NEW PALTZ – SUNY New Paltz Communications and Physics students can now attain the MBA with only one additional year of education. Working closely with the School of Business, the Department of Communication and Media and the Department of Physics have designed 4 + 1 degree plans leading to a bachelor’s degree and MBA in only five years.
“The Business world is increasingly dominated by science and technology firms that are the engine of future economic growth,” said Richard Halpern, Chair of the Department of Physics. “An MBA will greatly enhance a science student’s marketability in the workforce.” The collaboration with the School of Business will help to increase the small number of current physics students.
Hadi Salavitabar, Dean of the School of Business, and Richard Halpern began discussing the linkage in an effort to offer science students a new educational opportunity. The undergraduate plan of study allows for MBA foundation courses to be used as free electives toward the B.S. in Physics. Participating students attend one summer session while an undergraduate and then another summer session after the senior year. This coupled with one full year of graduate studies will enable the student to receive the MBA.
When Lynn Spangler, Chair of the Department of Communications and Media heard about the plan, she wanted to make the same offer to her students. “For Communications, Journalism, and Media Management majors, the MBA will provide a strong business background which can be very beneficial in this competitive job market,” stated Spangler.
As one of the fastest growing schools on the SUNY New Paltz campus, the School of Business is determined to offer all students the opportunity to prepare for the global marketplace. “The School of Business wants to provide the opportunity to all students to advance their education in the business area,” said Salavitabar. “I’m delighted we can provide such an opportunity to science, journalism, communications, and media students.”
Students participating in these programs must meet all the requirements of the bachelor’s degree and the MBA. Additionally, students must be formally accepted into the MBA program. The collaborations require no additional funding from the university and utilize existing campus resources. “It is a pleasure when departments collaborate for the benefit of our students,” said Provost David Lavalle. “The spirit of SUNY New Paltz is working together for one purpose-our students.”
The 4+1 Bachelors/MBA is available for students immediately. Students should meet with their major advisor and the School of Business as early as possible to design their plan of study. For more information, students should contact the Department of Physics or Department of Communications and Media.
