University recognized as largest majority-female MBA program in Massachusetts

April 14, 2020
University recognized as largest majority-female MBA program in Massachusetts

Fitchburg State University’s MBA program is the largest majority-female program in the state for the second year in a row.

The Boston Business Journal recently published its list of the largest MBA programs in the state. Fitchburg State, which offers in-person and accelerated online MBA programs, ranked 5th in the state for overall size. It’s also the largest program for whom a majority of students – 54 percent – are women.

Professor Beverley Hollingsworth chairs Fitchburg State’s MBA program and said she has always been impressed by the statements of intent in their applications. “A majority of applicants pour their hearts out with gratitude for the opportunity to be accepted to our program to fulfill their dream of achieving an affordable quality MBA,” Hollingsworth said. “I believe the program attracts more females because women in general see themselves as the matriarch and guardian of family values and desire to position themselves as a nurturing role model for their children and other family members to emulate.”

Eman Warraich-Gibson ’19 works as chief clinical officer at Integrity House, the largest substance use treatment program in the state of New Jersey. She was looking for an MBA program that she could balance with a challenging career and the demands of a young family. “I knew instantly this was the program for me: 100 percent online, a curriculum my impulsive mind could squeeze into one year, and affordable,” she said. “With the support of my husband, I enrolled and started my first class in March 2019 and a year later graduated with a 4.0 GPA.”

Gibson, who was recognized with the university’s Graduate Student Leadership Award at her graduation in December, said she found the curriculum immediately relevant to her work at Integrity House. “The knowledge I gained from the faculty and my classmates is immeasurable and most applicable to the real world,” she said.

Fitchburg State Dean of Graduate and Continuing Education Becky Copper Glenz said the university’s MBA offerings – with specializations in accounting, healthcare management, human resources management, or management – are designed to support students on their terms. “The Fitchburg State Online MBA program provides the flexibility students are looking for in the timeframe they need and allows students to apply what they learn directly to their daily work, which helps to broaden their experience and provide opportunities for advancement,” she said.

To learn more, visit fitchburgstate.edu/mba.