We recently spoke with Ayako Huang, the Director of Sustainable MBA Programs at Maharishi University of Management. With their Sustainable MBA at the base, the program will also be adding "spin-offs" as well as continue it's emphasis on personal self-knowledge.
What is the latest news with The Maharishi University of Management’s Online MBA program: any upcoming enhancements?
MUM has recently been approved to add several short online masters degrees as spin-offs from our MBA program. These will be three-semester, part-time programs taken entirely online. The topics of these masters degrees are (1) Enterprise Resource Planning Finance and Control, (2) Workplace Conflict Resolution, and (3) Sustainability Measurement and Reporting.
What type of student typically enrolls in the Maharishi University of Management’s online MBA program?
The majority of students are mid-career professionals and would like to pursue both skill- and career-enhancement as well as networking opportunities by taking the MUM online MBA program.The student demographic is currently:
·65% are from the East Coast, 34% are from the Mid-West, and 1% are from other countries;
·72% are female;
·the average age is around early 30’s.
We are interested in learning more about Maharishi’s unique sustainable MBA. Can you tell us how the program is structured for online students?
The theme for each semester is based on one of the main business functions: marketing, accounting, operations, etc. The semester begins with an introductory course on that theme and ends with a course on sustainable business in the context of that theme. The Online MBA courses are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:00 pm US Central time and Saturday mornings 10:00 am-12:00 noon. The class sessions are video-conferenced live via the Internet and are recorded for students whose time zone or work schedule does not permit synchronous participation. Readings and homework account for another 7-10 hours of academic work per week
Maharishi weaves the practice of Transcendental Meditation into your entire curriculum. Can you share a brief overview of what potential students can expect to learn about TM?
Transcendental Meditation is an effortless technique for “recharging your mind and body”— and creating a brighter, more positive state of mind. Hundreds of published research studies have found that TM is highly effective on stress and anxiety, brain function and cardiovascular health.
How do students in the online MBA program interact with faculty?
Maharishi University of Management’s online MBA program offers both synchronous and asynchronous lectures. Students often connect with their professors through live videoconferencing five hours per week. They also use email and the school’s online education portal. In addition, the professors provide live office hours and optional meeting times.
Are students required to spend time on campus or travel abroad?
Maharishi University of Management’s online MBA program is a 100% online program. Students are not required to attend on campus at any time. However, many students like to visit campus during one of the Visitors Weekends.
Can you share a short example or highlight of faculty achievement in the program?
Professor Dennis Heaton won the Best Symposium Award from the Management Education Division at the 2018 Academy of Management national meeting for a symposium titled "Eastern and Western Approaches to Developing Leader Self-Awareness." Professor Heaton also contributed a chapter to the book “Developing a Sustainability Mindset in Management Education” that was a finalist for the 2018 Book Awards from the IHMA.
Professor Scott Herriott recently published a book "Metrics for Sustainable Business" as part of the Sustainability Series at Routledge Publishing (Taylor & Francis Group).
What companies typically recruit MBAs from your program?
Our MBA graduates have been recruited by various companies in top management positions, such as high-tech software project manager, manufacturing executive officer, and non-profit organization project coordinator, etc. Others have become successful self-employed entrepreneurs
What advice would you give a prospective candidate for your online MBA program?
1. Make a study plan aligned with ones learning objective and goal.
2. Have regular communication with faculty and ask for help if it is needed.
3. Connect with others for social support.
4. Stay motivated with effective time management.
5. Create a study space and eliminate distractions.
Why should a prospective MBA candidate choose Maharishi University?
When students enroll in Maharishi University of Management, they gain the practical skills to be competitive in the marketplace, but more than that, they gain an ability to know themselves and to learn who they are from within through the practice of Transcendental Meditation.
