UAB Synopsis, Vol. 24, No. 15, April 25, 2005
UAB is accepting applications for the new MBA for Scientists Program, an alternative offered by UAB's School of Business. Deadline for application is May 1.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the next 5 years, the need for scientists and engineers with advanced business degrees will grow 10% to 20%. In addition, thousands of scientists will endeavor to take their discoveries from the laboratory to the marketplace through entrepreneurial ventures.
To help fill this need, the School of Business established the specialized fast track, full-time, 1-year MBA program for persons with master or doctoral degrees in science-based disciplines. In addition to traditional MBA courses, students receive instruction in technology commercialization, intellectual property management, marketing and scientific due diligence, negotiation, and technology-based entrepreneurship.
Frustrating
The program began as collaboration between the School of Business and Lisa Schwiebert, PhD, director of UAB's graduate program in physiology and biophysics. "During the 6 years I have directed the graduate program, I have had to tell students relating to me their interest in business courses that concurrent education would distract from physiology training," Dr. Schwiebert, associate professor of physiology and biophysics and liaison for the program, says. "This has been frustrating. One of my students who tried to juggle the dual curricula found it almost too much to handle."
To address student desire for business education, Dr. Schwiebert proposed the program idea to UAB School of Business Dean Robert Holmes, PhD, who saw its benefits. "A high percentage of the alumnae from the graduate programs in joint health sciences, as well as engineering graduates, pursue careers in pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms," Dr. Holmes says. "The alternative MBA program track will provide them with knowledge about business, finance, and management important to career success. The combination of a graduate degree in science, engineering, or another scientific field and a MBA is powerful. It will give these UAB graduates a competitive edge for the future."
Dr. Holmes notes other universities offer MBA degrees to students in science-related fields through dual-degree programs in which students receive their training simultaneously. UAB's program is different because students take the course in lock-step fashion after completion of the advanced science degree. They move through the program in a peer-group surrounded by others with advanced degrees in science-related fields.
For more information, contact program faculty director Doug Ayers, PhD, in the School of Business, 205-934-8856 or dayers@uab.edu.