The Master of Business Administration, Executive Track program is designed to serve the needs of experienced managers from industrial, financial, nonprofit, and small business, as well as the public sector, and allows them to earn an MBA degree while continuing their working career.
A Saturdays-only class format allows participants to complete a general MBA in six trimesters (2.0 years) or a specialized MBA in eight trimesters (three years) at a convenient time and location. A lock-step format, in which members of each class begin the program at the same time, take all the required courses together, and typically complete the program as a group, facilitates the formation of long-term study groups, extends a peer group or cohort experience to the participants, and creates a long-lasting network which develops both business and social contacts. Limited class size with careful selection of participants insures a wide variety of professional backgrounds. Such a learning forum provides exposure to peers from all organizational settings in a cohesive, networking environment.
Master of Business Administration, Executive Track (MBA) - Hybrid/Blended option
In addition to providing the same value, rigor, and quality as the traditional MBA, Executive Track, the Hybrid/Blended option provides additional flexibility to working professionals. The faculty members will meet the students for seven of the 14 Saturdays in a semester. Typically, weeks 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, and 14 of a semester will be in class and weeks 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 13 would be online. In any given semester, two courses are taught concurrently, and the two faculty members will meet the students in class on the same seven weeks as identified above. The remaining seven modules are placed online; the students can work on them at their convenience. This may include watching lectures and other videos, reading papers/articles/cases, completing assignments, etc. The two faculty members will be available for asynchronous communication during the week and for synchronous communication at pre-specified times during the weekends.
The MBA, Executive Track program offered by IUP constitutes a demanding experience for participants. The program prepares each individual to accept increased responsibilities in general management. The curriculum offers broad training in foundations of management and basic analytical techniques while exposing students to contemporary management tools and technologies. The prevailing theme of the program is the emphasis on strategic decision-making in a changing global environment.
Admission Criteria
Completed accredited undergraduate degree in any field with a grade point average of 2.6 or higher, a GMAT score of 450+ (for applicants with 4+ years professional work experience submission of GMAT scores is optional). Participants who have not had recent academic training are expected to update their mathematical skills concurrent with, or before beginning, the MBA, Executive Track program.
In addition to completing all the application requirements of IUP Graduate School, applicants to MBA-Executive track must submit a copy of their recent resume.
Program Requirements
The program will include a one-day, mandatory, on-campus orientation period for all students. Students will be introduced to graduate faculty and will be exposed to campus-based facilities and resources. Students will have an opportunity in a social setting to discuss program objectives/characteristics with graduate faculty and the administration of the college. Thirty-three semester hours of MBA course work are required for the general MBA degree. Up to nine semester hours of MBA, Executive Track prerequisites are to be completed before starting graduate-level course work for students who do not have business background.
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