Business school unveils new Working Professional MBA program

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas City professionals looking to advance their career have an option tailored specifically to their needs as the University of Kansas School of Business announces its new Working Professional MBA program.

The Working Professional MBA program, taught at KU’s Overland Park campus, will be unveiled Nov. 30 at the KU men’s basketball game at the Sprint Center in Kansas City.

“The MBA is a flagship of every excellent business school, and the retooled Working Professional MBA program solidifies that mission here at KU,” said Neeli Bendapudi, dean of the School of Business. “The new curriculum allows us to bring our esteemed research faculty to Kansas City professionals looking to enhance their long-term career goals while giving them the flexibility of finishing an MBA at their own pace.”

The program is a revamp of KU’s existing MBA for Kansas City professionals and is designed for those looking to advance their career, or make a career change, while continuing to work full-time. The MBA program is one of only three AACSB-accredited MBA programs in the Kansas City region, and the only MBA program taught by AAU research faculty.

The 42 credit-hour program is divided into three units: core business courses, advanced core courses and elective courses, and students can complete the program in two years. Students will gain a solid foundation of business practices in 24 credit-hours of core coursework.

MBA students will then choose eight credit-hours of an advanced core focus in marketing, management or finance. The program ends with 10 credit-hours of elective courses students can choose to enhance their expertise in a variety of fields. The flexible course schedule is taught by a combination KU’s research faculty and industry professionals.

“Our School of Business faculty set the University of Kansas Working Professional MBA program apart from its peers,” said Catherine Shenoy, director of MBA programs. “As an AAU research institution, our faculty are thought leaders and they work with companies here in Kansas and around the world to come up with new solutions to the thorny problems faced by managers today.”

In addition, students may choose to earn a graduate certificate with their 10 hours of elective credit in one of the following areas: human resources management, marketing, supply chain management, investments, strategic management, international business management, and valuation.

“Students are able to use elective content to earn a graduate certificate in a variety of areas,” said Dee Steinle, administrative director of master’s programs. “The curriculum has also been streamlined to better accommodate working professionals. Courses are scheduled to form loose cohorts of MBA students, thereby enhancing networking opportunities, however flexibility remains and students can set their own pace to completion.”

Students in the working professional program will have access to a number of enrichment opportunities to enhance their degree, including professional development, international study opportunities and access to KU’s vast alumni network.

“We encourage business professionals in the Kansas City area to take a look at our new program,” Steinle said. “We believe they will like what they see.”

The new program will take effect fall 2013.