The Future of the PMBA & the PMBA of the Future Monica S. Powell, PhD Senior Associate Dean & Graduate Dean Naveen Jindal School of Management UT Dallas

Past…. Present…… Future…….....

Application Trends Study GMAC 2017 Application Trends Study

Demand for part-time lockstep MBA programs in the US outpaces part-time self-paced MBA programs. Part-time lockstep MBA programs have reported year on-year growth for the past several years, while the majority of self-paced programs in the United States continuing to report declining application volumes. Professional MBA programs reported mixed results in 2017. Differences in application growth may be attributed to program location and format. Overall, men represent the majority of candidates to all professional MBA programs. Domestic candidates outweighed international candidates by far for all program types. Candidates to these programs tend to have much more work experience, compared to other programs; 81 percent of candidates have three or more years of experience. In the United States, underrepresented populations represented 15 to 17 percent of the applicant pool for part-time self-paced, flexible, and online MBA programs and 20 to 21 percent of part-time lockstep and executive MBA programs. Cohort MBA Programs The majority of professional MBA programs that emphasize a ‘cohort’ design -- specifically, part-time lockstep and executive MBA programs -- have reported growth in application volumes for the last 2-3 years. Despite the lack of flexibility and convenience these programs provide, their growing popularity may highlight the value of in-class networking opportunities. Part-Time Self-Paced and Flexible MBA Programs continued to experience slowing demand; approximately one-third of these programs reported application growth this year, just more than half of programs report declines. More than half (53%) of programs reported declining international volume. Overall, 26 percent of applicants are international, down from 30 percent in 2016. Online MBA Programs After two-years of growth, demand for Online MBA programs has stabilized; the same share of programs reported growth as they reported declines.

“Today’s students are coming to campus expecting to do more than sit in class and take notes. They want to experiment, solve problems, engage across disciplines, and take on real-world projects as they learn. In response, more institutions are creating richer, more engaging education experiences designed to allow them to do just that.” Learning Beyond Four Walls by Tricia Bisoux, Biz Ed, October 2017

Six Trends in Business Education – According to Deans There Will Be Digital Disruption Learning Will Become Experiential Courses Will Be Tailored to Individual Needs MBA Programs Will Shut Their Doors Degrees Will Become Specialized Big Data Will Get Bigger www.business because.com

Be Inspired to Lead Change in PMBA The work of the future is not the work of today. Tomorrow’s workers need skills for a more technology-enabled workplace. Leaders will work side-by-side with machines. Education systems and programs must evolve emphasizing creativity, critical thinking and systems thinking. Remember -- risk for innovation in part-time programs is limited. Part-time programs can integrate online, experiential and creative options to a greater degree than full-time programs. The classroom experience will be a smaller piece of the part-time program experience. Creating partnerships to enhance innovation and engagement for students will pay big dividends.