UConn Launching Online Advanced Business Degree Program

STORRS, CT — The University of Connecticut's business school will launch an Online MBA program in the fall. The program was officially adopted at Wednesday's board of trustees meeting.

The move is aimed at, "increasing accessibility for prospective graduate students while still providing the rigor, prestige, and benefits of an in-person UConn MBA degree," school officials said.

The OMBA program will start with a "40-member cohort" in late August with applications being accepted starting in March.

"Employers are looking for MBA graduates who can lead in this rapidly changing business landscape and address the evolving needs of the work force," said John Elliott,the dean of the UConn School of Business. "Our full-time, part-time, and executive MBA programs have always been enormously popular, but we recognize that some of our prospective students are eager for a more flexible educational option. UConn is uniquely poised to do this in an efficient and engaging way. With our experienced faculty, business partners, alumni network and resources, we have created a high-quality, life-transformative program."

The School of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is considered the gold-standard of business school accreditation. The AACSB award, according to UConn officials, assures students that a business program has met strict standards set by external regulators.

"To excel in business leadership today, an MBA is essential,” said Jose Cruz, the associate dean of graduate programs at the business school. "Our business faculty members are excited to use their expertise to provide courses in this new format. For students, this is an opportunity to broaden their knowledge, accelerate their careers and their earnings, develop a wide network of business colleagues, and be able to empower their future."

Mia Hawlk, who is the OMBA program director, said great care has been taken to provide an engaging experience for students, which includes synchronous classes on Monday evenings.

"We've taken the time to develop an outstanding program that meets the needs of a very changed workforce," she said. "It’s the same great MBA program, but in another format. We are using the same faculty and will provide extensive online support in the areas of career coaching, networking, academic advisement and alumni mentorship for our OMBA students."

She said she anticipates "tremendous interest" among UConn alumni but also a strong response from those who earned their undergraduate degrees elsewhere.

"We're creating a community of learners," Hawlk said. "Online education, if not done properly, can feel disconnected, but we’ve emphasized engagement and synchronized learning. We anticipate this program being very well received."

The three-year OMBA program will offer concentrations in Business Analytics, Management, Digital Marketing and Finance. Admission to the program requires a minimum of two years of substantive work experience.

GMAT/GRE scores are optional, UConn officials said.