Baker College. Baker College of Muskegon broke ground on the 40,000 square foot Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM). System enrollment grew to over 38,000.
In 2008, a closed auto dealership in Flint, Michigan was renovated and transformed into the Baker College Center for Transportation Technology, opening to students in 2009. Baker College's Culinary Institute of Michigan (CIM) opened in 2009 to students interested in studying culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and food and beverage management. Baker College of Cadillac opened its new Center for Transportation and Technology in 2010. In 2011, the Culinary Institute of Michigan was granted Exemplary Status accreditation through the American Culinary Federation (ACF).
In 2020, Baker relocated its main campus from Flint, Michigan, to Owosso, Michigan. In addition, the Clinton Township and Allen Park campuses were closed, with operations relocated to Auburn Hills, Michigan. Baker College has primarily grown through two methods: establishing new campuses and purchasing and rebranding existing small schools (for example, their Auburn Hills campus was once the Pontiac School of Business).
Academic Programs and Accreditation
Baker College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. The Baker Center for Graduate Studies also carries professional accreditation by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and the occupational therapy program also has accreditation through The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Baker College offers over 150 career-oriented programs, both online and on campus. Baker currently offers over 40 degree programs from the introductory to masters level and even offers accelerated programs for those looking to advance their career in the shortest time frame possible.
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The Higher Learning Commission granted accreditation to Baker College to offer a Master Degree in Nursing. The Council for Standards in Human Services Education (CSHSE) accredited the Human Services Associate and Bachelor Degrees at Baker College. Our Engineering program was ABET accredited.
Baker College Online
Baker College Online is a division of Baker College, which is fully accredited and offers many online undergraduate programs, including web design, marketing, accounting, computer science, project management and planning, as well as finance and code administration. Baker also provides an excellent graduate program offering in the areas of business administration, occupational therapy, and MS in information systems, and even a doctorate in business administration.
Baker College Online courses are scheduled classes but still offer the flexibility needed to study while maintaining a career or other pursuits. Over 40 of its programs are degree programs, and all are geared toward career advancement in the fields that students want. The online student body of the university is extremely varied and culturally unique, with students attending worldwide.
Undergraduate, masters, and doctorate classes are \$210, \$375, and \$510 a credit hour respectively. There is also a small fee for admissions and graduation. Many companies offer reimbursement of tuition to Baker College students, and student financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Baker College Online utilizes the best in technology and teacher resources to provide an education experience that is both convenient and progressive. Live course work and educator interaction is central to the education method at Baker. Many professors will hold discussion groups, and even personal online chats help students communicate and complete courses. This makes an on-campus quality education available to anyone with an Internet connection and the determination to complete the coursework.
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Campuses and Locations
Campuses and extension centers exist in Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Cadillac, Cass City, Clinton Township, Coldwater, Flint, Freemont, Jackson, Muskegon, Owosso, Port Huron, Sandusky, Sarnia, and West Branch. Baker College of Muskegon is a private university located in Muskegon, MI, and set in a suburban environment. This school follows a semester-based calendar.
Baker College broke ground for the 86,000 square foot flagship campus in Royal Oak, MI. At Baker College, we believe there’s no such thing as one size fits all. That’s why we've launched our newest flagship campus in Royal Oak - a safe, energetic, and walkable city that’s as diverse as our community of students.
A Student-First Philosophy
Our journey through the years has been marked by significant milestones. Jacqui Spicer, Ed.D. appointed as president, the first woman president and CEO to lead BC in its history. Baker College announced a new brand identity, accompanied by the unveiling of the first-ever official mascot- the Baker College Bees! After a mascot naming contest, our beloved, Scout the Bee was born September 18th, bringing new spirit and excitement to the hive.
Whether attending classes on campus or online, students find a welcoming, nurturing space with faculty, staff, and resources committed to their personal, academic, and professional growth. Founded in 1911, Baker College offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across Michigan and online. Our student-first philosophy is the cornerstone of our mission, ensuring students have access to comprehensive, quality education and support from start to finish.
We recognize that earning a degree is just one aspect of your busy life. That’s why we prioritize maintaining a personal and friendly atmosphere on each of our campuses. With small class sizes, we ensure that every student receives the individual attention and support they need to succeed.
Commitment to Career Preparation
Baker College awards mainly associate degrees but also bachelor’s degrees and certificates. The Flint campus also offers master’s degree programs in business, occupational therapy, and information systems and a doctoral program in business.
With a mission to prepare students for successful careers, Baker College combines rigorous academics with hands-on training and industry partnerships to ensure graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen fields.
One of the distinguishing features of Baker College is its flexible learning options. Students can choose from a variety of on-campus and online classes, allowing them to tailor their education to fit their individual needs and schedules. The college also offers accelerated programs and credit for prior learning, ensuring that students can progress quickly and efficiently towards their degree.
In addition to its academic offerings, Baker College provides extensive support services to help students thrive both academically and personally. These services include tutoring, career counseling, library resources, and disability support, among others. Furthermore, Baker College places a strong emphasis on affordability, providing various financial aid options, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs to help make education accessible to all.
Benefits of Working at Baker College
Baker College is committed to helping those who are dedicated to creating a better future for themselves and the world around them. We’re looking for faculty and other campus employees who share a similar vision for their own lives. As a Baker employee, you’ll be making a difference every single day by helping the next generation of professionals prepare for great careers. Together, we can make great things happen. Our dedication to the success of our students ensures that we will all go Further Together.
Baker College offers a robust Health Benefits Package to its employees. Baker College has gone to great lengths to maintain our reputation of providing affordable health care benefits to our employees even throughout all of the changes in our country. Baker College offers full-time employees Health Insurance effective 30 days from the employee’s full-time start date. Full-time employees have the opportunity to enroll in an ASR Health Benefits PPO program with no premium charge to the employee for the plan, which includes medical, prescription, hearing, dental, and vision coverage. Baker College also offers the following benefits: Term Life Insurance, Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance, Flexible Spending Account, Long Term Care Insurance, Pension, Annuities, and Tuition Waiver.
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