As seen in the Fall issue of DU Review magazine. 

 

Davenport University introduced two innovative business degrees this fall, giving students more affordable and flexible options to earn a college degree in less time without compromising academic quality.

The university’s new 90-credit Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Applied Marketing, the first of its kind in Michigan, and the one-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) are both designed to help people complete the degrees more efficiently while preparing them for career opportunities and advancement.

The design of both programs reflects Davenport’s ongoing commitment to innovation that benefits students. They improve access to higher education by reducing the time and cost required to earn a degree while maintaining the university’s career-focused approach and student-first mission.

“Innovation isn’t about changing for the sake of change,” said Laura Kyriakopoulos, department chair in the Donald W. Maine College of Business. “It’s about removing barriers, recognizing prior learning and experience, and creating pathways that help students reach their educational and career goals more efficiently without compromising quality.”

Kyriakopoulos said the new degree in applied marketing expands the university’s ability to serve adult learners, working professionals, career changers and those bringing prior education, technical training or professional experience.

“I think it demonstrates that Davenport listens,” Kyriakopoulos said. “We pay attention to how students learn, how industries evolve and what students and employers are asking for. Rather than assuming, we’re willing to rethink traditional models and create programs that better align with today’s workforce and today’s students.”

Unlike a traditional 120-credit bachelor’s degree, the BAS requires 90 credits and incorporates stackable credentials that recognize students’ progress throughout the program. The BAS is intentionally designed as a streamlined pathway that builds on students’ previous education, technical training or professional experience while increasing the concentration of marketing coursework throughout the degree. Students earn a certificate in applied marketing after completing their first sequence of courses, an associate degree in applied marketing after the second and the bachelor’s degree after completing the 90-credit program.

“These milestones recognize student achievement along the way and provide tangible credentials students can include on their résumés, discuss with employers and use as they pursue promotions or new career opportunities while simultaneously continuing their education,” Kyriakopoulos added.

The curriculum emphasizes applied marketing skills, professional communication and career development from the beginning of the program. Students also receive the personalized support Davenport is known for, including dedicated faculty, academic advising, tutoring and career services.

Davenport’s new one-year MBA addresses many of the same challenges for graduate students by offering an accelerated pathway with a predictable flat tuition rate of $15,000. The program has no additional fees or textbook costs.

Designed for ambitious professionals and recent graduates, the program allows students to complete an MBA in one year while balancing work, family and other responsibilities using flexible learning options.

“Launching this one-year MBA pathway shows that Davenport University has empathy for today’s working professionals and has a bold willingness to challenge the status quo,” said Misty Davis, associate dean of the College of Business and College of Technology. “It solidifies Davenport’s reputation as an institution that doesn’t just talk about student success, but one that actively innovates to provide students more affordable ways to achieve it.”

Students receive academic support tailored to the realities of busy professionals, with multiple course delivery formats that allow them to fi t graduate education into their personal and professional lives. “The ideal student is an ambitious, disciplined professional or a determined recent graduate who wants to maximize their return on investment (ROI),” said Davis. “They are career-driven individuals who can handle an accelerated schedule and are looking to quickly transition into leadership, management or executive roles.”

Davis said Davenport’s program addresses the largest challenges facing prospective graduate students.

“The level of excitement for this program is incredibly high because it removes the two biggest barriers to graduate education: time and cost,” she said. “Students are given an opportunity to earn a top-tier leadership credential affordably and quickly.”

Maintaining academic quality was a priority as the program was developed.

“Speed does not mean cutting corners; it means that we’ve optimized structure,” Davis said. “Davenport maintains its high academic standards by utilizing the exact same career-focused curriculum and expert faculty that define its traditional, highly respected MBA experience. The quality remains uncompromised, giving students the exact same rigor in half the time.”

Students can learn more about the new programs and apply online at davenport.edu.