DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has debuted Walgreens University with an eye toward leading the chain drug industry in classroom and online programming that engages, educates and develops employees for rewarding long-term careers.

Employees last month celebrated the opening of the new university here near the chain’s headquarters. With technology-enhanced classrooms, a mock drug store and videoconferencing capabilities, it will be the base of operations for employee educational programs offered online and in regional locations nationwide.

“Walgreens University is not solely a building, but a national program with national access and offerings for team members at every level of the company,” said Walgreens chief human resources officer Kathleen Wilson-Thompson. “We hope every one of our 240,000 team members will find ways to grow their careers and improve themselves through the educational opportunities that Walgreens University will expand or introduce.”

With the university’s debut, the company is doubling its annual investment in employee education and development, and it plans to double the number of learning opportunities for team members through expanded online classes and regional training sessions and in Deerfield campus classrooms.

Over 100 courses will be available through one of the few corporate training programs to offer college credit for certain classes, including pharmacy technician training and management and retail fundamentals.

“To meet our company goals, we need a workforce that learns and grows every day through opportunities available when, where and how each individual needs it,” said Wilson-Thompson. “We aim to be the best in our industry for employee education and training, and among the best of all major American corporations.

Education providers to Walgreens University include Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, offering a customized MBA program; University of Maryland University College (UMUC); Webster University; the University of Phoenix; and DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management. Tuition discounts of 10% to 25% will be available to many Walgreens employees, and UMUC’s 25% discount will also be available to employee spouses and dependents.

The Walgreens learning and development team — led by Warren Lindley, divisional vice president for organizational design and effectiveness — built the university curriculum and system of instruction after extensive consultation with Walgreens leadership and external experts.