Kent State University’s MBA program is now accelerated — offering an accredited postgraduate degree in about half the time
Deborah F. Spake, dean of Kent State University’s College of Business Administration, recently announced the accelerated MBA program that will allow students to complete an accredited postgraduate degree in about half the time of traditional programs. Through its extensive research, Kent State discovered the time and money savings the accelerated program will bring are a big draw for busy professionals trying to balance work and family life while advancing their careers.
Spake talked with Smart Business about the program, how it differs from other programs and the research that went into its development.
SB: Kent State University’s accelerated MBA program is designed in part on the needs of today’s professionals. What did Kent State learn from these findings and how did the findings inform the creation of this program?
DS: We learned that our MBA program was rather lengthy in terms of the credit hour requirement relative to other modern MBA programs. We also discovered that for working professionals, MBA programs that offer flexibility and allow a professional to complete a degree in a timely manner were major priorities.
Based on our findings, we’ve developed an MBA program with an accelerated format and updated coursework, including fewer electives to take. Also, students now have the power to choose whether to add concentrations or not. The streamlined model is more in line with what a modern MBA program should look like.
After conducting an assessment of the market, looking at accredited MBA programs in the region and institutions that are considered peer or aspirant, we found that many of these programs are based in highly competitive environments that are in or near urban areas.
We also examined our University’s historical data to understand the people who we’ve attracted with our MBA program previously and those who have inquired about our program but went elsewhere. We factored in who we won, who we lost and where those we lost went. We also explored national trends.
SB: What does Kent State’s accelerated MBA program offer?
DS: The accelerated MBA program will be mostly two credit hour courses offered in modules over an eight-week period, versus an entire semester. Using this format, students can complete the curriculum more quickly.
SB: How does the new accelerated program compare to Kent State’s previous MBA program?
DS: Because we’re decreasing the credit hours, the time it takes to earn a degree is much faster. The program can be finished in a year, which brings down the cost. The pricing won’t change. It is still based on credit hours, but it can be completed in half the time.
SB: Why should someone who would like to pursue an MBA consider Kent State’s accelerated MBA program?
DS: We are an accredited program, both in business and accounting. Not all MBA programs are. We rank among some of the top programs in the country according to the Princeton Review. With this format change, we’ll also be less expensive and offer a shorter time to degree completion.
SB: What will students get with the accelerated program that they can’t get elsewhere?
DS: This is an opportunity to earn an accredited MBA degree in an accelerated period of time. In our current market, we will now provide the MBA degree with the quickest time to completion.
We have very qualified faculty who come from all over the world — 16 countries — to teach here. Our instructors bring a global perspective to their classrooms. Many faculty, in addition to holding a doctorate, held professional positions, so they have real-world business experience to impart. They’re deliberate about bringing practitioners into the classroom — from entrepreneurs to corporate executives. We also have a diverse student population, representing 50 countries.
The MBA program is supported with a dedicated Career Services Office within the college with career advisers who work with graduate students, so there’s counseling available with the curriculum, as well as professional development and career coaching.
SB: What are the concentrations available in the new program?
DS: Our concentrations include finance, economics, marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship and information systems. We also offer dual degrees with five other programs on campus, making it possible to earn a masters and an MBA in select disciplines simultaneously.
SB: When will the program be open for enrollment?
DS: Students can apply now at business.kent.edu.
