Smith Launches MS in Business Program in Tunisia

Wednesday, September 13, 2006, marked the first day of Smith's new MS in Business program in Tunis, Tunisia. The new executive education program was jointly developed between the Smith School and the Mediterranean School of Business.

The 10-month, part-time course schedule is 30 credits and is targeted to executives interested in advancement in management and in information technology. Smith School Dean Howard Frank describes the program as a foundation of core business management courses combined with a strong track in information systems and technology.

Associate Dean Scott Koerwer said, This is a vitally important program for the Smith School and the University of Maryland because it places us squarely on the African continent (in northern Africa) and provides a unique window to the challenges facing business professionals from southern Europe, the Mid-East countries and northern Africa.

Orientation for the 30 students in the program was on September 12 and included presentations by Dr. Mahmoud Triki, dean of MSB, and two representatives from the Smith School: Dr. Steven Feld, executive director of executive education, and Eileen Spear, senior director for global programs. The event was followed by a reception attended by VIPs from local business and government, diplomats, as well as friends and family members of the students.

The students represent many different industries and nationalities, with ages ranging from 20s to over 50. They have an impressive range of academic qualifications and professional experience, said Spear. We at Smith are excited about this launch and look forward to expanding programs further in the future.

The program is one of a suite of four new executive education programs new to the Smith School. The evening executive MBA, the executive MS in accounting and a customized MBA program with SAIC comprise the rest of the new degree programs Smith offers to Executives.