College of Business Administration to offer new graduate programs

Released on 03/12/2014, at 2:00 AM
Office of University Communications
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln, Neb., March 12th, 2014 —

            The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Business Administration will begin offering two new graduate programs with specializations in business administration and intercollegiate athletics administration in fall 2014.

            The college also created two new graduate certificate programs in business analytics and supply-chain management. All four programs are designed to meet current and emerging business demands in the global marketplace.

            "I am excited about these new additions to our masters programs," said Donde Plowman, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business Administration. "All are examples of how we try to creatively respond to the changing needs for post-graduate education."

            The new master of arts in business with a specialization in business administration (MABA) is an 11-month, accelerated program targeted to recent graduates of undergraduate programs. It is designed to offer students the rigorous study of all functional areas of business with a focus on the strategic business framework and communication and teamwork skills necessary to achieve success. The program includes 10 courses for a total of 36 credit hours, including a required internship.

            The full-time, on-campus program is cohort-based, so students start and stay together through graduation, affording them the opportunity to form lasting business and professional relationships. The first cohort begins in the fall.

            "The MABA is an accelerated approach to traditional graduate business education. The program will meet needs of those who want to quickly get a Big Ten master's degree and start their next chapter prepared for today's business challenges," said Gordon Karels, associate dean for research and graduate programs.

            The master of arts in business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletics administration program combines CBA faculty and athletics expertise. It provides students with an immersive experience that blends classroom instruction and real-world experience through a guaranteed internship with the UNL Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. The on-campus program, which requires 36 credit hours, can be completed within two years.

            Graduates of the program, which also starts this fall, will have knowledge of general business issues and an understanding of collegiate and professional sports business concerns.

            "This new master's program combines the best from the Athletics Department and the College of Business Administration," said Dennis Leblanc, senior associate athletic director for academics. "The business knowledge gained in the classroom combined with the experience in athletics will provide students graduating from our program with a definite competitive edge."

            The graduate business analytics certificate program prepares business leaders to solve specific business problems by analyzing big data. The certificate's curriculum includes four online courses. Those interested are encouraged to apply to enroll now for current course offerings.

            The supply chain management graduate certificate was designed to empower professionals to address the needs of the ever-evolving global marketplace by sharpening their analytic skills while they learn to leverage relevant technology to make supply chains faster and more efficient. Its curriculum also includes four online courses.

            Both the graduate certificate programs are ideal for business professionals who want to be able to make better business decisions based on understanding the data available to them, Plowman said.

            "Students in these programs will have a competitive edge," she said.

            The graduate business analytics and supply-chain management programs accommodate current students as well as business professionals. Students enrolled in masters programs at UNL could add the courses to their curriculum and earn a business minor. Current MBA students would earn a specialization. Business professionals not enrolled at UNL could earn a graduate certificate in business analytics or supply-chain management.

            Enrollment is open in each program. For more information, call 402-472-2338 or go to http://cba.unl.edu/gradprograms.

News Release Contacts: