Crummer Graduate School of Business Launches Flex MBA Program

It’s no stretch to say the post-pandemic workforce is more flexible than ever. So too is getting an MBA from Rollins.

In January, Rollins’ Crummer Graduate School of Business will launch its Flex MBA pilot program, which allows students to attend up to 45 percent of their courses online and offers concentrations in entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance.

Best of all, it blends modern flexibility with the same signature elements of the Rollins experience: intimate class sizes, accessible faculty, applied learning opportunities, tailored course content, and the inherent value of earning an MBA through the lens of the liberal arts.

Applications have been open since July, with the final deadline set for December 10.

We recently sat down with Craig Kaufman, Crummer’s executive director of enrollment management and marketing, to learn more about the new Flex MBA program and how it can help bridge the gap for working professionals.

Why is Rollins choosing to add this program? “The Flex MBA offers professionals access to our renowned MBA program with the flexibility many people have come to expect in the post-pandemic workforce. Our ability to quickly and effectively transition to virtual and mixed-mode environments during the pandemic convinced us that we could continue to deliver the personal, high-touch experience Crummer is known for.”

What does the online component look like? “Because every class will be taught in a mixed-mode environment, with students attending both remotely and in person, students are able to choose which classes they will opt to attend online. Just like our Professional MBA program, students will attend classes two evenings per week (Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.) over the course of two years.”

Does the cohort model still apply? If so, what is the structure? “Yes, students will remain with their cohorts throughout their required courses. During their elective periods, they will take classes with both their cohorts and other students from our Professional MBA program.”

Besides the online offering, how does the Flex MBA differ from the traditional MBA program? “It’s the same curriculum as our Professional MBA program, which will now be available exclusively as a fall-start option. The difference is that while many students value the exclusively in-person format, others require flexibility and convenience. It really comes down to what format best fits the student’s needs. That said, there is no requirement that students must take 45 percent of their classes online in the Flex MBA program, but they have the option. They may opt to take more classes in person—it all depends on the preferences of the student.”

Is the flex option available for all MBA offerings: Early Advantage, Professional, and Executive? “It’s more accurate to think of this as our fifth distinct MBA program. The Early Advantage is a full-time program and will continue to be offered only in person. Our Executive MBA and Executive DBA programs already provide a great deal of convenience for professionals with substantial executive experience, as classes are held on campus one weekend a month. Our Professional MBA is for working professionals with at least two years of work experience, and our Flex MBA program reaches the same audience, just in a different format.”

What is the key benefit to students? “The benefit is that professionals can earn a prestigious Crummer MBA degree in a format that may better fit their busy lives. Crummer is known for its personal, high-touch approach, and we will continue to deliver that experience.”