Press Release

Technology, management, and entrepreneurship converge

The University of Arizona launches globally unique dual-degree master's program

TUCSON, Ariz. – February 03, 2006 – In 1956 in his garage, Tom Brown merged an MIT engineering degree, a Harvard MBA, and an entrepreneurial spirit to found the legendary Tucson technology giant, Burr-Brown, Inc. In today’s economy, where innovation often springs from the minds of multi-talented people, Brown’s model, and subsequent vision for training young entrepreneurs, is emerging at the forefront of integrated education.

Addressing Brown’s vision, Amar Gupta, Thomas R. Brown Professor of Management and Technology and Professor of Entrepreneurship at the Eller College of Management, spearheaded the creation of a unique dual-degree master’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 is the 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 Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he helped to bring many new technologies to market.

In addition to an MBA from the Eller College of Management, which touts two nationally ranked programs — Management Information Systems (MIS) and the McGuire Entrepreneurship Center — students will have the opportunity to concurrently 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 technological advancement 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 represents an important step in bringing his vision to fruition.”

Traditionally, MBA programs have focused on general management issues without any particular attention to industrial sectors or functional areas. The new dual-degree program highlights the critical convergence of technology, management, and entrepreneurship. “Such programs can serve as an important catalyst for regional innovation and economic development,” said Gupta.

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

• Optics/MBA
• Mechanical Engineering/MBA
• Mechanical Engineering Electrical & Computer Engineering/MBA
• Mechanical Engineering, Technical Engineering Management/MBA
• MS Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering/MBA
• MS Electrical & Computer Engineering with Thesis/MBA
• MS Hydrology/MBA
• MS Mining & Geological Engineering/MBA
• MS Computer Science/MBA

For more information about the dual-degree master’s program, contact Gupta at 520.626.9842, or visit www.ellermba.arizona.edu/dual. Contact Linda Erasmus at 520.621.3861 to apply for this program.

The Eller College of Management at The University of Arizona is internationally recognized for pioneering research, innovative curriculum, distinguished faculty, excellence in entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. U.S.News & World Report ranks the Eller undergraduate program #15 among public business schools and three of its programs are among the top 25 — Entrepreneurship, MIS,and Supply Chain Management/Logistics. The MPA program in the School of Public Administration and Policy ranks in the top 50. Financial Times ranks the Eller MBA full-time program #27 in the U.S. and #57 in the world, and Forbes ranks the program among the top 50 nationwide. The College leads the nation’s business schools in generating grant funds for research. In addition to a full-time MBA program, the Eller College offers an evening MBA program, and the Eller Executive MBA. The Eller College of Management supports more than 5,000 undergraduate and 600 graduate students on the UA campus in beautiful Tucson, Arizona.

Press Contact:
Liz Warren-Pederson, Eller College of Management
520.626.9547, news@eller.arizona.edu