University of Calgary Launches New Accelerated MBA

The University of Calgary is launching its brand-new program – The Haskayne Accelerated MBA – in 2019. Boasting a mix of in-class and experiential learning at the main campus (Scurfield Hall) and the downtown campus, the program can be started in either the Fall (September) or Winter (January), and can be completed in as little as 12 months.

To learn more about what students can expect from the new MBA, we spoke to the University of Calgary.

What factors led to the development of this program?

Eligible students in the January 2018 cohort were given the first opportunity to participate in the newly approved accelerated MBA option. This new program provides recent graduates with an undergraduate business degree with the opportunity to receive nine course exemptions on the MBA program.

As a result, they only have to fulfil an 11-course requirement to complete the MBA program. Eligible students will also save up to 45 percent in tuition costs and significantly reduce their program length.

What type of students do you hope to see apply in the first year?

Students must have at least two years’ work experience and have a business undergraduate degree from an accredited Canadian/US post-secondary institution within the last 10 years, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

What are some of the extra-curricular opportunities available to students?

Students on the Haskayne accelerated MBA program can participate in a variety of extra-curricular opportunities to enhance their experience, including:

• Haskayne MBA Wilderness Retreat: Set in the Rocky Mountains, the retreat is an unconventional adventure leadership learning experience that combines outdoor activities, personal growth challenges, team building, self-reflection and cross-cultural learning.
• Haskayne Guided Path System: This provides students with access to leadership assessment tools, as well as development materials for self-awareness, experience and capacity.
• BMO Mentorship Program: Students are given the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals, increase career opportunities and accelerate personal development.  
• Dedicated MBA Career Consultants: The dedicated career consultants support students through the career development lifecycle; from developing awareness of strengths, needs and preferences, through to identifying and securing their next career transition.
• Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies: MBA students have the opportunity to support new science and technology-based ventures in business development, market research, financial modelling and scaling strategies.
• Industry Speakers & Networking Events: Discover different career opportunities through a multitude of industry panels, case competitions, speaker series and networking events.

How will the program be taught and what can students expect on a day-to-day basis?

The accelerated MBA has two intakes each year in Fall and Winter. This provides significant flexibility for participants to choose between evening and daytime delivery.

Classes take place at the main campus (Scurfield Hall) and downtown campus and are a combination of in-class lectures and experiential learning. Students must take three required courses and eight electives.

Students also have the opportunity to specialize and tailor their degree to best suit their interests. Students can choose from six specializations:

• Marketing
• Project Management
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Global Energy Management and Sustainable Development
• Finance
• Real Estate Studies

How can students take advantage of wider opportunities within the school and institution?

Haskayne students are encouraged to take advantage of the many programs and development opportunities offered through our centers of excellence:

• Canadian Centre for Advanced Leadership in Business
• Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies
• Centre for Corporate Sustainability

Students may also take advantage of programs and resources through the UCalgary Graduate Students’ Association.

What most excites you about this program launch?

Many students choose the accelerated MBA because of its flexible daytime or evening delivery. Students can continue working full-time while pursuing their studies, which allows them to apply their learnings and provide value within their organization.

What will be the career opportunities for program graduates?

Students will accelerate their career by expanding their business expertise and skills through their studies.

• More than seven out of 10 Haskayne MBA graduates are employed within three months of graduation
• Graduates have an average 20 percent salary increase from their pre-MBA salary

Is there any additional information you’d like prospective students to know?

The application deadline for Winter is November 15; Fall (Domestic) application deadline is June 1; application deadline for Fall (International) is March 1.

Hopeful students can apply at haskaynemba.ca or contact Micheline Campanaro ([email protected], 1-877-220-3808; 1-403-220-3808) to speak with an admissions advisor directly.