At its June 11 meeting, the Indiana University Board of Trustees gave its approval for Indiana University East to pursue further approvals for its third master’s degree program.

The Master of Science in Management will now move on to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association for their approvals. Upon approval of these two commissions, the new graduate degree could be offered at IU East as early as the fall 2011.

The graduate program in management will serve the collective needs of area non-profit, government, small business, healthcare and for-profit organizations.

Dean of the School of Business and Economics David Frantz said the M.S. in Management program is distinguished from a Master of Business Administration because the focus is specifically on organizational management and leadership.

“This degree program will be for those individuals with at least two years of work experience and who are current or emerging leaders in area organizations,” Frantz said. “The management degree should carry a broader appeal than an M.B.A. for students in the eastern Indiana and western Ohio region. The program will consist of a strong integration of coursework and team-based applied projects.”

Frantz said IU East baccalaureate graduates have shown tremendous interest in the management program, and it is because of the drive of these students, that the program is being added.

“With our new mission, we’re broadening the range of baccalaureate degrees and graduate programs that meet special needs in our region,” said Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Larry Richards. “Graduates of the master’s program in management will add value to companies and communities throughout our region.  Additionally, new programs will bring more highly qualified faculty to IU East, whose research and creative work will also contribute to economic development efforts.”

IU East implemented its first master’s program in June 2007. The Master of Science in Education was the first graduate program offered by IU East and the Master of Social Work was added in June 2008.

For more information, contact the School of Business and Economics at (765) 973-8343.