School of Business launches online MBA program for fall 2015

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Business will begin offering a fully online Master of Business Administration program this fall.

The program is designed for working professionals interested in advancing their careers through graduate management education without having to be present on campus.

“The online MBA program opens up a significant new opportunity for students from all over the state, the nation and the world to connect to KU for a premier management education,” said Catherine Shenoy, director of MBA programs. “We are very excited about extending our MBA to a broader group.”

Shenoy also said the online MBA program is well-suited for anyone wanting to make a career change, regardless of whether a student has a background in business.

The online MBA program is administered in partnership with Everspring Inc., an educational design, technology and services provider that partners with leading universities to move their programs online. The partnership enables the School of Business to bring its leading MBA programs to students around the world using Everspring’s online platform and services.

“I’m excited to be working with KU School of Business faculty to design dynamic, innovative learning experiences that access the powerful Jayhawk community around the globe,” said Karen Baldeschwieler, Everspring's chief learning officer.

U.S. News & World Report ranks the KU Working Professional MBA program as 39th in the nation among public programs and ranks the full-time program among the top 10 in career placement. The online MBA program complements these MBA programs.

Dee Steinle, administrative director of master’s programs, said the online program not only brings the KU MBA to a wider audience, but it also reflects a movement to offer more online education options.

“Our primary objective in the online MBA is to preserve the quality and exceptional student experience offered in our full-time and working professional programs and translate that into the online realm,” she said. “As more educational programs move online, we are pleased that the KU MBA will be front and center.”

The online MBA requires 42 credit hours, designed to be completed in two years, and includes options for specialization in finance, marketing, and management and leadership.

The program will offer three-credit-hour courses and is designed for students to take one class at a time in succession.

For more information, visit onlinemba.ku.edu or contact online admissions at 855-639-7799. Applications are now being accepted for enrollment in fall 2015.