By Joe Hadsall

jhadsall@joplinglobe.com

Missouri Southern State University will begin offering an online master’s in business administration in conjunction with Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville.

The two-year program includes 11 courses in subjects such as advanced human resources management, international business, personal investments and managerial accounting. Students who have bachelor’s degrees from accredited schools may enroll.

“Many of our students have asked for the ability to continue their education here,” said Carla Huntington, program director. “They like being part of Missouri Southern. It’s exciting for us to be able to grow this program.”

According to a memorandum of understanding between the two universities, both will provide faculty and course work. Northwest will have responsibility for administering the program; MSSU students will pay MSSU tuition and fees.

The program is the seventh advanced degree to be offered by MSSU in conjunction with other Missouri universities. John Messick, vice president of academic affairs, said online master’s programs are becoming more common in higher education.

“They represent a good use of resources and enable us to get started more quickly,” Messick said. “The technology for doing distance education is very good, and most students prefer that kind of format.”

MSSU already offers master’s degrees in teaching, in conjunction with Missouri State University; in early childhood education and in instructional technology, in conjunction with Northwest; in nursing and in dental hygiene, in conjunction with the University of Missouri-Kansas City; and in criminal justice administration, in conjunction with Southeast Missouri State University.