SUNY New Paltz adds 4 + 1 degree plans leading to bachelor’s and MBA degrees in communication and media and physics

NEW PALTZ — SUNY New Paltz communication and media and physics students can now earn an MBA with only one additional year of education. Working closely with the School of Business, New Paltz’s Department of Communication and Media and Department of Physics have designed 4 + 1 degree plans leading to a bachelor’s degree and MBA in just 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.”

Halpern and Hadi Salavitabar, dean of the School of Business, began discussing the link 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 Bachelor of Science 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 Communication and Media heard about the plan, she wanted to make the same offer to her students. “For communication, journalism and media management majors, the MBA will provide a strong business background, which can be very beneficial in this competitive job market,” Spangler said.

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. “I’m delighted we can provide such an opportunity to science, journalism, communications, and media students,” Salavitabar said.

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 Lavallee. “The spirit of SUNY New Paltz is working together for one purpose-our students.”

Steven Poskanzer, interim president at New Paltz, said that the new 4 + 1 program is a great addition to these strong academic departments. “This is a wonderful example of how New Paltz in recent years has worked to improve the academic quality of its graduate and professional programs.”

The 4+1 Bachelors/MBA is available for students immediately. Students should meet with their academic adviser and the School of Business as early as possible to design a plan of study. For more information, students can contact the Department of Physics or Department of Communication and Media.

Note to editors: For more information: Lynn Spangler can be reached at (845) 257-3684. Richard Halpern can be reached at (845) 257-3743.