UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — To support even the busiest students in achieving their goals, the Penn State Smeal College of Business is now offering optional remote attendance for its Philadelphia-based Executive MBA program, allowing students to attend up to 50% of each course remotely with the remaining half in person.
The purpose of this flexible method of instruction is to provide students with the support they need to be successful in the program, while still encouraging them to be present for some of the program’s most valuable aspects, such as rich weekend discussions.
EMBA Managing Director Teresa Avery said the EMBA remains a primarily face-to-face program, adding that with the hybrid classroom option, students who have other last-minute obligations such as work trips can still attend class “even from around the world.”
“We recognize that our students have busy, complicated lives and adding the option of occasional remote attendance allows them the flexibility they need to balance their careers, their families, school and all their responsibilities more successfully,” Avery said. “This new option is just one part of our continuing commitment to meeting our students’ needs and creating a supportive, transformative EMBA experience.”
Created in response to a demanding year, this modification is a further example of how students are able to customize their Smeal EMBA experience to ensure they reach their goals.
The program, which The Economist ranked No. 20 among U.S.-based programs and No. 8 among U.S. publics, is sculpted to fit into busy schedules — minimizing enrolled students’ time away from their jobs and families.
In order for this flexible option to operate successfully, students must be present in person for 50% of their curriculum, which is located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia every other weekend.
Students interested in attending class remotely should work with their professors in advance so both parties can plan accordingly. Participating in the hybrid model of attendance varies based on availability of technology and specifics of class delivery.
Applications for the program are currently being accepted through May 1. To learn more about the Penn State Smeal Executive MBA Program, visit the Smeal website.