Nov. 20, 2019

Augustana University plans to begin offering two versions of a Master of Business Administration, or MBA degree.

One will allow undergraduates to add a year following their four-year experience to obtain an MBA, and the other is a two-year option designed for working professionals.

The program is part of the university’s vision for its academic programs and “follows an intensive study regarding regional and national employment data, as well as feedback received from the Sioux Falls business community and alumni,” Augustana said in a statement.

The university will accept online applications for the MBA program beginning in December through Feb. 15, 2020.

Beginning in the fall of 2020, the 4+1 option will provide undergraduate students the ability to earn both their bachelor’s degree and an MBA in five years. The first cohort will be limited to 18 students.

In the summer of 2021, a two-year program for working professionals will begin. It will be offered as a hybrid program – delivered both online and in the classroom. It will provide added convenience to working adults who want the flexibility of online courses while having a classroom experience with peers and faculty, Augustana said.

“Students are very interested in moving up in their organizations, and they want to lead,” said Jaciel Keltgen, assistant professor of business. “Our feasibility study showed that an MBA program is in high demand.”

Unique to the MBA degree is a Leadership Academy where students will be aligned with mentors who are leaders in their respected fields. The vision is to provide an invaluable link between academic theories and on-the-job realities to build on community-integrated learning to address public and business needs, the university said.

“Our advisory board, consisting of professionals throughout the state, provided important feedback about what is expected from graduates,” Keltgen said. “A lot of business leaders know about the outstanding education and quality of students at Augustana, and that’s why we see 100 percent placement for our business majors.”

Courses will involve academic areas such as communication, economics and management information systems with an underlying focus on leadership and integrity. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate these skills through mentorship and service opportunities in the community.

“We are very proud of the fact that Augustana’s business graduates are highly recruited and hired for positions related to their major or their chosen field of interest,” said Colin Irvine, Augustana senior vice president of academic affairs and dean of the university.

“We are especially pleased that our students, who work closely in and out of the classroom with Augustana’s renowned and caring professors, are building a solid foundation of professional knowledge while developing vital skills related to such areas as critical thinking, communications and leadership.”

The MBA program joins the Master of Professional Accountancy and Master of Arts in Sports Administration and Leadership in Augustana’s graduate business program, plus four other master’s degree programs at the university.

To learn more about the Augustana MBA program or request more information, visit augie.edu/mba.

Editor’s note: The dates for the application process have been corrected since this article was first published.