PricewaterhouseCoopers Launches Open University

NEW YORK, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) announced today that it is making much of its training material openly available and free in a convenient online format at PwC Open University.  The first-of-its-kind corporate resource provides business executives, faculty, students and regulators around the world with access to an expansive and growing library of award-winning training courseware developed by the firm.  PwC has ranked No. 1 in Training magazine's "Training Top 125" for three consecutive years.

PwC Open University launches with 150 courses, a growing number of which are CPE accredited.  The firm intends to continue building the library of courses available through the Open University, which can be accessed at www.pwc.com/OpenUniversity.

"Publishing our courseware aligns with PwC's mission to use knowledge to solve many of businesses' most complex problems," said Tom Evans, Partner and Chief Learning Officer, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.  "PwC believes that education provides opportunities for today's youth, advances future leaders and develops the growing population of quality professionals."

The firm's launch of Open University builds upon the steps taken by a number of leading universities in the United States and around the world to make knowledge freely available.  The courses on Open University cover a wide-range of topics, many of which are top-of-mind to executives across the world.  

"Our goal is to create a learning experience that is unique, powerful and available to everyone," added Evans.  "In today's knowledge-based economy, education is essential to drive innovation, value creation and to open the door of opportunity for highly-skilled jobs."

PwC Open University leverages technology to provide a new model for dissemination of knowledge and collaboration among professionals and students.  Curriculum is currently organized by topic and delivered via webcast, podcast or elearning platform.

"As our firm continues to become a more recognized provider of learning and education to our employees, we wanted to extend that learning opportunity to our clients, future employees, and the business community in general.  We'd like PwC to become a trendsetter in open and free corporate knowledge sharing," said Mitra Best, US Innovation Leader, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

In addition to Open University, PwC collaborates with a number of organizations throughout the country to advance education in America, including Operation Hope on their 5MK initiative and with the MIND Research Institute to advance their cutting edge match and science programs.  

The firm also supports a wide-range of academic institutions with grant and scholarship programs, including the recent awarding of $500,000 in grants to Bryant University, the University of Southern California, Wake Forest University and Florida International University to promote and support the recruitment and advancement of diverse students within the accounting profession.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers

PricewaterhouseCoopers (www.pwc.com) provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 163,000 people in 151 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

"PricewaterhouseCoopers" refers to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or, as the context requires, the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network or other member firms of the network, each of which is a separate and independent legal entity.

© 2010 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. All rights reserved.

SOURCE PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP