Miami to end MBA program in Oxford

OXFORD — Miami University’s Farmer School of Business will suspend its full-time MBA program at the Oxford campus to focus resources on undergraduate teaching and its part-time program in West Chester Twp.

The accelerated 14-month program in Oxford will end after the current class graduates in summer 2012. The business school spends about $500,000 on the program and in-state students pay $21,000 for tuition. Out-of-state tuition is $47,000.

“It was a financial decision. It was difficult to make,” said Alan Oak, assistant dean for external relations for the Farmer School of Business. “Our priority has to be the undergraduate business program and also growing the successful program the VOA (Voice of America Learning Center).”

Oxford’s accelerated program was designed by faculty to be different and compelling to students and companies, Oak said. It is ranked by the Wall Street Journal as one of the top 10 accelerated programs in the world. The program has generally attracted students with four to six years of business experience. During their studies, students complete an internship and a six-week trip working for companies in Asian or Europe, Oak said.

Miami’s part-time MBA program at the West Chester Twp. learning center generally attracts students with 10 to 15 years business experience and takes two years to complete, Oak said. There are currently 80 students enrolled and Miami plans to add a third class. The program graduated its first class in August.

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