In today's business world, a masters of business administration degree is more sought-after than ever before as the key to moving up the corporate ladder.

For many prospective students in the area, though, the cost of M.B.A. programs and the inconvenience of driving at least an hour to the closest university with a program has hindered their ability work toward a degree.

Until now.

The branch of Southwest State University at Riverland Community College is starting a two-year program designed as an affordable way for working adults to earn their M.B.A.

According to Lori Jensen, the distance learning coordinator for Southwest State at Riverland, classes for the 36-credit program are planned for Wednesday nights and every other Saturday beginning in the spring of 2003.

"It is a commitment, but I think that you're completing it in a timely manner, too," Jensen says. "Most graduate programs can take up to seven years."

John Gochenouer, director of the program, says it "will develop the communication skills and analytical skills of business leaders," and says this program differs from many other MBA courses because it's a cohort program. That means, he explains, "everyone starts and ends together, so you really get to know each other. As people go through the program, they can prop each other up and help each other out. Sometimes people will go into business together after they graduate. That's something you don't see in other MBA programs and I think that's one of our strengths."

The other strength, Jensen says, is the program's affordability. "It's approximately $200 per credit, so the two years of classes will cost less than $10,000. With tuition reimbursement out there, it's a really good deal for people and financial aid is also available."

The deadline for applications is Aug. 24 and only 30 people will be accepted. However, if fewer than 30 people apply, Southwest State will not be able to offer the program. "I really encourage people not to wait until the last minute to apply," Gochenouer says.

The program requires students to have at least two years full-time work experience and two prerequisite and "refresher" courses will be offered this fall. The first, Business Concepts, is an online course for those with non-business undergraduate degrees. The second, Statistical Concepts, will be taught on Saturdays to students who did not take statistics as undergraduates.

For more information about the program or to get an application, contact Lori Jensen at 433-0568 or by e-mail at lori.jensen@river.cc.mn.us.

Amanda L. Rohde can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:amanda.rohde@austindailyherald.com