The first cohort of master of arts in business administration (MABA) students at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Business Administration began classes on August 22. The MABA program is a versatile, on-campus program that has a similar curriculum to the nationally-ranked master of business administration program.
 
The MABA is cohort-based, meaning students start and stay together in the program through graduation. This allows students the opportunity to form lasting personal and professional relationships with their peers. 
 
“I am excited to offer this master’s program and to welcome the first cohort,” said Dr. Donde Plowman, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of CBA. “The MABA is an accelerated approach to traditional graduate business education especially designed for students who did not major in business. It meets the needs of those who want to start their next chapter prepared for today’s business challenges.”
 
Students finish the accelerated program in 11 months, beginning in August each year. MABA students take classes on campus from August to May, work at their guaranteed three-credit-hour internship and one online class in the summer term, and graduate the following August.
 
Through this expedited, on-campus MABA program, students rigorously study all functional areas of business with a focus on strategic business framework. CBA staff will also help each student to secure an administrative internship, providing hands-on experience to enhance their résumé.
 
“This year’s MABA cohort represents a wide array of undergraduate disciplines. With backgrounds ranging from an opera singer to a biochemist, this group’s diversity will bring unique perspectives to the classroom,” Nichole MacDonald, managing director of CBA Graduate Programs said.
 
Students in the first cohort are: Cameron Palmer, Gilbert, Arizona, graduated from UNL; Katelyn Geary from Lincoln, Nebraska, graduated from UNL; Garrick Walker, from Lincoln, graduated from UNL; Ashley Humm, from Lincoln, graduated from UNL; Hasitha Jankey, from Hyderabad, India, graduated from G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science; Tate Rittenberger, from Gretna, Nebraska, graduated from UNL; and Laura Ulibarri, from Victorville, California, graduated from UNL.
 
“The business education I received in the MABA program, paired with my undergraduate degree in animal science, broadened my future,” said Brandon Nygard, a graduate of the MABA program from McCool Junction, Nebraska. “I was presented opportunities that would have been entirely out of reach without this graduate degree.”
 
Applications for the MABA program are accepted until May 15. However, students who would like to be considered for fellowships and graduate assistantships should apply by March 15. For additional information on the MABA program, contact MacDonald at (402) 472-2338 or cbagrad@unl.edu.  Published: August 31, 2016