University of Central Oklahoma Takes Innovative Approach for MBA Program

By David Page

When the University of Central Oklahoma started developing its Master of Business Administration program, the goal was to approach the teaching of business functions from a different angle.

The result is an MBA program featuring integrated curriculum, no prerequisites and team teaching, said Dawna Terrell, director of UCO’s MBA program.

“We decided we wanted to take a hard look at the curriculum and be innovative,” she said.

Classes started in the fall of 2006 and the first class with 26 members graduated last year. An additional 21 MBA degrees were issued by UCO in May.

“The integrated curriculum is different from what you have in a traditional program,” Terrell said.

UCO’s MBA program includes seven courses and can be completed in four semesters, or students can advance at their own pace.

“It is a flexible program,” she said. “You do not have to go straight through.”

Each of the seven courses is team taught by two or more faculty members from different disciplines.

“Instead of a separate course for accounting and another course for marketing, the disciplines are combined because that is how it works in the business world,” she said.

The program is focused on combining the theory and application necessary to develop the leadership and management skills required in business today, Terrell said.

The courses include Leading in a Globally Competitive Environment, Human Capital Management and Prices, Profits and the Market Economy.

All classes are scheduled at night. Classes normally begin at 6 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. and include some online work.

“Most of our students are already out in the business world,” she said.

Applications are due July 15 for students expecting to begin classes this fall and Nov. 15 to start in the spring semester.

The cost for tuition and other fees is expected to be less than $10,000 with proposed fee increases, Terrell said.

Originally published by David Page.

(c) 2008 Journal Record – Oklahoma City. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.