Rohnert Park, California - The School of Business and Economics (SBE) at Sonoma State University (SSU) today announced a schedule change for the 17-month Sonoma Executive MBA program beginning October 2018, including the replacement of in-person classes on alternating Fridays with independent online coursework and virtual classes using advanced technology in the new Wine Spectator Learning Center.
The blended learning initiative was designed to provide flexibility to students and faculty, and accommodate the demands of executive work schedules. Previously, students were required to be on campus for in-person classes every other weekend on Fridays and Saturdays. The new schedule offers in-person classes every other week on Saturdays only, with online activities to be completed during one weekday evening and independently across alternating weeks.
"The needs and expectations of Executive MBA students are changing. We've seen a growing interest nationally and internationally in the convenience and flexibility of online programs," Dr. John Stayton, Executive Director of Graduate and Executive Business Programs said. "We know the value of face-to-face education, and this schedule change meets market demand while protecting the experiential learning and leadership components that make the Sonoma Executive MBA program so unique."
The new schedule includes in-person classes up to 50 percent of the total program time with online coursework including lecture videos, online forums and blogs, and simulations 25 percent of the time. Virtual classes make up the remaining 25 percent of program time, or one weekday evening every other week, using technology that allows students to connect with faculty and each other in real time for lectures, breakout groups, or to make presentations. The team leadership sailing training with America's Cup team veterans and the international business consulting trip will remain as part of the new hybrid schedule.
The SBE will also launch the first hybrid Executive MBA in Wine Business in Fall 2018, including online and classroom-based learning taking place over 16 months on three continents. For more information regarding the Sonoma Executive MBA program schedule change, or for information regarding other graduate and executive business programs at SSU, please call 707-664-2377 or visit www.sonoma.edu/sbe.