Guilford, in conjunction with the UNCG Bryan School of Business, has initiated a program that allows MBA-bound Guilford business majors to take graduate-level courses taught by UNCG professors. For the first time since the college offered a master’s degree in religious studies in the 1960s, Guilford is offering master’s-level coursework to students on campus.”The business department is aware that graduating seniors are going to leave Guilford and go on,” said department chair Deena Burris. “So, even though Guilford does not offer an MBA, the department has the best interests of the student in mind.”

This collaboration, after three years of planning and preparation, started this semester allowing students two options: the day program targets traditional students without job experience while the evening program focuses on students with prior workplace experience.

“If you take these classes at Guilford, you can skip them at UNCG,” Burris said.

By reducing the number of credits needed at UNCG, from 48 to 30, students can save a year in time and money. Tuition costs for this coursework averages around $6,500.

“Knowing that after graduating from Guilford, I can achieve an MBA in just 15 months . well let’s just say the light at the end of the tunnel has now been turned back on!” said senior Robyn Brown, who is currently enrolled in the first graduate-level course offered.

Brown is the only student enrolled in the 450 level class this semester, Ethics, Public Policy and Business. However, several students have signed on to the newly formed pre-MBA track.

“I believe there would have been more participants (this semester) had they known about these classes sooner,” Brown said. “Most of the students I’ve talked to said that they already had their semester planned. For most CCE students, planning a semester involves planning around jobs, family, etc. It can be difficult to change plans on such short notice.”

Potential students must complete the Bryan MBA program application. Part of that application requires completed undergraduate courses taken at Guilford.

However, admission to the program is not a requirement to take the graduate level classes at Guilford. Applicants must be classified as a senior with a GPA of 2.8 or higher.

Some CCE students in the business program know that a bachelor’s degree will not take them where they want to go.

“Getting a masters degree is necessary for me accomplish what I want to do,” said Steven Hill, junior CCE student.

Even though this program is only available to seniors, underclassmen can plan ahead. “Business majors have extra credit hours,” said Burris advising them to work-in the graduate electives.

“(Students) still have time to register for the next class offered,” said CCE dean Rita Serotkin. The next class scheduled is Labor Law, a Business 420 class being offered on Tuesday night starting Oct. 28.

For more information about the application and program requirements, go to: http://www.guilford.edu/academics/adult_programs/MBAProgram.html.