Feb. 4, 2010

In the fall of 2010, The Catholic University of America will begin offering a Master of Science in Business Analysis (MSBA) - a program created as a bridge for recent non-business graduates wanting to begin careers in business, government or the non-profit world. The program will match students with mentors in the business field and give them the tools needed to compete with business majors for that critical first job."The MSBA program is an important, forward-looking initiative by the Department of Business and Economics," says L.R. Poos, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. "This program meets the school's criteria for new program development: it leverages our existing strengths, it offers something other institutions don't and it fits with our mission."The MSBA uniquely features a curriculum based on Catholic social teaching and the belief that commerce is a service to society.Two recent statements by Pope Benedict XVI inspired the new MSBA - his 2008 address to educators during his visit to Catholic University and his 2009 encyclical Caritas in Veritate . The program draws on Church teachings that provide moral guidance for civic, political and economic activity, says Andrew Abela, chair of business and economics."What business leaders are so desperately seeking today are honest, hard-working team players - men and women of uncompromising integrity," says Andrew Abela, chair of business and economics. This new program will emphasize to students that when business is conducted in the context of service to society, the scandals that recently have been making headlines disappear, and business becomes a positive force, Abela says.Instructors in this program will teach using the "case method," which applies the skills students are acquiring to actual situations in the business world. Students will learn the interviewing, social and networking skills necessary to be successful in their careers. They will take courses on how to manage, market and communicate with integrity; leadership skills; and how to conduct ethical research and analysis.The MSBA program differs from a Master in Business Administration in that it has been designed for students who have a bachelor's degree in fields other than business and who are looking for an initial boost in getting a job. An MBA is designed to help someone already in the business world further their career.Applications are being accepted for the fall 2010 semester. For more information on the program, visit http://msba.cua.edu or contact Stew McHie, MSBA program director, at mchie@cua.edu or 202-319-5433.

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