Corporate M.B.A.
The Corporate M.B.A. program co-sponsored by the McLean County Chamber of Commerce is well underway at Illinois State University. Classes are offered on an accelerated basis to those who are affiliated with a company as an employe, or through another relationship, have the approval of that organization to participate, and meet regular admission requirements. With an enrollment cap of 32 students, the Corporate M.B.A. is designed to fit the needs of part-time and full-time students.
Rob Giganti, a claims auditor II at Country Insurance & Financial Services, fi
rst became interested in the MBA program at ISU while taking MQM 385. “Several years later I researched both accredited and unaccredited schools and knew that ISU was where I wanted to go. Then when I learned about the CMBA course schedule and cohort environment, I was even more attracted to the program. The accelerated structure and the ability it gives me to balance work and family life is very appealing.”
The CMBA curriculum is the same as the on-campus M.B.A. and has three parts: foundation, core, and elective courses. Seven foundation courses are available to students who have no prior academic work in business. Few, if any, of these courses are necessary for students who have an undergraduate business degree from an AACSB-International accredited university. Nine required core courses plus three elective courses constitute the actual program. Electives provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in areas of individual interest.
The Corporate M.B.A. program at Illinois State offers its students an opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop skills required by leaders in today's business environment. Important topics such as global competitiveness and ethics are integrated into the courses. In addition to specific academic content, the program fosters creative and critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and communication skills. Computer applications are integrated into the curriculum to provide students with skills useful in business management. Quantitative tools and techniques are applied in all the M.B.A. classes where appropriate. Current students also benefit from the expertise and support provided by members of the M.B.A. Alumni Network.
Christine Rogers, an investment analyst at State Farm, is especially pleased with the design of the Corporate M.B.A. program. “One of the main reasons I signed up for the program was the format. I travel extensively for my job and needed a program I could do on the weekends. I also appreciated the fact that the ISU Corporate Program did not ask me to retake any of my undergraduate courses, but allowed me to just move on to the MBA courses that would be most beneficial to someone with my background.”
Membership and Education Coordinator for the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Kim Cazalet, entered the Corporate M.B.A. program with a background in psychology. “After researching what was involved, I found the program was the perfect fit for my future goal of transitioning from a career in psychology to a business profession. The CMBA program made this life change possible!” Cazalet found the orientation session and first class (MQM 402) rewarding and empowering experiences. “I really love it, and am proud to be a student in this program!” she added.
Giganit has already recommended the Corporate M.B.A. program to several other people. “I let them know that this program is not going to be a cakewalk and requires a huge commitment, not only from the candidate, but also the candidate's family. Having said that, I think it's a great opportunity that everyone should at least consider if they've ever thought of furthering their education.”
Additional information about the new McLean County Chamber of Commerce Corporate M.B.A. program is available at http://www.mba.ilstu.edu/corporate_stu/index.htm or by calling (309) 438-8388.
