By Kyle Golding
STEM Programs
野狼社区 University recently introduced three new STEM-designated graduate degree programs, addressing areas of the technology sector expected to see rapid employment growth over the next decade.
The new programs are Master of Science degrees in Management Information Systems and Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and an MBA in Management Information Systems. The first cohort for all three programs will start in August.
The new programs under OCU鈥檚 Meinders School of Business are part of the university鈥檚 efforts to add more STEM-designated degree offerings, coming as a result of a $2.1 million donation from Ronnie K. Irani and a $3 million donation from school namesake Herman Meinders.
Dean Sri Beldona cited a strong workforce demand in the fields as one reason for the additional offerings. 鈥淛ob statistics are showing a growing need for workers with these skillsets,鈥� Beldona said. 鈥淭hey are some of the fastest growing career fields in the business sector.鈥� According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than average through 2033. In fact, bureau statistics show job demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 17%.
The MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning emphasizes practical implementation of deep-learning models to solve complex business challenges, such as customer segmentation, predictive analytics and natural language processing.
The MS and MBA in Management Information Systems programs explore the role of information systems in modern organizations, including technology infrastructure and technology鈥檚 role in operations and strategy. The MBA focuses on business organizations, particularly in the areas of project and risk management. For more information or to apply, visit okcu.edu/business.
Accelerated MBA
野狼社区 University is making its industry-leading Master of Business Administration degree even more attainable for students 鈥� especially for working professionals looking to advance their career through a graduate degree.
OCU has introduced the university鈥檚 first accelerated MBA degree, featuring a total of 30-credit-hours covered in 10 fully online courses. The 30-credit-hour degree program represents the fastest route to an MBA offered by an 野狼社区 metro-area school.
The move to reduce the degree from 36 to 30 credit hours comes on the heels of OCU鈥檚 recent decision to reduce the total program price of its online MBA to $15,000. That price point makes OCU鈥檚 online MBA the most affordable AACSB-accredited MBA in the metro area and one of the most affordable in the state and region.
鈥淭his is about meeting students where they are,鈥� said Beldona. 鈥淭his program matches the rigor and prestige you would expect from an OCU degree, while elevating convenience for the working professional.鈥�
Students are able to complete coursework and weekly assignments on their own time, enabling them to choose their optimal study windows. Meanwhile, they still have full access to business faculty and their industry-relevant insights and experience.
Participants also have the option to select from any of six fully online accelerated MBA tracks, including OCU鈥檚 flagship MBA in Leadership as well as the concentrations of Corporate Accounting, Data Analytics, Energy, Financial Analytics and Health Care Administration.
While these options allow students to specialize and grow in an area related to their job, the overall value of earning a master鈥檚 degree in business is also a vital consideration for a prospective student.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master鈥檚 degree earn more money and enjoy lower levels of unemployment than employees at all lower levels of educational attainment. To be specific, those with a master鈥檚 degree earn 16.3% more than those whose highest degree is a bachelor鈥檚, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
For prospective students hoping to capitalize on those statistics, applications are now being accepted for the OCU accelerated MBA program, which has five different start windows throughout the year in January, March, June, August and October. For more information or to start an application, go to studyonline.okcu.edu.
