Since 1998, Emporia State University has offered a Master of Science degree in Business Education (MSBE). This accredited program traditionally focused on working with adult learners to create support strategies for teaching business concepts in public, private and postsecondary educational institutions. In 2014, the School of Business decided that the MSBE needed to be revamped to meet the current needs of the changing business education classroom, subsequently putting a hold on accepting applications to the program.
After researching the educational climate and collecting data from current students, alumni and faculty, the MSBE will introduce its new curriculum during the fall semester of 2016. Changes for individuals enrolled in the MSBE program include an enhanced integration of technology including classes in electronic communications, IT pathways and business and computer curriculum development.
The new curriculum will allow graduate students to select between two pathway options: the Education Pathway, which allows students to take classes in cultural awareness and school leadership, and the Training and Development Pathway which addresses training development and adult teaching methods.
Dr. Timothy Thornton, assistant professor in the School of Business, was instrumental in developing the new curriculum for this graduate program.
“The redesigned MSBE was driven by a desire to further enhance the learning experience of our students,” said Thornton. “We have developed a curriculum that caters to the needs of our students, while imparting them with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the classroom or workplace. The increased flexibility afforded by these changes will allow our students to tailor the program around their needs and schedule.”
The MSBE program can be completed 100 percent online and is comprised of 33 credit hours. Individuals interested in more information can contact the Business Advising Center at 620-341-5523 or by email at bac@emporia.edu.