Valdosta State University's online program listed as one of thenations' "Best Online Graduate Programs"

U.S. News and World Report recognized Valdosta State University's WebMBA? program as one of the nation's "Best Online Graduate Programs".

To create the list U.S. News surveyed some 2,000 institutions and divided their unranked listing into five categories including: Business, Education, Engineering, Library Science and Public Health. VSU's program was listed among 25 business programs that are regionally and professionally accredited.

The ten-course program is offered through a consortium of five Georgia universities that include Valdosta State University, Georgia Southern University, Kennesaw State University, State University of West Georgia and Georgia College and State University.

'The WebMBA program is unique in that it allows working executives to get a high quality MBA even though their work and family schedules may not allow them to attend traditional classes on campus,? said Dr. John Oliver, director of VSU's MBA programs.

The program can be completed in less than two years and features an easy-to-use Web-based format. Students take courses in accounting, organizational behavior, marketing, finance, production/operation management, international business, decision analysis, business strategy and two electives as part of the 30 hours required to complete the degree.

'I believe the quality, flexibility, reasonable price and personal interaction with professor and other students contribute, not only to the satisfaction of students and faculty with the program, but to the program being selected as one of the top twenty-five online graduate business programs by U.S. News and World Report,? Oliver said.

Courses are taught by professors from each of the five institutions, and are selected based on a number of criteria, including their ability to engage students in experiences that provide learning while solving real business problems.

?Students and faculty in this program report that they actually interact more in online classes than in traditional classroom settings,? Oliver said. ?The advantage is flexibility-you get to work according to your schedule rather than the university's.?

The third cycle of classes starts Aug. 27 and the deadline for applications is June 30.