UBC launches MBA part-time program in Kelowna

KELOWNA, BC - Access to graduate business education in the Okanagan will be expanded with the launch of a part-time MBA program in Kelowna, offered by the University of British Columbia's Sauder School of Business.

Beginning January 2005, the Sauder MBA Part-time Program will be offered at the North Kelowna OUC campus - the future home of UBC Okanagan. Designed with working professionals in mind, the Sauder MBA Part-time Program offers students access to an award-winning MBA degree in an evening and weekend format over a 28-month period.

"Building on the momentum of UBC Okanagan, we are pleased to offer our Part-time MBA Program here in Kelowna, and support the growth of management education in this region," said Daniel Muzyka, Dean of the Sauder School of Business. "Graduates will gain valuable business insights and add to the pool of management professionals in the Okanagan region and British Columbia."

"The Sauder School of Business MBA is an excellent addition to the programs we will be offering at UBC Okanagan in September 2005," said UBC Okanagan Deputy Vice Chancellor Barry McBride. "UBC's presence in the Okanagan provides a foundation from which to launch academic partnerships such as this."

The Sauder MBA Part-time Program in Kelowna will run in tandem with the Vancouver-based program offered at UBC Robson Square. A majority of the classes will be taught via state-of-the-art real-time, full-motion videoconferencing linking the two classrooms and enabling interaction between the Kelowna and Vancouver locations. Over the course of the program, students from each location will be brought together in both Vancouver and Kelowna for joint classes designed to enhance their learning and build larger peer networks.

A general management degree, the Sauder MBA Part-time Program enables students to develop invaluable expertise across a broad range of key business subjects, such as financial management, operations management, entrepreneurship, business strategy and human resources.

Through case studies, lectures, guest speakers and team projects, students participate in course work that links business theory with business practice and enables them to apply what they learn before graduation. "We are pleased to see the prestigious Sauder School of Business establish a part-time MBA program in our community," said Ken Bessason, President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. "It is a fabulous opportunity for our entrepreneurs, employers, and employees to further their education, while continuing with their careers."

"Our membership has noted access to advanced business education as a high priority need," said Okanagan Science & Technology Council President Gary Hovey. "There are many individuals who will welcome the opportunity to attain their MBA on a part-time basis locally. As our science and technology activity grows in the Okanagan, developing excellence in management will become more critical. This is great news for the future of our region."

The Sauder School of Business will host two information sessions in Kelowna for individuals interested in learning more about this part-time professional degree:

In addition, arrangements have been made to hold Graduate Management Admissions Testing (GMAT), a requirement for admission to the program, in the Okanagan. More details on this will be available at the upcoming information sessions.

For more information on the Sauder School of Business MBA Part-time Program in Kelowna, visit www.sauder.ubc.ca/ptmba or call 604-822-8422 to book an appointment with an Admissions Advisor.