December 12, 2008

 

Contacts:

Trisha Biggs, College of Technology, 247-3065
Dan Carter, University Relations, 657-2269

 

2+2 approach links College of Technology, College of Business; students can enroll now

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Montana State University Billings has reorganized a two-year program into a new Business Administration associate degree program, designed to provide a new entry point for students interested in pursuing business-related careers.

 

The new two-year degree program was formerly offered as an applied supervision program. It now has a broader business core. Classes begin in January and students can enroll now, university officials said. Classes are offered at flexible schedules (such as once a week during the evening and online), making it ideal for adult learners or students who work during the day.

 

A free informational session about the new program will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the MSU Billings College of Technology’s Health Sciences Building, 3803 Central Ave. Food and refreshments will be provided. Faculty and academic deans from the university will be present to talk about the new program and student services staff will be available to answer questions about financial aid opportunities and the application process.

 

Academic deans said the new 2+2 program offers a unique point of access for anyone interested in careers in management, marketing, finance or information systems. Those who enter the program can get the up-to-date skills and knowledge they need to improve their current career path or move on to the MSU Billings College of Business and finish a four-year degree.

 

“This is a great collaboration between the College of Technology and the College of Business because the program articulates directly into the Bachelor of Science of Business Administration,” said John Cech, dean of the MSU Billings COT.

 

Because this business degree path starts at a two-year program, students can also enroll at reduced tuition, Cech said.

 

Trisha Biggs, who will be the lead instructor for the program at the COT, said the classes cover key areas dealing with macroeconomics, applied management and marketing that prepare students for an active and successful career.

 

“There’s tons of potential with this degree,” she said. “Major employers in the area are enthused about this because it helps meet their needs.”

 

Dr. Gary Young, dean of the MSU Billings College of Business, said the collaborative effort makes sense because students will be prepared to succeed in the future.

 

“In these uncertain times, the best investment students can make is in themselves because they can be more readily prepared for the future,” Young said.

 

Biggs, who herself pursued a degree as an adult learner, said this program is ideal for people ready to make the next step in their careers.

 

“This is truly a self-improvement degree,” she said. “It really will open doors to opportunities.”

 

For more information about the new two-year Associate of Science Business Administration degree, contact the MSU Billings College of Technology at 247-3000.

 

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