NDSU has updated its Master of Business Administration program to meet the changing needs of companies and working professionals. According to Karen Froelich, NDSU professor of management and MBA program director, technology is being used to broaden access to the program.
"MBAs are important because businesses require cutting-edge perspectives to stay competitive; they need employees with a solid educational foundation to make sound decisions," Froelich explained. "But, at the same time, working professionals are busy with their jobs and personal lives. They want to invest in their careers – learn new things, increase their value to the company and make more contributions."
Accommodating those active schedules is key. NDSU’s MBA program has offered an evening program for years, and it is now turning to technology to provide additional opportunity.
Equipment is being installed in Barry Hall to enable individuals from virtually anywhere to participate in NDSU's MBA classes. The technology will be ready for classes this fall.
"Through the technology, people from across the country can access our program in a face-to-face way. No longer will you have to be within driving distance to be in class," Froelich explained.
Students in North Dakota can link to class through the state's Interactive Video Network, known as IVN, while students who are not at an IVN facility can access through their laptop computers.
NDSU's MBA program provides a rich, rewarding experience for participants. They work with respected faculty, and can build a network of valuable contacts – more than half of the students are working professionals from a variety of fields, about 25 percent are international students and NDSU MBA alumni are business leaders across the region and nation.
NDSU MBA students practice key executive-level skills in team interaction, professional communication and interpersonal relations while learning advanced business techniques and perspectives. They also participate in valuable projects for public and private entities.
"We are increasingly engaging students with experiential projects within the community," Froelich said. "For example, we currently have a student team working on a feasibility study for a new downtown Fargo concept and another group doing a case study with a local nonprofit."
Students also may work with simulation projects in class, or take a faculty-led study abroad trip to business centers such as Dubai, for greater hands-on experience.
In addition, there are opportunities for coursework in specialty areas – supply chain and logistics, computer science, project management, healthcare or agriculture – drawn from the expertise at NDSU and incorporated as electives within the MBA program.
"An MBA can really help with a person's career progress," Froelich said, noting NDSU's program is open to people of any undergraduate major. "You may have technical knowledge in a particular field, but an MBA gives you an understanding of the marketing, finance and management aspects of your organization. It provides more career options and facilitates promotions."
NDSU's College of Business is widely acknowledged for its quality and it is accredited by the AACSB - Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
For more information, contact Froelich at karen.froelich@ndsu.edu. You may apply for NDSU's MBA program at www.ndsu.edu/gradschool.
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