FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

REGENTS APPROVE TWO ADDITIONAL OPTIONS UNDER THE MBA DEGREE PROGRAM

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 20, 2002 - The Southeast Missouri State University Board of Regents today approved two additional options under the Donald L. Harrison College of Business Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program.

The two additional options of international business and environmental management will add to the current two options of accounting and general management. The two additional options will be offered at the start of the fall semester.

"Implementation of these options will not require any additional resources, including library resources because they take advantage of existing courses in the undergraduate degree program in international business and the graduate program in Environmental Science," said Dr. Gerald McDougall, dean of the Donald L. Harrison College of Business.

The option in environmental management has been endorsed by Dr. Stephen Overmann, director of the Environmental Science program, and Dr. Chris McGowan, dean of the College of Science and Mathematics.

"Students interested in the sciences as well as business will benefit from this option. Environmental management is a growing new field moving into the mainstream for institutions in both business and government. An increasing number of institutions are looking for individuals with professional education and training in science and business," said Dr. Kenneth Heischmidt, director of the MBA program.

According to Pete Karcz, director of the Office of Environmental and Regulatory Analysis at the Department of Energy, "there are plenty of opportunities for environmental management employment both in the public and private sector. Issues relating to the environment seem to be gaining more interest with the public, which should increase the demand for more environmental professionals."

The environmental management option will consist of one required three-hour course: EV661 Business Strategies for Corporate Management; two selected three-hour courses from these options: EV551 Hazardous Material Assessments, EV653 Occupational Health, EV654 Risk Assessment Application, EV655 Industrial Hygiene, and EV660 Introduction to Toxicology; and one open elective three-hour course.

"The international business option is based on inquiries received about the MBA program and options available within the program," said Heischmidt. "Both domestic and international students who are interested in the international dimensions of business wanted an option in international business in the MBA program."

The international business option will consist of one required three-hour course: BA663 International Business Strategies; one selected three-hour course from these options: AC540 International Perspectives on Accounting, FI540 International Finance, and EC580 International Economics; one selected three-hour course from these options: MK560 International Marketing and MG560 International Management; and one open elective three-hour course. In addition, the student must have taken nine hours of University foreign language or equivalent proficiency.

The MBA degree program has grown nearly 32 percent annually for the past six years. From 1996-2000, the number of enrolled students increased from 32 to 96, a growth of 300 percent. Since 1996, a total of 234 graduate students have enrolled in the University's MBA program.

The MBA degree program achieved initial accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB-International) in December of 2000. The AACSB-International is the premier accrediting agency and service organization for business schools worldwide.

The University's MBA program develops the knowledge base, management skills, and personal attributes that allow professional advancement and executive leadership within organizations. The program is designed to expose students to contemporary management thought and practice, contributing to continued effectiveness and professional advancement.