(Posted March 25, 2021)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. — Juniata College will launch two new accelerated bachelor’s to master’s pathways to enable students to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree and a one-year master’s degree. 

Joining the business bachelor’s degree to master’s degree in business administration (MBA), students will also be able to earn a three-year bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies or a three-year bachelor’s degree in Spanish/Hispanic Cultures and then continue on to complete an MBA in one year.

“Students have the opportunity to gain valuable Spanish language proficiency that they will put to use in their careers. They'll engage in immersion learning in interdisciplinary content in cultures, history, linguistics, literature, and more,” said Amy Frazier-Yoder, associate professor of Spanish. “As part of the 3+1 program, they can study abroad in Latin America or Spain with opportunities for internships in their field of interest. It is an excellent opportunity to combine high-impact learning experiences with interdisciplinary studies and to build critical thinking skills and intercultural competencies.” 

These dual-degree programs are uniquely positioned to equip students to meet the challenges of today’s world.

“Every major corporation must now have an Environment and Social Governance plan and management. Juniata 3+1 graduates will be well suited to help these corporations be the stewards of nature that their shareholders and governmental regulators now demand,” said Neil Pelkey, professor of environmental science and studies. “Every environmental nonprofit leader needs the passion, the money, and the management to make the changes needed in the world. The Juniata ESS+MBA will help stoke that passion and hone the business skills to harvest those changes.”

Traditionally a six-year track, these accelerated programs enable students to take five to six classes per semester, with each academic year consisting of three semesters. 

Environmental Studies students will receive training in wildlife management, environmental decision-making, environmental law, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data analytics, and global public health in a top 10 rated environmental bachelor’s program. Opportunities provided include for-credit internship placements and study abroad programs for environmental science coursework in Africa, Asia, and Europe. 

Spanish/Hispanic Cultures students achieve language proficiency in high-impact classes grounded in best practices for foreign language education, with flexible class schedules with classes in conversation, writing, culture, history, linguistics, literature, popular culture, social movements, community engagement, and more. There is a wide range of short-term, semester- and year-long study abroad options and internships available to students in this program. 

Juniata’s MBA degree will focus on developing students’ technical expertise in the areas of accounting, finance, marketing, economics, human resource management, and operations management. The program includes international business study, project management, and consulting experience, and executive mentors who will partner with students during their academic journey. Courses are offered online and in-person. 

Juniata’s accelerated dual degree program provides students with a high-quality education, offering savings on tuition cost by reducing the time needed to achieve two degrees. Those enrolled in the program have access to professors with Big-4 consulting experiences and career-building. 

The National Center of Education Statistics indicates business master’s degrees make up nearly 25 percent of all master’s degrees awarded with over 185,000 earned in 2014-2015. In 2017, over a quarter-million people took the GMAT suggesting strong future interest in MBA programs. Many prospective graduate students consider the wage premium associated with particular master’s degrees, which indicates the difference between the earnings of workers holding bachelor’s degrees compared to the earnings of workers holding master’s degrees in the same occupation category. In 2015, the Bureau of Labor Statistics founds wage premiums in business occupations ranged from 36 to 89 percent. By comparison, STEM occupations ranged from 18 to 33 percent, and education ranged from 14 to 44 percent.

To qualify for admission to the accelerated dual degree program, most qualified candidates will demonstrate a 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) high school GPA or equivalent or rank in the top 20 percent of their high school class. 

For more information, call (814)641-3420 or email admissions@juniata.edu.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.