NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Master of Business Administration program at Stephen F. Austin State University is ranked in the top 50 most affordable M.B.A. programs in the nation, according to Top Management Degrees, an online business education career guide.
"The M.B.A. program at SFA is very affordable, especially compared to many of our competitors around Texas and the U.S.," said Dr. Mikhail Kouliavtsev, Master of Business Administration program director. "We aim to serve business professionals in the East Texas region, providing them with the tools, knowledge and credentials to either jumpstart or advance their careers."
Dr. Tim Bisping, dean of the Nelson Rusche College of Business, agrees the program is not only affordable, but also has great value for students.
"I am happy to see that our M.B.A. program has received this important recognition," Bisping said. "The excellent curriculum, combined with top faculty members and affordable tuition, certainly makes our program an excellent value."
Top Management Degrees analyzed more than 500 schools accredited in the U.S. by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, according to PR Newswire.
Kouliavtsev explained this accreditation is the most prestigious international accreditation organization and it is a distinction shared by about 700 universities worldwide. In order to receive the accreditation, faculty members, curriculum and other academic aspects of the business programs must maintain a high standard.
Currently, there are approximately 40 students enrolled in SFA's Master of Business Administration program in the Nelson Rusche College of Business. While many of the courses are offered online, the majority of the program is delivered in the traditional classroom format, Kouliavtsev said.
"We find our current students prefer the in-class interaction with classmates and faculty members to the strictly online format, but online delivery of our program is something we continue to explore for the future," Kouliavtsev said.
Most of the M.B.A. classes are offered in the evening, allowing professionals to continue to work while pursuing their education. The degree is flexible, meaning students can choose the pace at which they want to complete their degree. Applicants who hold a bachelor's degree and meet admission standards are accepted into the program regardless of their undergraduate major.
Also, each student's degree plan is customized to his or her background. Students are required to take 30 semester hours of core courses. Electives can be tailored to meet the student's interests or career. Kouliavtsev said many students have opted for a study abroad experience to fulfill elective requirements. Students also can branch out and enroll in courses outside of the Rusche College of Business that will complement their skillset.
"Our M.B.A. program reflects the Rusche College of Business' student-centered mission with the program's flexible course offerings and customized degree plans," Bisping said. "Our goal is to equip students to become leaders in their chosen careers, and this program is one of the tools we are utilizing to help our students be successful."
For more information on SFA's Master of Business Administration program, visit http://www.sfasu.edu/cob/mba.asp.
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