Concordia University MBA: Coming to a Company Near You

Orange County Business Journal, Aug 6-Aug 12, 2007

Concordia University is launching newly formatted off-campus MBA programs this fall. Through these programs, the university hopes to take its programs beyond the classroom and into real Orange County businesses.

While most business schools include MBA programs that are focused on management for mid-career adults, Concordia is providing mid-level professionals with the business skills that help build careers in this no-nonsense program taught by business practitioners.

"It is very different from the traditional MBA," Bruce Hanson, MBA program director said. The program has "a project-driven curriculum as an investment for corporations (and not just as a benefit for their employees). We will tailor our MBA to fit the needs of the company and its industry!"

These programs are also tailored to fit into the lives, needs and budgets of the students. Convenience is a key component in Concordia's new MBA. Students will complete their degree after two years of classes meeting one evening per week, or two Saturdays a month. With multiple location options, scheduled breaks, and a class schedule respectful of your life, Concordia's MBA program is designed for the working individual.

Students will also get the convenience of an online program without sacrificing quality or personal attention of Concordia's traditional MBA.

Networking opportunities

A regionally-based MBA will also provide students a powerful networking environment by basing the program in the local community, fostering the collaboration of a team of working professionals, and recruiting successful, experienced business leaders as professors.

The faculty and staff are very helpful," said Annette Buhr, commercial property manager at the Irvine Company. "Along with the small class size and real world application of learning, I anticipate much success in the MBA program that will spill over into my current and future job environments."

An wise investment

In addition to its convenience and quality, Concordia University's MBA program comes with an affordable price tag. At less than half the cost of other local MBA programs, students can propel their careers to the next level without breaking the bank.

While loans and payment plans are available, Concordia University will work with companies providing tuition assistance or reimbursement to make the students' MBA investment possible.

And it is truly an investment, as alumnus and Verizon Wireless employee Joseph DeFiore will attest. "I see my Concordia MBA as a cornerstone for my career," DeFiore said. "What I am learning today is making a difference in the way I see myself in the business environment."

Company executives and individual students can learn more about the opportunity to host or enroll in Concordia University's new MBA program by contacting Jen Merk, MBA Executive Program Coordinator, at the Graduate Information Office. Email her at jmerk@graduateprogram.org or call (800)948-9806.

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