Reviewed by: Michael Seale
This one program could level up your Huntsville career in engineering, defense + other fields
Reading time: 5 minutes
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The engineering, defense and aerospace fields are huge in Huntsville, but what if it takes a degree not in those fields to move up in your career?
We found a local program where students are getting promoted before they even graduate. Read on to learn how it could help you in your Huntsville career.
Check out this awesome local program
How to learn business + management skills
To get an inside look at this helpful degree, we spoke with a business expert Dr. Jana Beaver, a former Huntsville native and the Associate Dean for the Sanders College of Business and Technology at the University of North Alabama.
She told us about how UNA’s MBA can help professionals in the engineering, defense and aerospace spheres move up in their careers. Here’s how: `
“We have created an MBA that is a generalist management and leadership program—giving professionals the skills to become leaders and think critically in any industry.
We do have some traditional academic professors, but many of our faculty worked in industry first. Plus, we have some adjunct instructors who work in industry full-time. They bring a lot of value to our program.”
Dr. Jana Beaver, Associate Dean, UNA Sanders COBT
And here’s what students had to say about the program during a recent survey:
- The UNA professors provide real world content and examples in their classes, prioritizing applied learning.
- The professors are generally interested in growing students skills and emphasize critical thinking.
- MBA students gain the tools to understand the needs of their industry and how to make decisions to move their industry forward.
You don’t need to have a business background to get an MBA
You may be thinking: “I’d love to grow in leadership, but I don’t have an undergrad degree in business—how could I jump right in on the graduate level?”
The good news is that anyone can start an MBA at UNA without prior business courses. UNA sets students up for success by offering two business foundations courses, so non-business students feel prepared for the specific classes in accounting, economics, marketing, statistics, etc.
From there, students can utilize an MBA to do a number of things:
“You have a lot of people in the Huntsville market who got their undergraduates degrees in engineering, science, math, etc in the areospace and defense industries. Those degrees are all valuable to their specific skill sets.
But as they look to move up into a managerial role or change industries, the MBA can help get them there.
We also see a lot of students who would like to start their own business. These students have expertise in their field but need to learn how business works.
After completing their MBA, they’ll go on to start small companies or—especially in the Huntsville area—add more companies to the contracting industry.
Dr. Jana Beaver, Associate Dean, UNA Sanders COBT
Super flexible format—all online but close to Huntsville
When UNA says their MBA is flexible, they mean it. Here’s what that format looks like:
- 100% online
- Asynchronous program—watch lectures + work on assignments on your own time
- Only a few due dates per semester
- Synchronous sessions available but not required—great opportunity to connect with your professors + peers
“The beauty of getting your MBA from UNA while living in Huntsville is that you can really be a part of the experience.
Unlike studying at another AACSB-accredited school across the country, you can drive just over an hour to meet with professors and get involved with business-related student organizations if you want.”
Dr. Jana Beaver, Associate Dean, UNA Sanders COBT
Apply for UNA’s MBA today!
If you’re feeling hesitant about starting your MBA, know that you’re not alone. Many successful graduates of UNA’s program once felt that way but are so glad they gained their degree.
“We hear a lot of people express hesitation because they’re working full-time or have been out of school for a while. But most of our graduates were in the same position when they started the program.
It doesn’t matter what stage you are in your career or life. If this is something that you want to do, you’re going to have the flexibility to make it work for you. You need to have that passion and commitment, but don’t count yourself out.”
Dr. Jana Beaver, Associate Dean, UNA Sanders COBT
Check out UNA’s MBA at a glance:
- Cost: $585 per credit hour + fees, meaning you can get your MBA for less than $20k
- Time to complete:
- Full time: 12-18 months
- Part time: 18-24 months
- Format: 100% online
- AACSB accredited, making UNA in the top 5% of business schools worldwide.
- No GMAT required.
- The next semester start date is January 8 + UNA is still accepting applications—apply now.
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