University plans to redefine education through online MBA

University plans to redefine education through online MBA

Recognizing the transformative effects technology has on everyday life, the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill’s Kenan-Flagler Business School is aiming to redefine education through its new online MBA program.

The school is designing the two-year online degree to not only define the direction of global business education, but to appeal to professionals who are working anywhere in the world. Students will interact with faculty and classmates in live sessions over the internet as well as face-to-face immersions. Enrollees must study the course materials on their own schedules.

Online courses will be created by Kenan-Flagler professors, and school officials say the program will combine the flexibility offered by distance learning with the rigor and quality of an on-campus experience. Students will have access to content 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Douglas Shackelford, associate dean of UNC’s MBA program, says the institution is “ready to shatter perceptions about online education.” He believes the educators of Kenan-Flagler have an opportunity to rethink how they teach, and what students need to know.

Enrollment for the online MBA program is currently underway, but is limited to 50 students. Courses will begin in July 2011.

By Mark Huntsman