CBU expands MBA delivery

Program will be offered at Assiniboine college in Manitoba

Cape Breton University signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday to deliver its MBA program in community economic development at a post-secondary institution in Brandon, Man.

With it being offered at the Brandon campus of Assiniboine Community College next year, it becomes the eighth site to deliver CBU’s master of business administration program with cohorts already in Sydney, Kingston, Ont., Toronto, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary and Whitehorse.

“Our MBA program has been very successful. Its flexible delivery model and unique focus on community economic development sets it apart from other MBA programs, making it highly attractive to students and professionals from a variety of sectors around the world,” CBU president David Dingwall said in a release.

The community economic development program blends curriculum found in traditional MBA programs with an emphasis on economic development, leadership, change management and governance.

Students can complete the program part-time within 2.5 years with face-to-face weekend classes at the Assiniboine college.

Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine Community College, said CBU’s “strong track record” in delivering programs in Cape Breton and elsewhere was “attractive to us.”

The agreement signed Tuesday will remain in effect for five years. The first cohort will begin in January.

If attendance at an information session held in Brandon last month is an indication of its popularity, it could prove to be a successful partnership, according to CBU.

George Karaphillis, dean of CBU’s Shannon School of Business, said the information session had “great attendance.”

“There clearly is a strong desire for an MBA program in the area. CBU is pleased to be partnering with Assiniboine to deliver a quality program designed for a new generation of leaders,” he said.

For more information on the MBA in community economic development program at CBU, visit www.cbu.ca/mba.