Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question below to see the answer.

What is the MSD Program?

The Management /Supervisory Development Program (MSD) gives adults who wish to increase their professional skills the opportunity to advance their careers in supervisory or managerial roles.

With many courses taught by professionals currently working in the field, the program offers unique classes and instruction in cutting-edge business practices. In addition, our courses cater to a working professional's schedule, offering courses in the evenings, on Saturdays, and via the Internet. In addition, we offer you the opportunity to earn credit for projects or other learning experiences at work.

A wide variety of course offerings make our program unique among others of its kind, and we make transferring easy through agreements with Marylhurst University and Warner Pacific University. If you wish to transfer to one of these institutions, we advise you to contact the institution's program as early as possible.

What will I learn about management and supervision?
With PCC's Management/Supervisory Development Program (MSD), you'll learn the answers to these questions and more:    
  • What are the best practices for innovating change in a corporation?
  • How does a business executive simultaneously increase productivity while lowering overhead costs?
  • How can you make effective employee training that reaches a diverse workforce?

Our program gives you the ability to solve problems, draw upon diverse resources, motivate colleagues, and delegate authority. Designed to enhance your professional skills and increase your opportunities, we offer numerous courses to advance your career in managerial and supervisory positions.

What will I do on the job?
You will lead your work unit to a higher level of effectiveness, ultimately toward higher profits. You will achieve this through the combined efforts of upper management, staff experts and the unit's team members. Work environments vary from manufacturing to service, from for-profit to nonprofit, from high-tech to low-tech. Tasks involve innovating change, managing diverse groups, planning, organizing, designing and overseeing training, delegating, improving quality, motivating individuals and teams, and report writing.
What skills will I use on the job?
The MSD Program is designed to develop your skills in areas such as: innovating change; problem solving; written and oral communication; team leadership and motivation; productivity and quality improvements; controlling costs and budgets; long and short-term planning; organizing the workplace; delegating; and working effectively with a diverse workforce.
Who will hire me?
Graduates of the MSD Program are employed by private, public, and governmental agencies, locally and internationally. Examples of these companies are A-dec, Cascade Steel, Climax Portable Machine tools, Fujitsu, Intel, Maryhurst College, Portland Community College, Tektronix, and Wacker Siltronic Corporation. Skills acquired in this program will also prepare with needed skills for self-employment opportunities.
Can I take classes online?
Yes, most of the MSD courses are offered through Distance Learning. Distance Education provides students with an independent learning environment and the flexibility to take classes from anywhere. MSD students have participated in classes while in China, Thailand, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii, and all over the continental U.S. Students complete their assignments during breaks at work, late at night, and while wearing p.j.s in the early hours before the kids wake up!

Through the use of modern media, students access weekly lessons, complete assignments, and communicate in the virtual classroom setting.

Taking a course through distance education allows significant schedule flexibility, reduces or eliminates commute time, and brings college right to your fingertips.

Distance education in Management/Supervisory Development gives students the opportunity to create their own "laboratory" for applying new skills. Students do this by applying lessons and assignments to current issues in the workplace.

Can I improve my professional skills with a small time commitment?
Yes, you can improve your professional skills through our one-day one-credit Saturday classes. Enhance your professional skills in one of the day-long workshops. The Management/Supervisory Development Program offers numerous one-Credit Saturday workshop-style classes. Interact with other students in activities that give you realistic opportunities to practice and apply skills with immediate feedback.

Topics cover a wide range of management skills customer service, innovating change, listening skills, dealing with difficult people, interpersonal communication, communication styles, leadership skills, managing change, ethics & values, sexual harassment, motivation, problem solving, gender conflict, coaching, team building, stress control, self-management, and more.

Nine of these one-credit workshops can be applied to a degree, or certificate.

Are MSD classes transferable to other schools?
Yes, all Oregon colleges and universities accept our classes. Each school, however, has its own unique set of requirements, so be sure to check with them.
What are the exact classes I need to take for each certificate, program award and Associate of Applied Science Degree in Management and Supervisory Development?
The complete listing of each certificate, program award and associate degree in Management and Supervisory development can be found on our Certificates and Degree page. Contact Carmen Lawyer at the Management and Supervisory Development Department at 971-722-6146.
May I use classes taken elsewhere for a Management certificate or degree?
Yes, if the classes were taken at an accredited institution they may be applied toward Program Awards, the Advanced Certificate, and the Associate of Applied Science degree. You may also use non-credit training courses and seminars taken through your employer if they are approved by the Management and Supervisory Development Department. Contact Joe Wright at 971-722-2955 for specific details.
Can I earn college credit for training I have received on the job?
Yes you can. If the training is equivalent to courses offered through the Management and Supervisory Development Department and the instructors meet Portland Community College's requirements, it is possible that college credit may be granted. Contact Joe Wright at the Management and Supervisory Development Department for further information and requirements.
Can I receive college credit for work performed on the job?
Yes. If you are in a recently new management or supervisory role, it is possible to receive college credit. Contact Joe Wright, our faculty advisor, at the Management and Supervisory Development Department for further information.

National Awards

The Management/Supervisory Development program (formerly the Institute for Management and Professional Development) won national awards four years in a row:

  • 1999 AchieveGlobal ™ - Education and Economic Development Marketing Award
  • 2000 AchieveGlobal ™  -  #1 Partnership Excellence Award in Sales Volume out of 650 colleges and universities nationwide
  • 2001 National Council for Continuing Education and Training ™ -  Exemplary Program Award for Distance Learning Success
  • 2002 AchieveGlobal ™ -  #1 Partnership with Business Award