Dear Prospective William Paterson University MBA Student, I invite you to invest in your future by spending a few minutes to learn more about the Cotsakos College of Business’s AACSB Accredited MBA program. As you may know, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - International (AACSB) recognizes only five percent 5% of business programs worldwide and is considered the “hallmark of excellence” in business education. The MBA program at William Paterson University has provided a high-quality education to its students to assume leadership positions as CEO’s, Executive Directors, Managers, and Small business owners in the global marketplace. Below are a few highlights to consider as you explore your next steps in your career. Program Overview Our contemporary MBA program is uniquely focused on a thematic approach to your advanced business studies. The program is built to offer flexibility in curriculum; course scheduling and offerings; students’ career and professional services; customizable program delivery and a strong connection to industry. Curriculum Highlights The curriculum offers a lower core with prominence on strong managerial soft skill development and knowledge in all functional areas of business; strengthened by an upper core with integrative and strategy-oriented focus where emphasis on leadership permeates all courses. Concentration Areas Our focused areas of concentration are intended to help strengthen your business acumen in various areas related directly to the demands of industry today and for years to come (Accounting, General Studies,Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing and Music Management) add a unique value to our MBA program. With the addition of over 13 new MBA courses (such as Innovation, Strategy, and Corporate Sustainability; Business Analytics; and Influence, Persuasion and Negotiation Strategy) students will benefit from a very progressive curriculum that provides a multidisciplinary business approach. These courses have been hand-picked by academically qualified faculty members who engage in practice and policy-oriented research to increase your leadership and profound business knowledge. Program Flexibility Traditional MBA face-to-face courses are delivered in the evenings and weekends and are complimented by flexible hybrid and fully online offerings throughout each semester. Students with an undergraduate business degree may qualify to receive their MBA degree by completing only 10 courses of graduate work and can complete their MBA in one year. Networking and Opportunities Networking is a very important aspect of your MBA total learning experience – from connections you establish with faculty and staff to the relationships you develop with your peers in the classroom and throughout the college community. In the MBA program, you gain access to fellow alumni, a plethora of on-and-off-site networking events, guest speakers, over 150 professional enrichment seminars, and a broad range of of networking resources to expand your professional and career goals. Our MBA students benefit from a variety of additional resources through our Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales, The Global Business Finance Institute as well as the Small Business Development Center. You will also profit from a total career development approach including events like the Accounting Luncheon, MBA Meet and Greet, On Site and Virtual Career Fairs, Professional Enrichment Seminars, Conferences and Alumni Networking events. Our Leadership Development Initiatives have included presentation from the CEO of Toys R Us - among others, job shadowing opportunities as well as a recent trip by our MBA students to visit with Warren Buffet.
The MBA program in the Cotsakos College of Business is designed to provide both in-class and external learning opportunities to boost career success. Our students are taught from a global perspective and are encouraged to drive change by taking themselves out of their comfort zones. We welcome you to explore our MBA culture and immerse yourself in our active learning community. MBA Program Areas of Distinction A Commitment to Diversity Our MBA program is composed of students from a range of academic backgrounds from business, education, psychology, biology, engineering, medicine, and law to several other disciplines. Additionally, our global view engages students to think differently in their classes through the introduction of diverse cultural beliefs and values. Program Highlights Growing global and international student population representing more than 12 countries worldwide. Well-rounded faculty backgrounds representing more than 20 countries worldwide. Student body with an average of 3-5 years of professional work experience. Small Classes and Personalized Attention In the MBA program we focus on providing a personal, connected environment among students and faculty. Graduate MBA courses have an average of 20 students and are often also segmented into groups for better exchange of ideas in their studies. Our goal is to encourage a free exchange of ideas and experiences. Engaging Academic Content During your MBA experience you will find that the courses you are taking are current and relevant to the job market today and offer a proactive approach to learning. Our blend of a multitude of business disciplines will broaden your knowledge and provide the tools to translate your learning into real life application. Many courses offer a case study approach, external learning opportunities, exploration of thought and engagement, and team collaboration. Courses are designed to challenge your comfort zone while providing valuable leadership skills and business quantitative knowledge. Program Highlights Fully redesigned MBA core curriculum offering more hands-on courses in numerous business disciplines. Addition of over 15 new elective courses for total student development. New embedded themes in the entire MBA curriculum: top-down management, leadership, decision making and career development. Flexible Learning Environment Your learning environment begins in the classroom and expands well beyond as you take courses in hybrid format, online, in the evenings and on the weekends to maximize your learning flexibility. The vast majority of MBA courses are held at the 1600 Valley Road location; here you will have access to academic chairs, the MBA director, the writing and tutoring lab, computer labs, the Small Business Development Center, the Global Business and Finance Institute, the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales, and many more resources for your MBA study. Our resident librarian and career development offices have on-site hours to help you with research and career planning. Life at William Paterson As a student at William Paterson University, you also have access to all the resources the University offers, both at Valley Road and on the main campus. These include veteran services, athletic facilities, library resources, housing, fine dining, and career development services, to name a few. You may also be interested in joining the many clubs and organizations available to you such as ENACTUS, the Accounting Club, Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society, The MBA Roundtable and many other campus organizations.
