SOM to offer online MBA
Program is one of few that can be completed entirely online

By JOHN DELLA CONTRADA
Reporter Contributor

The School of Management and the Institute for EntrepreneurshipSM have launched an Online MBA program designed for busy entrepreneurs and executives.

Developed by the School of Management in conjunction with the Albany-based Institute for Entre-preneurshipSM, the 48-credit, degree-granting Online MBA program features a Web-based curriculum designed to be compatible with the busy schedules of entrepreneurs and executives.

The program, which is supported by $200,000 in state funding arranged by Sen. Mary Lou Rath, is one of the few MBA programs in the nation that can be completed entirely online. The program is also the first of its kind within the SUNY system.

"This program is ideal for the growing population of executive road warriors, dot-com kids, global managers and others whose educational needs and lifestyles are not served by traditional, on-campus MBA programs," said Lewis Mandell, dean of the School of Management.

"It is particularly suited for people employed in today's frenetic '24/7' business environment because it enables them to begin and complete courses and assignments 'anywhere at anytime,' via personal computer or laptop."

J. Felix Strevell, chairman and CEO of the Institute for Entrepreneurship, said the institute is proud to partner with the School of Management to offer this innovative program.

"Together we have developed a top-notch MBA program for entrepreneurs and executives who have little or no time to attend classes or meet with fellow students, as is required by most traditional MBA programs and by many online MBA programs," Strevell said.

Noted Rath: "The Online MBA program redefines the concepts of education and learning. The attainment of a high-quality MBA now will be based solely on skills and knowledge, and not incumbent upon the ability of a student to physically sit in a classroom-which can be very difficult in our fast paced world.

"I am very proud to be part of this successful partnership with the University at Buffalo's School of Management and the Institute for Entrepreneurship. The Online MBA will establish Western New York as a world leader in the international education and business communities."

The Online MBA program is open to qualified applicants worldwide and can be completed within two to five years, depending on the pace of the student. At the conclusion of the program, students will be required to pass a comprehensive exam at a secured test site, after which they will have earned an MBA degree from UB.

Tuition for the entire program is $10,200 for New York State residents and $16,832 for others, making it one of the most competitively priced MBA programs in the world.

Mandell said the program will be "open for business" in January and expects 100 students to be enrolled by next June. He projected that the number of enrolled students will climb to 1,000 by the end of 2001.

The program's curriculum consists of 16 courses developed by School of Management faculty, which require completion of online assignments and exams, participation in online group projects and regular email correspondence with professors. Included are courses of particular interest to entrepreneurs and overseas executives, such as courses in e-commerce and international business.

The academic rigor and admission requirements for the Online MBA program are identical to those of the campus-based MBA programs and are consistent with the standards of nationally ranked business schools. The prerequisites for admission include previous professional work experience, a competitive score on the Graduate Management Admissions Test and a minimum score on a test of English language for international students.

For more information about the Online MBA program, visit the School of Management Web site at http://www.mgt.buffalo.edu.

The Institute for Entrepre-neurshipSM is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves entrepreneurs from the United States and worldwide. Its mission is to bring excellence to entrepreneurs of all ages through education, innovation and access to capital, worldwide. Headquartered in Albany, the institute provides Web-based degree and certificate programs to entrepreneurs worldwide through partnerships with colleges and universities.