Maryland Smith Launches MicroMasters in MBA Core Curriculum on edX.org

COLLEGE PARK, Md., July 9, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Working professionals in any field have a new low-cost path to a high-quality online MBA. The MicroMasters® program in MBA Core Curriculum from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, available on online learning platform edX.org, is designed to immerse participants in the foundational business skills needed to advance their careers.

The series of seven courses will be the first MicroMasters program on the edX platform to offer transferable credits to a full MBA degree. "These are rigorous MBA courses, designed and taught by world-class faculty," said Maryland Smith professor Judy Frels, assistant dean, online programs and academic director of the school's online MBA program, ranked No. 9 nationally by U.S. News & World Report.

Participants will also benefit from the experience of learning on edX.org, the leading nonprofit learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. The asynchronous online series will offer three levels of engagement, in keeping with the MicroMasters program design of flexible paths based upon learners' time, preferences and educational needs.

Students may complete individual courses to boost their skills in particular subject areas or advance their careers by earning the full MicroMasters program certificate for $1,500. Students may also take the next step and convert the coursework into credits toward an online MBA.

Students who transfer to the degree program must complete the full MicroMasters program and meet regular admissions standards at Maryland Smith. Overall, the MicroMasters program will give verified learners valuable standalone skills and 25 percent of an MBA for less than the cost of single graduate credit.

"We are making high-quality education more affordable for more people," Maryland Smith dean Alexander Triantis said. "Participants will have opportunities to interact socially and build their professional networks, while learning core business skills from our outstanding professors."

Seven-week courses will be rolled out over the next 16 months, starting with Marketing Management on Aug. 6, 2018, which is open for enrollment today. Subsequent launch dates will include Leadership and Influence on Oct. 8, 2018; Financial Accounting on Jan. 7, 2019; Data Analysis for Decision Making on March 11, 2019; Strategic and Transformational IT on June 3, 2019; Corporate Finance on Aug. 5, 2019; and Global Business Strategy on Oct. 28, 2019.

Each course in the series will be offered twice per year, following its initial launch. "Support networks will be built into the MicroMasters program," Frels said. "Groups will start each course together on the same dates to facilitate collaboration and social interaction."

Students pursuing the verified track will receive an enhanced, differentiated learner experience, taking proctored exams and receiving feedback from MBA-level teaching assistants.

"We are honored to work with the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business to launch a MicroMasters program in MBA Core Curriculum. This offering marks an exciting step toward furthering our shared mission to expand access to high-quality education," said Anant Agarwal, CEO at edX and professor at MIT. "The MicroMasters programs on edX empower learners everywhere to improve their lives and advance their careers. Signaling the next level of innovation in learning, MicroMasters programs are designed to meet the needs of both universities and employers, by providing learners with the in-demand knowledge and skills needed for success in today's rapidly evolving and tech-driven world."

About edX
EdX is a nonprofit, open-source learning destination offering online educational programs and courses at edx.org in alliance with more than 130 member institutions, composed of both leading global universities and colleges and a diverse group of prominent organizations from around the world. Founded by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and based in Cambridge, MA, U.S.A., edX is focused on transforming online and classroom learning through groundbreaking methodologies, game-like educational experiences and cutting-edge research on an open-source platform.

About the Robert H. Smith School of Business
The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, specialty masters, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

Additional contact: Greg Muraski at [email protected] or 301-405-5283.

SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business