CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — Three Thomas More students are making University history for completing the master’s in business administration (MBA) program in an unofficial “3+1” format. In the typical time it takes a student to earn a bachelor’s degree, these three students will earn their master’s degree, equating to tuition and a 50%-degree completion time savings and greater earning potential in the job market.
This money-saving route is made possible due to a rise in the number of students enrolling in college with earned credits from secondary-level programs and advanced placement opportunities.
“I can get a high-quality education in a much more efficient amount of time,” says Jacob Weigel, who will complete his MBA in four years. “I believe this will get me ahead of the curve in the real world and allow me a head start in my career.”
The program’s flexibility is an additional benefit for students. Dakota Schroeder, another of the three students finishing the MBA in just four years, is excited to get a jump start on her career. “The program will allow me to finish my master’s in one year while starting my full-time job simultaneously,” she explains. “When I enter the workforce, I will have a competitive advantage over others.” Schroeder still finds time for extracurriculars, competing on the Saint’s tennis team.
The 4+1 MBA program at Thomas More University was formed during the 2020-2021 academic year. Business administration professors Anne Busse, D.B.A., and Jack Rudnick, Jr., Ed.D. (retired), successfully collaborated to craft and launch the pilot cohort. The program quickly caught on in popularity. “The 4+1 saves time and money by allowing students who meet rigorous screening criteria to be in the program once 90 credits of the 120 required for an undergraduate degree have been earned,” explains Rudnick. “Financially, this is advantageous because students earn 12 graduate credits during their undergraduate program.”
Initially, the program focused on business majors; however, it has evolved to welcome students in all undergraduate majors who satisfy the GPA and entrance requirements. The Thomas More Accelerated program team has arranged workshops to support interested students needing accounting, statistics, and finance prerequisites. Dedicated advisors listen to students’ career goals and offer solutions to utilize their time on campus best. “I learned about the 3+1 from Dr. Rudnick after I had switched to a business administration major,” recalls Weigel. “My long-term goal has always been to run a hospital, but I did not know how to approach this career path best. That’s where Dr. Rudnick pointed me in the right direction; to go for the 3+1 with a concentration on healthcare.”
For more information about Thomas More’s 4+1 MBA program, visit https://www.thomasmore.edu/program/41-mba/.
