April 7, 2005 for immediaterelease

The BC Ministry of AdvancedEducation has provided formal approval to UNBC’s master’s degree in BusinessAdministration.

In the summer of 2004, thefirst 23 students entered a graduate diploma program at UNBC, with theexpectation that the University would receive the approval necessary to grantthe Master of Business Administration credential. While the UNBC Senate andBoard had approved the start of Business classes at the graduate level, theprogram still required Ministry approval to be official.

“There was so much demand forthis program that we wanted to offer the courses as soon as we could,” saysUNBC President Charles Jago. “Whenever I visited communities around the region,people would ask me when UNBC would begin offering a master’s degree inBusiness. We’re delighted that the Government has given its approval, and thatthe UNBC MBA program is now official.”

“UNBC has proven qualityeducation provides students with flexibility and accessibility,” said AdvancedEducation Minister Ida Chong.  “This isjust one more example of how UNBC is providing a program to meet the needs ofthe community and the working people who want a credential from an exceptionalinstitution.”

Courses are offered duringintensive weekend sessions once per month. Media interested in visiting theclass and/or interviewing students are welcome to drop by between 2:30 – 4pm onMonday, April 11, in the Senate Chambers (located on the main level of theAdministration building atrium). There will be a break in the class atapproximately 3:30pm. Contact Kim Knutsson, MBA program assistant, at 960-6125for details.

There are currently studentsin the program from Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake,and Fort St John. The application deadline tobegin the MBA program this summer is May 15th. The total cost of the program is$30,000. For more information, prospective students can visit the MBA websiteat www.unbc.ca/mba

Contact

Rob van Adrichem, Director ofMedia and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622