Grand Valley offers first AACSB-accredited full-time MBA

Grand Valley State University is offering a first-of-a-kind master’s program that guarantees study abroad, a paid fellowship and a stint in Washington, D.C.

Grand Valley’s Seidman College of Business is taking applications for this new, full-time Master of Business Administration program. This integrated and accredited program is the first in West Michigan. The accelerated program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and is designed to give students experiences that will jump-start their careers and provide immediate opportunities for them as business leaders.

The 14-month program is unique in several ways. It is designed for recently graduated business students. Unlike traditional MBA programs, the new program is integrated in nature, using the full business cycle as a framework for lesson plans. Faculty will team teach their subjects so topics such as raising capital, product launch, and operational management are integrated into their coursework.

Each student is guaranteed a paid fellowship which will run parallel with classes. This provides students an opportunity to immediately apply the knowledge they’ve gained through their studies.

Students will also attend the Washington Campus Program in Washington, D.C., to gain knowledge of the inner workings of the American political system and deepen their understanding of the relationship between business and government.

Each student will also participate in a study abroad experience during a module focusing on international business. There is no extra fee to study abroad; the cost is built into the tuition.

“This program offers cutting-edge business knowledge developed in collaboration with business leaders,” said H. James Williams, dean of the Seidman College of Business. “Grand Valley is offering a unique opportunity in West Michigan, which will take students into area business, Washington and across the globe.”

Sridhar Sundaram, chair of the Finance Department, led the development of the program content. “The goal of this full-time MBA program is not just to teach students advanced business knowledge, but to create a uniquely skilled professional,” he said.

The deadline for applications is April 15, 2011; the first cohort is limited to 30 students. The program begins June 27, 2011. Students interested in the program should call (616) 331-7400 or visit www.gvsu.edu/fimba.

Media can contact the Seidman College of Business at (616) 331-7100 or GVSU News and Information Services at (616) 331-2221.