Online MBA seeing early success, offers courses every eight weeks

PUEBLO – Enrollment in the new online Master of Business Administration degree offered through the Hasan School of Business (HSB) at Colorado State University-Pueblo has exceeded expectations since its inception in early February, according to HSB Dean Dr. Bruce Raymond.

Raymond said the online MBA is one of the least expensive MBA programs in the nation and one of only a few fully online MBAs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Colorado. The program provides a degree program taught by HSB faculty for significantly less than the average total cost for an MBA degree.

Student Jennifer Quintana, who also serves as executive assistant to the CSU-Pueblo Vice President for Finance and Administration, said the online format made it possible for her to continue working full-time while attending classes.

“Without the online flexibility, I would not have pursued a master’s degree,” Quintana said. “The instructors are first-rate, accessible, and responsive, and the program is excellent. While still a few courses away from my degree, I feel well-prepared for the fast-paced and ever-changing business world.

Courses are offered in a seven-week format, which can be taken two at a time in order to complete all courses in one year. Students who choose to take one class at a time could finish the degree in two years. MBA Director Dr. Kristyn White Davis said the online degree option has been especially attractive to out-of-state and international students, who can achieve an AACSB-accredited MBA degree without having to incur the expense of moving to and living in Colorado. She said the first online MBA classes began in January with about 10 students, and the numbers in the program already have doubled.

Student Marcus Ornelas II, who works as an operations agent at the Colorado Springs Airport, said, “Professors want you to succeed in business and so have developed a curriculum that is inspiring and promotes great thinking.”  

White said in addition to professionals seeking to improve their credentials, on-campus students have been supplementing their loads with the on-line courses, providing the opportunity to complete courses more quickly. Feedback about the new format from both groups has been positive. The 2018 MBA courses are available now in order to enhance the scheduling options of this demanding market segment. White Davis already is admitting MBA students for 2018.

Interested individuals should contact White Davis at 719.549.2155 or Kristyn.white@csupueblo.edu in order to determine the need for leveling coursework as well as registration requirements.