The University of Dayton's School of Business Administration has entered into a partnership with 2U, Inc., one of the foremost education technology companies in the US, to offer MBA@Dayton, a new online Master of Business Administration programme starting October 2017.

University of Dayton faculty and executives-in-residence will teach courses through live online classes and seminars, accessed through a highly interactive and mobile "online campus." The design offers the intimacy of an on-campus classroom with the online flexibility sought by today's MBA students.

A distinctive requirement of the limited-residency program is participation in two credit-bearing, intensive immersion experiences, where students come together with University of Dayton faculty and cohort members, once on campus and another in a domestic or international city.

"We are very pleased to partner with 2U, which works with a select group of universities to offer best-in-class online education," said University President Eric F. Spina. "The programme will combine 2U's advanced learning platform with both the rigour and quality of our distinctive business education and the teaching excellence of our faculty."

Founded in 2008 by a team of education and technology veterans, 2U partners with top-tier universities to offer online courses in fields such as business, data and analytics, healthcare, social work and government.

University of Dayton Provost Paul Benson said the decision-making process included extensive consultation with the School of Business Administration, including a unanimous recommendation of the school's graduate committee and a formal vote of the SBA faculty to proceed with the partnership.

"2U has an outstanding record of supporting the highest-quality graduate programs in varied learning environments," Benson said. "We are confident MBA@Dayton will be fully aligned with UD's educational mission and leverage one of our greatest strengths — developing close relationships among students with faculty and staff."

The MBA@Dayton programme will include two offerings: a general MBA and an Advanced Standing MBA for individuals with significant work experience. The online program will match the quality and rigour of the University's on-campus MBA program by adhering to the same admissions standards.

The Advanced Standing MBA will consist of a 30-credit curriculum in core business courses and electives, and allow students to complete their MBA in one year. The general MBA will require 48 credits to graduate and include foundational business courses designed for individuals with limited business background who wish to increase career options or sharpen critical business skills. Both programmes include limited residency immersions on the Dayton campus and other domestic and international cities.

"We are thrilled to launch this new degree program with the University of Dayton," said Andrew Hermalyn, 2U executive vice president of strategic partnerships. "This new program follows in Dayton's rich heritage and history of invention and we are pleased to join with Dr. Spina, Dr. Benson and the SBA faculty on this opportunity to embrace change and innovation."  

The University of Dayton is a top-tier national, Catholic research university and the largest private university in Ohio. Founded in 1850 by the Society of Mary (Marianists), the University is characterized by the Marianist educational philosophy of learning in community, welcoming all, serving others, intellectual curiosity and academic rigour, to foster servant-leaders who connect learning with leadership and service.

2U partners with leading colleges and universities to deliver the world's best online degree programmes so students everywhere can reach their full potential.