Last year, to address the growing needs of the regional business community and professionals, the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Mike Cottrell College of Business expanded its Cottrell Master of Business Administration (MBA) program to the Gainesville Campus – an area that continues to experience economic growth, and has since experienced record enrollment.
According to the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, the Gainesville-Hall County Metropolitan Statistical Area is among the 50 fastest growing metro areas in the U.S. The total population is nearly 200,000 and the community is a hub of regional business, healthcare and educational services.
With UNG’s MBA expansion, classes are now offered two nights each week on the Gainesville and Cumming campuses. New student enrollment grew 221 percent between fall 2015 and fall 2016, and total program enrollment grew by 133 percent in that same period.
"For many decades UNG has produced generations of strong business leaders who have helped the northeast region of Georgia succeed. Over the past academic year, our graduate committee has done an excellent job of seeking out and introducing new opportunities for our students," said Dr. Donna Mayo, dean of the Mike Cottrell College of Business. "Beginning this fall, students are provided a new required course in professional development and may now seek an additional certificate in technology leadership. We are continuing to monitor the region’s needs and may introduce new certificates moving forward."
UNG'S Mike Cottrell College of Business is among a select group of institutions to hold international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and now offers a technology leadership certificate through the Cottrell MBA to provide essential managerial skills for technology-sector professionals. The program has two options, a core MBA and a technology leadership specialization.
"In a region with well over 1,000 technology companies this is a high demand addition to our offerings," said Dr. Jeremy Bennett, director of the Cottrell MBA program. "As a part-time program, the technology leadership certificate is an excellent option for students seeking to further their careers while maintaining full-time employment."
The certificate may be completed as part of the MBA program, or as a non-degree seeking graduate student. Classes will be available in Gainesville and Cumming with a convenient evening schedule.
In addition to new programming, the Cottrell MBA has also built a variety of new networking partnerships to benefit students.
"We believe community involvement and communication is a critical component to success for our students," Bennett said. "Cottrell MBA students now have access to more than 170 networking events throughout the region at no additional cost."
For more information on the Cottrell MBA and the technology leadership graduate certificate, individuals may register for an information session at ung.edu/mba or call 470-239-3030.
