Dear GWSB Community,
During the last six weeks, I have been reminded many times that we are surrounded by incredible people: students dedicated to their learning and supporting each other and their families; faculty members who are innovating and extending themselves to ensure as great a student experience as possible; staff who are working in a very difficult situation — juggling many responsibilities — and working overtime to ensure operational continuity; administrators taking a measured approach to ensure our collective best interests; and alumni and board members who continue to demonstrate their commitment to our students. The pandemic has had the “silver lining” of bringing out the best in us — remarkable agility, resilience, and care for each other.
Despite the continuing challenges posed by the pandemic, we have been working to advance our mission of providing the best business education for our students. We have made significant enhancements to both our undergraduate and graduate curriculum for fall 2020. These market-driven changes, based on extensive input from faculty, staff, alumni, current students and GWSB employer partners, as well as the Dean’s Advisory Council and Corporate Council, will further enhance the readiness of our students in the short-term and prepare them for post-pandemic shifts in the business environment.
For undergraduates, we are launching two STEM-designated degree programs (a B.S. in Business Analytics and a B.S. in Information Systems). Because of the STEM designation, our international students in these programs will be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training. In addition, all undergraduate degrees offered by the School of Business will be Bachelor of Science degrees starting in fall 2020 for incoming students. Additionally, all GW students will now have an opportunity to earn a second major in business, business analytics, information systems or finance.
Earlier this month, we also announced several significant enhancements to our MBA programs. A key change aimed at meeting the needs of both students and employers will reduce time-to-degree completion. In addition, the program will feature expanded student engagement experiences and career services for GWSB MBA students. Students will also have enhanced opportunities to build a community both on-campus and online through tailored experiences around insights on industry trends and career trajectories via increased access to leaders, alumni and employers. The program enhancements will be extended across all MBA programs for incoming students. Complete information on all five MBA programs is available on the GWSB website.
In addition, this month GWSB faculty approved two new dual-degree graduate programs, a joint MBA-Master of Business Analytics program and an MBA-Master of Tourism Administration program, as well as combined degree programs pairing the MBA with the following:
- MS in Finance
- MS in Information Systems Technology
- Master of Human Resource Management
- MS in Project Management
- MS in Sport Management
- MA in Education and Human Development
- MA in International Affairs
- Juris Doctor
A new graduate certificate in analytics for managers was also added to our curriculum, further expanding the scope and flexibility of our graduate offerings to allow students to attain the skills and knowledge that are in demand for their chosen career paths. GWSB faculty also approved a significant interdisciplinary expansion of our 4+1 Program in cooperation with the GW Elliott School of International Affairs, with the following new joint programs:
- BS in International Affairs/Master in Management
- BS in International Affairs/MS in Business Analytics
- BS in International Affairs/MS in Information Systems Technology
As with the recent changes to our MBA and undergraduate business programs, these new courses and degree programs are aimed at giving our students the education they need to compete in today’s complex, global business market — and the flexibility to create a course of study that best suits their individual career goals.
We are committed to continued innovation to position ourselves best for the days when the pandemic is behind us. We must anticipate and imagine the “new normal,” and have the will to thoughtfully and selflessly adjust our strategy. The GWSB spirit and resilience have served us well so far and will also see us through this pandemic. I am confident that, with collective focus on our shared mission, we shall manage this challenge and emerge ever stronger.
I would like to remind you that we are continuing to bring you our George Talks Business interview series. Two weeks ago, we presented our first livestream-only session with guest Ashley Goodall, senior vice president of leadership and team intelligence at Cisco. This week, I hope you can join me virtually as I interview GW University President Thomas LeBlanc on the topic of higher education leadership during the COVID-19 crisis, on Wednesday, April 29, from noon to 12:30 p.m. EST. RSVP to stream the session.
I also invite you to watch our new George Talks Business Special Mini Series, which features students, faculty and alumni sharing quick insights on current events. You can find the Special Mini Series videos on the GTB page.
Finally, I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the GWSB Class of 2020. You can be especially proud of your achievement under the difficult current circumstances. I look forward to celebrating with you at our virtual commencement ceremonies on May 14 (undergraduate) and May 15 (masters and doctoral).
All the best,
Anuj Mehrotra, Ph.D.
Dean