BSMBA -

...the integration of Technology & Business Administration

AJoint Degree Program of the College of Engineering and the Gatton College of Business and Economics

During the past thirty years, the practice of engineering has undergone considerable change. Economic and managerial issues that were previously addressed outside of the engineer's domain have been integrated into the engineer's responsibilities. Engineers have moved through engineering positions into managerial positions where they still draw upon their technological background. As a result, many graduate engineers have returned to school to obtain an MBA. In many MBA programs, graduate engineers represent more than one-fourth of the students.

In recognition of the increasing need for the integration of technology and business administration, the College of Engineering has joined with the Gatton College of Business and Economics to offer an integrated program in which a student successfully completing the program will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering and the Master of Business Administration.

The engineering undergraduate degree, coupled with the Master of Business Administration graduate program, provides a dynamic combination, allowing students to explore immediate interests while building a solid, long-term career foundation. Just as the engineering graduate discovers the need for an understanding of how business decision making works in order to further his or her career, the MBA graduate often needs to understand the technology involved in products and services to effectively manage technology.

The combined degree program positions the University of Kentucky to provide technically skilled managers to meet the 21st century needs of the Kentucky , national, and world economies. The integration of business and economics courses with a traditional engineering program over a five-year period results in students developing a broader, more holistic view of management principles and their application to an engineering environment.

The five-year degree program is an integrated plan of study and includes a required study abroad component. The program arose from discussions between the faculties of the College of Engineering and Business and Economics on degree programs the University could put in place to prepare graduates to manage the technological and business changes in the future.

The BS/MBA program is open to students from any of the accredited engineering programs and computer science. These degree programs will continue to provide the undergraduate student with a sound technical background for success in a variety of careers. Participation in the program is by invitation only. At the end of May each year, students who have completed their junior year with a GPA ³ 3.25 will be invited to apply for admission to the program. Participation in the program is limited to 20 students per year.

The program is as follows:

• First three years are spent completing requirements for the engineering degree
• Application to BS/MBA program
• Fourth year is spent completing requirements for the engineering degree – In addition to the engineering program course work, students admitted to the BS/MBA program will participate in the following activities that are conducted exclusively for students in the dual degree program:
• All day team building activities during the fall semester
• Plant/company visit both semesters
• Seminar with industry executive semesters
• All day creativity workshop during the spring semester
• Fifth year – Full-time work on the MBA begins mid-July and continues through the first week of the following June. Dual degree students must enroll in the one year program.
• Upon completion of the formal MBA program, dual degree participants will travel to an international location for a 4-5 week program in international business that is conducted exclusively for students in the dual degree program. Most of the expenses of this trip are paid for by the dual degree program.
• Sixth year (if necessary) – complete any engineering program course work requirements that remain.

Admission to the BS/MBA program does not constitute admission to the MBA degree program. Participants in the program must formally apply for admission to the MBA program by January of their fourth year of study. Admission to the BS/MBA program entitles students to participate in the fourth year activities listed above; for possible scholarship assistance in the MBA program; and participation in the international experience.

Scholarship assistance through several dedicated funds in the MBA program is tied to the student’s GMAT score. A score of 650 or better entitles the student to full in-state tuition and fees. A score of 630 to 649 provides one half of in-state tuition. For scholarship considerations all application materials must be submitted by April 1 st.

Information on the MBA program can be obtained at its website, http://gatton.uky.edu/Programs/MBA/Index.html. For further information or answers to questions about the MBA program, please contact

Questions about the BS/MBA application process, selection procedures, and international experience should be directed to Prof. William F. Maloney, Director of the BS/MBA program, at maloney@emgr.uky.edu or by phone at 859-257-3236.