Northwestern Division of Business Launches Master of Business and Health Care Administration Online Degree Program Pending HLC Approval

July 2, 2024

Northwestern Oklahoma State University is preparing to offer a fully online MBA program pending HLC approval.

A 33-credit hour fully online Master of Business Administration degree program has been developed in the Division of Business at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

Within the program are two areas of concentration: a management option and a health care administration option. Students are able to enroll in graduate studies immediately and may be admitted to the program for fall once final Higher Learning Commission approval takes place.

“I am excited about the MBA program, and I know my faculty are as well,” Dr. Garret Lahr, chair of the Northwestern Division of Business and assistant professor of business, said. “I believe the program will provide Northwestern with a valuable master’s degree. The MBA degree can help students who wish to continue their education and be more prepared to start and advance their careers.”

Dr. Leslie Collins, chair of the Charles Morton Share Trust Division of Nursing and assistant professor of nursing, said the nursing division’s practice partners shared with the university a need for a program to help nurses who are serving in leadership roles to expand their education in the business arena.

“We know the MBA program will meet an area of need for the communities we serve,” Collins said. “The health care administration option is an ideal option for those interested in expanding on their education to help serve the clients of our communities. This program will meet that need and is unique in the fact that it is set to serve those with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. We are proud of this new offering and know that it will help to further the mission of Northwestern.”

Dr. James Bell, Northwestern vice president for academic affairs, applauded the work of the MBA committee.

"This program will provide advanced educational opportunities for healthcare administrators in the region, as well as an advanced degree for business students more generally,” Bell said. “Its implementation subsequent to HLC approval will represent the culmination of extensive planning and dedicated effort by the committee.”

Lahr is grateful for the support of the Northwestern administration throughout this process.

“I would like to thank the administration for its continued support of the program,” Lahr said. “I would also like to thank my faculty and graduate studies personnel for their support and work in helping me bring the program to life.”

Additional details about the MBA program at Northwestern may be found at www.nwosu.edu/graduate-studies/mba.

For more information on the Northwestern Division of Business, visit www.nwosu.edu/school-of-professional-studies/business or contact Lahr at galahr@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8510. For more information about the Northwestern Graduate Studies program, visit www.nwosu.edu/graduate-studies or contact Dr. Shawn Holliday, associate dean of graduate studies, at spholliday@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8589.

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CONTACT FOR RELEASE:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
sjdoherty@nwosu.edu | 580-327-8480