University of New Haven Bucks National Trend, Sees Significant Spike in MBA Applications

The University’s MBA program realized a 28 percent year-over-year increase in the number of applications, which goes against a national trend in which the number of MBA applications has declined each of the last four years.

October 9, 2018

By Dave Cranshaw, Office of Marketing & Communications

In just the last year, the University of realized a 28 percent increase in the number of applications to its MBA program, bucking a national trend.

According to data from the Graduate Management Admission Council, the number of MBA applications nationwide has declined each of the last four years. And the most recognized programs aren’t immune from the downturn.

This fall, Yale realized a nearly eight percent decline in MBA applications, and Harvard’s graduate business school saw its largest decline in MBA applications since 2005.

Down the road, Quinnipiac saw a seven percent decrease in MBA applications

Brian Kench, dean of the University’s College of Business, attributes the increase in applications to the University’s redesigned MBA program that it started introducing in spring 2018.

The program focuses on business analytics – a field expected to grow 10 percent by 2026, adding nearly 800,000 jobs – leadership, and high-impact practices. In addition, the University of New Haven’s MBA is one of only two in Connecticut – and less than 30 across the U.S. that offers concentrations that have been STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) certified.

"Our STEM-certified concentrations in data analytics and financial analysis are designed to instill in our students the technical expertise that employers told us they are looking for in their employees." Brian Kench, dean of the University's College of Business

The federal government created the STEM designation program to help employers deal with the shortage of qualified workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. STEM designated educational programs make it possible for international graduates, to remain stateside for an additional 24 months after graduation and receive training through work experience.

To earn the STEM designation, at least 50 percent of the coursework in a program must be in the fields of science, technology, engineering or math.

Kench said the University is also offering new MBA concentrations in business analytics, strategy leadership, and business operations, among others, that enable students to develop expertise in high-growth areas. He also believes opportunities the University is creating that enable students to collaborate with local corporations are attracting students.

"Our new capstone experience that is centered around a real-world consulting project with an area business is resonating with MBA candidates who are seeking innovative opportunities that go beyond traditional classroom learning," he said.