MIDLAND, Mich. -

Northwood University's DeVos Graduate School of Management will soon roll out what it says is the first MBA program geared toward the automotive field and has already begun taking applications. 

The DeVos MBA for Automotive Professionals program starts in January and will offer emerging leaders in the dealership, aftermarket manufacturing and distribution fields the chance to delve into the similar challenges these "increasingly interrelated industries" share, as well as opportunities on the horizon.

The program can be completed in 24 months and utilizes both distance-education and on-site teaching environments, officials said.

Granted, the bulk of the course-related material can be taught via the Web, officials said, but to effectively put the knowledge to work, students will need to learn from experienced professors and their peers in "face-to-face" environment.

So, included in the program are six four-day on-site sessions that will be held at the Midland, Mich., and West Palm Beach, Fla., campuses of Northwood, in addition to various outlets throughout the U.S.

"Economic challenges, globalization and changing consumer behavior are affecting virtually every automotive business, whether a vehicle retailer or aftermarket parts distributor. Students will examine these market forces in an entirely new way and we will challenge participants to identify, discuss and apply innovative strategies that extend beyond traditional competitive boundaries," noted Tim Nash, Northwood's vice president of strategic and corporate alliances.

For more information, visit www.northwood.edu/graudate or contact DeVos director of admissions Matthew Bennett at (800) 622-9000.