Indiana University East received approval from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for its Master of Science in Management. The graduate program will now move on to the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges for its approval. Upon final approval, the new graduate degree could be offered at IU East as early as the fall 2011.

Dean of Business and Economics David 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, case studies and team-based applied projects.

“This is a great step forward for the School of Business and Economics at IU East. Being able to offer such a graduate degree will provide an affordable, high quality program to students in our region. We are grateful for the support of employers and key leaders within our region who have helped make this happen,” Frantz said.

The M.S. in Management is distinguished from a Master of Business Administration by its special focus on organizational management, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, and is open to graduates from any bachelor’s degree program who meet the other qualifications.

The program will be for those individuals with about two years of work experience or more and who are current or emerging leaders in area organizations.

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Larry Richards said IU East has tailored the master’s degree in management to meet specific needs in the service region, namely needs for developing leaders who can take on additional supervisory responsibilities and foster innovation, not just in business organizations, but in all the organizations that contribute to the well-being of our cities and communities.

“Employers need strategic and creative thinkers who understand how organizations work and how to get the most out of the people who work there. This program will help develop that talent,” Richards said.

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