Leading MBA Education for Nearly 60 Years

Nebraska’s MBA program has continued to evolve and innovate for nearly 60 years. First established in 1964, the college established the program to meet a growing demand for managerial personnel under the leadership of Dean Charles S. Miller with funding from the Cooper Foundation. In the early 1990s, the program converted to a 48-credit-hour evening program to meet the needs of students with degrees other than business. Beginning in 1992, the program utilized CorpNet satellite technology to primarily fill the gap in high-level business training in western Nebraska. The satellite program marked a shift in the program’s focus on the working professional.

Nebraska's partnership with Offutt Air Force Base started in the 1960s under the direction of Professor Henry Albers. Master’s and Ph.D. courses were offered under a contract with the Department of Defense. Two significant developments led to the current look of our online MBA program. Following the first Gulf War, the tour of duty at Offutt for most military personnel was reduced to two years. To allow students to complete their degree in two years, the Offutt program compressed the courses into four 10-week terms per year. This allowed students to take two courses per term and achieve the necessary 48 credit hours for program completion. Following the events of 9/11, to allow students to remain enrolled while serving on overseas assignments, the courses were moved online. In 2002, the online MBA transitioned to allow both military and non-military students. Program enrollments increased from approximately 40 students to 600 currently enrolled students.

Nebraska was one of the first schools to offer its MBA online. With roots in serving the military and veterans, the program’s leadership continues to meet the needs of those who need flexibility in the program’s design and course structure. The online MBA program was later rebranded as the MBA@Nebraska and has continued to excel in career outcomes and reputation.