Bluefield State College Approved to Offer MBA Program, Spring 2022

                Bluefield State College is celebrating another historic “first,” with Friday’s decision by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) to approve the College’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. 

                “Today’s decision by the Commission empowers Bluefield State College to launch the first graduate degree program in the College’s 126-year history,” noted BSC President Robin Capehart.  “By offering a graduate program, Bluefield State can now begin the process for pursuing university status.”

               “Building on Bluefield State College’s fully accredited undergraduate programs in the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business, we are excited to expand into graduate education by offering a Master of Business Administration this spring to meet the educational needs of this region” Dr. Ted Lewis, BSC Provost, commented.  By offering this program in a hybrid format, students will gain valuable seat time and opportunities for in-person interaction, engagement, and experiential learning as well as the ability to meet face to face with business leaders.”

                The College’s MBA program is designed for both business and non-business majors, and will be offered in an accelerated format with courses offered primarily through online delivery.  Students can complete the 36-credit hour program in as little as 12 months.

                “Bluefield State College is gratified and excited to announce we will be offering the MBA program through the W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business,” added Karen Grogan, the School’s Interim Dean.  “The Master of Business Administration program will be offered, beginning in the Spring 2022 Semester.”

               The MBA program offered through BSC’s W. Paul Cole, Jr. School of Business will establish affordable and accessible graduate business education for residents of the region and beyond.  Southern West Virginia employers surveyed by the Cole School of Business expressed strong support for the program.  They saw the BSC MBA as a valuable way to help current employees strengthen their skills and business acumen, and facilitate the recruitment of new employees seeking to further their education while continuing to work.

               The intent of the Cole School of Business is to seek program-specific accreditation of the MBA program at the earliest possible time.  The undergraduate business program at BSC is already nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.