May 21, 2009

Purdue, Anderson universities team up for graduate degree program

The degree program would allow students to earn a master of business administration from the Anderson University Falls School of Business and a master of science in technology from Purdue's College of Technology concurrently in 34 months.

Courses in the 56-hour program will be offered in the evenings at the Flagship Enterprise Center in Anderson. Some classes will be conducted via distance learning.

Mark Schuver, director of professional education in the College of Technology, said the degree program is designed for working professionals interested in expanding their skill set in business, management and technology.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for those in Anderson, Muncie, Noblesville, Fishers, Carmel, northeast Indianapolis and the surrounding area to earn two in-demand degrees in less time, and for less cost, than if they were to earn them both separately," he said. "With a rapidly changing economy and work force, it is important for workers to be as educated and adaptable as possible."

Schuver said the program is especially relevant for those working in technology-related industries who are interested in advancing both their technical and managerial knowledge.

The program will be offered one night a week from about 6-10:30 p.m. During that evening, two courses will be offered - one in technology and one in business.

"That is one important feature of this program," Schuver said. "Students will be learning both the business and technology subject matter at the same time. This will make the program feel more integrated and less like two separate programs."

Faculty from Purdue's College of Technology in both West Lafayette and Anderson will teach courses in the technology curriculum, and faculty from the Anderson University Falls School of Business will teach the business courses.

The program does not require a thesis, but students will be required to complete a capstone project.

The degree is offered by the Purdue College of Technology and coordinated by the Center 
for Professional Studies in Technology and Applied Research. The center was created earlier this year to coordinate and implement professional programs available through the College of Technology.

Those interested in the program should contact the Falls School of Business at Anderson University at 765-641-4362 or mba@anderson.edu. Students will be required to apply to both Anderson and Purdue universities. Applicants are strongly advised to apply before June 1, but applications will be accepted after that date.

Writer: Kim Medaris, 765-494-6998, kmedaris@purdue.edu

Source: Mark Schuver, 765-496-2094, mschuver@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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