March 28, 2005
Harding MBA offerings now available entirely online
SEARCY - The Master of Business Administration offering online has been approved and will be available beginning in August, Harding University officials announced Monday.Though the online component has existed since the program began in 1998, it was previously limited to 49 percent. Students now have the option of completing 100 percent of the degree online.
"It's exciting that we're providing a mix of opportunity to meet the demand," says program director Allen Figley. "We didn't have that flexibility before."
While the "ground programs" on the Searcy and North Little Rock, Ark., campuses will continue, students may now take as many online classes as they choose.
Classes are offered on a rotational basis and last six weeks. There are six entry points per academic year (two per semester) by which students may begin working toward an MBA degree. The degree may be completed in as little as 12 months.
Figley says the practitioner-focused MBA program appeals to a diverse group of students, some of whom want to learn more about investing and managing their money, and others who seek career advancement.
He is also excited about the global opportunities that may exist in conjunction with the University's International Program offerings in six locations, including Australia, Chile, England, France/Switzerland, Greece and Italy. Explains Figley, "Jeff Hopper [dean of International Programs] held a reception at the campus in Greece at Thanksgiving, and there was a lot of interest in the online MBA program. This will allow us to springboard off International Programs since we already have market recognition."
The program also anticipates 20 MBA students this fall from China through the Sino-American Studies Institute, which further expands the global network.
"It is an opportunity to expand the reach of the mission of Harding University beyond geographical boundaries," he says.
For more information, visit www.harding.edu/mba, e-mail mba@harding.edu, or call (501) 279-5789.
