UA launches Globally Unique Dual-Degree Master's Program

By University Communications February 3, 2006

In 1956 in his garage, Tom Brown mergedan MIT engineering degree, a Harvard MBA and an entrepreneurial spirit tofound the legendary Tucson technology giant, Burr-Brown, Inc.

Addressing Brown's vision, Amar Gupta, Thomas R. Brown Professor ofManagement and Technology and Professor of Entrepreneurship at the EllerCollege of Management, spearheaded the creation of a unique dual-degreemaster's program at The University of Arizona.

Designed to address the demands of 21st century industry, the distinctive program offers students the opportunity to earn a dual master's degree, including a certificate in entrepreneurship, in less than two years. The new opportunity integrates technology, management, and entrepreneurship into a single course of study.

"To the best of my knowledge, the program at The University of Arizona isthe only one in the world that leads to two full-time master's degrees(including an MBA) plus a certificate in entrepreneurship," commented Gupta,who joined The University of Arizona after 25 years at MassachusettsInstitute of Technology where he helped to bring many new technologiesto the market.

In addition to an MBA from the Eller College of Management, which touts twonationally ranked programs - Management Information Systems and theMcGuire Entrepreneurship Center - students will have the opportunity toconcurrently earn a master's degree from another college of their choice:Engineering, Optics, Agriculture, or Science.

"Tom Brown's genius and legacy are critical to the future of technologicaladvancement at the Eller College of Management," said Brent Chrite,associate dean and director of Eller MBA programs. "The dual-degree program,including the entrepreneurship component, affirms this legacy and representsan important step in bringing his vision to fruition."

Traditionally, MBA programs have focused on general management issueswithout any particular attention to industrial sectors or functional areas.The new dual-degree program highlights the critical convergence oftechnology, management, and entrepreneurship. "Such programs can serve as animportant catalyst for regional innovation and economic development," saidGupta.

The following is a partial list of 2006 dual-degree opportunities:

For more information about the dual-degree master's program, contact Amar Guptaat (520) 626-9842, or visit www.ellermba.arizona.edu/dual. To apply for the program, contact Linda Erasmus at (520) 621-3861.

The Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona is internationallyrecognized for pioneering research, innovative curriculum, distinguishedfaculty, excellence in entrepreneurship and social responsibility and itstop-5 MIS program. Both U.S. News & World Report and Forbes rank the EllerMBA full-time program among the top 50 nationwide, and the college leads thenation's business schools in generating grant funds for research.

Inaddition to a full-time MBA program, the Eller College offers a part-timeMBA program, the Eller Executive MBA, and the ability to combine an MBA withgraduate studies in science, engineering, law, pharmacy, finance, MIS andinternational management. The Eller College of Management supports more than4,500 undergraduate and 600 graduate students on the UA campus.

Et Cetera