MBA program at UW-Stevens Point clears final hurdle

 Comments Off on MBA program at UW-Stevens Point clears final hurdle
Kevin Neuman, head of the UW-Stevens Point School of Business and Economics, meets with students Abbey Johnson (left) and Hannah Champion about the new MBA program.

Those interested in pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Applied Leadership and Decision-Making at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point may now apply.

Applications will be accepted as of Friday, Nov. 2, for the first year of the program, which begins September 2019. The Higher Learning Commission, UW-Stevens Point’s accrediting body, has approved the program.

By focusing on applied leadership and decision-making, this MBA program is unlike others, said Lyna Matesi, MBA director and assistant professor of management in the UW-Stevens Point School of Business and Economics. “Our focus is on skill development. It’s not just theory, it’s a practical, useful, career-ready program.”

The program is skills-based and flexible, said Kevin Neuman, head of the School of Business and Economics. “Students will build a portfolio in each class with projects and experience-based learning.”

An MBA can be completed in as few as 12 to 24 months. Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree may begin their MBA immediately, and complete both in five years at UW-Stevens Point. New bachelor’s programs in finance, management and marketing add to undergraduate programs in business administration and accounting.

“The bachelor’s and graduate programs complement each other to create a package of business education that serves the needs of the regional business community,” Neuman said.

A part-time MBA option will also be available over a 24-month period.

Among the benefits of UW-Stevens Point’s MBA program, students can attend evening classes taught locally in combined-in person and online formats. They will make professional connections through classes, projects, networking events and mentoring with business leaders. “We’re excited to have UW-Stevens Point at Wausau play a primary role,” Neuman said.

Classes are developed by educators with industry experience to meet skills employers need, Matesi said, including three courses in business and regional economic development. “Students will gain marketable skills in the most sought-after areas of business, including analytics, communication, economics, finance, leadership, management and marketing,”

The MBA degree was developed with input from the School of Business and Economics Business Advisory Council, which includes influential business leaders and employers in the region.

When fully implemented, the MBA program will generate enough tuition revenue to cover its costs. It will be staffed using currently available resources.

UW-Stevens Point earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for its School of Business and Economics undergraduate program in spring 2017, a distinction earned by less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide. UW-Stevens Point will pursue AACSB accreditation for the MBA program.

To learn more, visit the MBA webpage or attend one of several information sessions beginning in November. Please email sbemba@uwsp.edu with inquiries.

Related News