Bluefield University in the News

Bluefield University Partners with Indian River State College to Provide A Seamless Pathway for M.B.A. Degrees Seekers

by | Dec 7, 2022

FORT PIERCE, FL—A guaranteed admissions agreement between Indian River State College (IRSC) and Bluefield University (BU) creates opportunities for IRSC Bachelor’s Degree graduates to earn their Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degrees in as little as 10 months, with a 20% discount on tuition. Prior learning credit, available for graduates of IRSC School of Business programs, can further reduce cost and time in the Bluefield University program.

BU’s online M.B.A. program prepares students to be ethical servant leaders and offers finance, healthcare management, justice administration and leadership concentrations.

“Bluefield University is excited and honored to partner with Indian River State College in presenting this opportunity for graduate education in business,” said Dr. Michael Salmeier, Bluefield University Provost. “We see this as directly benefitting the people and communities of southwest Florida.”

BU anticipates that candidates from IRSC who perform well at the undergraduate level will be well-prepared to succeed in the Masters-level curriculum. Students accepted into the Bluefield University M.B.A. program can begin their studies as early as January 2023.

Online information sessions take place at noon and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, for IRSC students and alums who wish to learn more about the program. The sessions will also help students to understand Bluefield University admissions requirements and the application process. Students can sign up for the sessions at www.bluefield.edu/information-session-registration-indian-river/.

“At IRSC, we prepare our students with rigorous academics and experiential learning opportunities that together provide a solid foundation for their future career and educational endeavors,” shares Prashanth Pilly, Dean of the IRSC School of Business. “For those seeking an advanced degree in business, we are delighted that this partnership with BU offers a clear and easily accessible pathway to realize those goals.”

About Bluefield University

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world. Founded in 1922 as a two-year college in Bluefield, Virginia, Bluefield University has grown to a Master’s level, liberal arts-oriented institution. Located in a region full of history, activity, and stunning natural beauty, the main campus sits on 80 acres in the Appalachian Mountains, with vistas of East River Mountain as a backdrop for the college community. The University offers over 40 Associate, Bachelor, and Master’s-level programs that are offered on campus and online. Learn more at https://www.bluefield.edu/.

About Indian River State College

A leader in education and innovation, Indian River State College transforms lives by offering high-quality, affordable and accessible education to the residents of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties through traditional and online delivery. IRSC is recipient of the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. The College serves nearly 22,000 students annually and offers more than 100 programs leading to Bachelor’s degrees, Associate degrees, technical certificates and applied technology diplomas. Learn more at https://www.irsc.edu/.

Bluefield University

[email protected] • 276.326.4212

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

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