Professionals who want to earn a MBA in Austin have a new choice.
Concordia University is launching a new MBA program, and it's making it easier for those who don't have an undergraduate degree in business. It takes into account professional work experience. It also has alternatives to taking classes students may have missed in undergraduate, by offering study guides online or on CD.
Concordia University is located on a picturesque campus not far from Lake Travis.
"Our mission at Concordia University is to develop christian leaders. What that means is to develop people who can literally lead with a world view that is for the common good," said Don Christian, dean of the College of Business.
It's doing that, in part, by starting a new MBA program designed for professionals who don't necessarily have a undergraduate business degree.
"A lot of people start a business because they love what they do. They get started with it and then hit a certain point and don't know how to grow the business," said Christian.
One night a week, for two years, MBA students will attend four hours of class. They will also have 15 to 20 hours our work outside the classroom.
It's a schedule that appeals to prospective student Kevin Overton-Hadnot.
"Having a set time, time to do everything will allow me to move forward and do graduate program as well as my church ministry and extra curricular actives," he said.
Plus, it moves him forward in his career.
"I believe my MBA will allow me to be more competitive in the job market and allow me to enhance my skills and tools that can be used in the future," he said.
Analytical tools and business skills stay with the school's mission -- leading for the common good.
"We're going to make a push for people working in not for profits.... We actually offer a discount in the MBA program for people who work full-time in not-for-profits. We want them to come and get those skills and do something significant," said Christian.
The MBA program is offered at both the main campus by Lake Travis, and in North Austin at 183 and North Lamar. The two-year program costs about $20,000 and is set-up so students work with the same group the whole time. The first class is in the fall.
