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BRISTOL, R.I. – For business majors and minors interested in breaking into leadership positions, the Mario J. Gabelli School of Business recently launched a new and accelerated Master of Business Administration program, carefully designed to equip students with the skills that are most in demand by today's businesses. 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×'s program includes a core focus on critical thinking, decision analysis, and leadership, and can place students on paths to leadership roles in finance, information technology, marketing, general management and other fields.

The 4+1 M.B.A. at 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× is a one calendar year, 36-credit program open to current business majors or minors and recent alumni who seek to broaden their skills as strategic thinkers, problem solvers and leaders. Fully accredited by - a designation achieved by less than five percent of business schools worldwide - the program allows students to obtain their M.B.A. in a single year instead of the standard two. For undergraduates, this means earlier entry into the job market with the highly respected M.B.A credential.

Other program features include: a required internship and international component so that students obtain both work experience and direct insight into global business practice; a student cohort group experience to create a team focused environment; and a strategic location at 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s metro campus in downtown Providence – the heart of the state’s business community – which allows for easy networking and collaboration with local business leaders in Providence along with Boston, New York and other major business centers.

Current 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× undergraduate students can apply for the 4+1 option as early as the summer of their junior year. Once enrolled, they will be able to take a graduate level course during the spring semester of their senior year, which will count toward both of their degrees. The 4+1 option also allows for a seamless transition into graduate school for students as it immediately follows their undergraduate studies, addressing student requests to continue directly into graduate school rather than face the challenges of returning one or more years after earning the bachelor’s degree.

Mario J. Gabelli School of Business Dean Susan McTiernan says the new MBA program helps significantly differentiate 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× students in the job market, as the MBA degree continues to be preferred and expected in the business community.

The M.B.A. is the "gold standard for business leadership," McTiernan said. "If students want to advance to middle and senior management, the M.B.A. is a critical credential. We are very pleased that 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ× now offers this option to its students in a way that provides a strong graduate management degree that is both cost and time effective, and allows students an early launch into leadership positions."

Senior Francesca Montemarano is one of 10 students currently enrolled in the 4+1 M.B.A. program. For her, the career options an M.B.A. provides and the convenience of 91º£½ÇÂÒÂ×’s 4+1 option were the deciding factors in enrolling, she said. During her graduate year, she plans on continuing to explore possible careers while adding to the work experience she has already gained as part of her undergraduate experience. This summer, as part of the program, she will be interning in New York City at Wheels Up, a private aviation company.

"[This program will] help and push me toward whatever career path I choose," Montemarano said.

Please visit the 4+1 M.B.A. page for more information.