Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--The distance-learning master's degree program in business administration at Mississippi State is extending its appeal for military personnel serving or residing in the region.
Through the Southeastern Military Rate Program, seats in the university's Distance MBA course of study now are available at a reduced rate for designated personnel serving or residing beyond the Magnolia State's borders. The discounted graduate-level curriculum originally was established for Mississippi National Guard members
The special $353.50 per-credit-hour rate--as compared to $502.50 rate for all others--now is available to the following Southeastern military groups:
--Active-duty personnel;
--Active-duty personnel serving outside the region, but maintaining a legal residence within the area, as designated in the federal Soldiers and Sailors Civil Relief Act of 1940;
--National Guard members;
--Military Reserve members (all services);
--U.S. veterans; and
--Active-duty or veteran MSU alumni.
MSU's Distance MBA program is a collaborative effort between the College of Business and Division of Academic Outreach and Continuing Education.
"The College of Business is a longtime supporter of the U.S. military," said Associate Dean Barbara Spencer. "We are pleased to continue that support with this program."
Spencer, the college's director of graduate studies, said the discount has proved to be especially appealing for military personnel.
Staff Sgt. Buddy Lowery of the Mississippi National Guard agreed, noting that several colleagues had recommended the program to him.
"The design and flexibility of the program were very important," Lowery said. "Being able to access the course materials anytime, anywhere, is a necessity that many universities cannot offer."
Spencer said participation requires no campus visits, thus making it easier for military personnel to continue their education while deployed or after changing duty stations.
Former service members also are encouraged to take advantage of benefits provided through the G.I. Bill. Assistance here may be obtained through MSU's G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans. (See www.veterans.msstate.edu/.)
Since beginning in 1997, MSU's Distance MBA program has grown from an initial class of 25 to more than 200 military and non-military students spread among 49 states and 11 countries, including South Korea, India and China.
For more about Distance MBA registration and the Southeastern Military Rate Program, contact Tamra Swann at 662-325-2655 or visit www.distance.msstate.edu/mba/.
For more information about Mississippi State University, see http://www.msstate.edu/.