MBA program redesigned to better prepare students
June 08, 2006
In the wake of declining interest in MBA programs nationwide, PLU has redesigned its graduate-level business curriculum to improve its relevancy in the rapidly changing global business environment.
MBA candidates enrolling this fall will be the first to study under the new curriculum. The new approach features four “cornerstones” – leadership, innovation, global awareness and ethical responsibility. The cornerstones are threaded throughout coursework in three areas of emphasis: technology and innovation management; health care management; and, entrepreneurship and closely held business.
According to the national Graduate Management Admission Council, applications to MBA programs nationwide have been on the decline since 2002. The trend began to reverse itself in 2005, with part-time and “executive” programs now particularly appealing to today’s MBA candidate.
PLU’s MBA program was designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering evening courses. The average student age in the program is 31.
“We’re excited to be offering a fresh approach to what remains a very valuable degree,” said Andy Turner, acting dean the PLU School of Business.
The program has changed from a four-credit model to a three-credit model, with 45 credits required to graduate, down from 48 under the old program. The PLU MBA has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International) since 1976.
The newly redesigned program also draws on the university’s position as a leader in international education. The PLU MBA is the only AACSB-accredited part-time program in the West that requires international study. The international experience is integrated with introductory coursework in global business perspectives and may be completed at any time during the 20-month program.
“For years, academia was lagging behind industry in training and cultivating future leaders – innovation was not happening in school, but in the workplace,” Turner said. “With the new coursework, the international component and faculty with strong industry experience, our new program addresses those issues.”
All the courses in the program are newly designed and include an emphasis on technology that takes advantage of the advanced design of the new Morken Center for Learning and Technology, home to the School of Business. The new approach also rebalances the curriculum, placing greater emphasis on marketing and finance, while making room for courses such as conflict and negotiation, in response to student and employer needs.
Students may begin classes at any of three “entry points” throughout the year – fall, spring and summer terms.
The redesign was supported by a $50,000 grant from State Farm Companies Foundation, which was also a leading supporter in construction of the Morken Center. The grant was designed to help faculty redesign the courses and to allow them to receive specialized training on integrating technology in class and exploring new ways of teaching.
To learn more, visit www.plu.edu/mba.
According to the national Graduate Management Admission Council, applications to MBA programs nationwide have been on the decline since 2002. The trend began to reverse itself in 2005, with part-time and “executive” programs now particularly appealing to today’s MBA candidate.
PLU’s MBA program was designed to meet the needs of working professionals by offering evening courses. The average student age in the program is 31.
“We’re excited to be offering a fresh approach to what remains a very valuable degree,” said Andy Turner, acting dean the PLU School of Business.
The program has changed from a four-credit model to a three-credit model, with 45 credits required to graduate, down from 48 under the old program. The PLU MBA has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International) since 1976.
The newly redesigned program also draws on the university’s position as a leader in international education. The PLU MBA is the only AACSB-accredited part-time program in the West that requires international study. The international experience is integrated with introductory coursework in global business perspectives and may be completed at any time during the 20-month program.
“For years, academia was lagging behind industry in training and cultivating future leaders – innovation was not happening in school, but in the workplace,” Turner said. “With the new coursework, the international component and faculty with strong industry experience, our new program addresses those issues.”
All the courses in the program are newly designed and include an emphasis on technology that takes advantage of the advanced design of the new Morken Center for Learning and Technology, home to the School of Business. The new approach also rebalances the curriculum, placing greater emphasis on marketing and finance, while making room for courses such as conflict and negotiation, in response to student and employer needs.
Students may begin classes at any of three “entry points” throughout the year – fall, spring and summer terms.
The redesign was supported by a $50,000 grant from State Farm Companies Foundation, which was also a leading supporter in construction of the Morken Center. The grant was designed to help faculty redesign the courses and to allow them to receive specialized training on integrating technology in class and exploring new ways of teaching.
To learn more, visit www.plu.edu/mba.