Nationally, interest and enrollment is rising for one-year MBA programs, and the College of Charleston’s is no exception. Interested students are invited to a free information session Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in room 207 of the Tate Center, located at 5 Liberty Street.

The enrolled students are the most qualified and diverse to date including nine international students in the cohort.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that applications for two-year MBA programs dropped for the fourth year in a row, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council. Some universities saw decreases as high as 19%.

But, the article notes, specialized master’s programs had a strong showing, with about three-quarters reporting application increases in 2012. This is again in line with what the College of Charleston MBA program is seeing. The program offers specialization in finance, marketing, or hospitality revenue management.

“Focus areas allow students to choose their professional interests while being paired with industry experts who will mentor and foster relationships in these core areas,” says James Kindley, the MBA program director.

“One key benefit for those who choose hospitality revenue management is that candidates can study and apply their new skills right here in Charleston, the top city in the world,” says Kindley. “Then in June 2013, the cohort will travel to Dubai where they will study and experience a different level of global tourism.”

The School of Business’ AACSB International-accredited MBA program seeks students with diverse backgrounds, undergraduates who majored in political science, biology, communication, history, engineering, sports management, and business.

It starts with a required “boot camp” to immerse students into global business leadership, analytical techniques, and communication skills that prepare them for the year of study.  Other benefits include access to a dedicated mentor, personalized experience in a small classroom setting, cohort-based learning with peers starting and completing the program together, and a required travel study to Asia, Europe or Latin American countries.

The School of Business is now accepting applications for the MBA Class of 2014.  Register for the information session or contact Penny McKeever at 843.953.8112 or mckeeverp@cofc.edu for more information on the one year program.