[NR] UTPB MBA program earns top nod in U.S. News & World Report

NEWS RELEASE UT Permian Basin’s focus on student performance and quality instruction has earned the institution another national recognition. In January, U.S. News & World Report ranked UTPB’s online master’s degree in business administration degree programs as one of the best in the country.

UTPB was evaluated on many factors, including teaching practices, student engagement, student services and technology.

“We are in the top 10 percent,” Business School Dean Jack Ladd explained. “We ranked 15^th out of more than 150 top universities and colleges. I am very proud of our faculty and staff.”

The UTPB MBA Online Program is a web-based degree program offered by a consortium of University of Texas universities. Students may take the entire MBA program or any portion of it using MBA Online courses. Students who cannot commute regularly to the UTPB campus because of distance or time constraints are encouraged to consider MBA Online courses.

The flexibility of the program makes it an ideal option for many, including recent MBA graduate Brad Potts.

“The program allowed me the flexibility to take care of work and family obligations while pursuing my degree.  It also allowed me to choose which courses to take from different UT campuses.  The professors, both online and in the classroom, were always quick to engage the students and explore different avenues,” Potts said.

Potts is now the operations manager at Baker Hughes, a top-tier international oilfield service company with a century-long track record. The company specializes in solutions that help oil and gas operators make the most of their reservoirs.

“While Baker Hughes made it clear that an MBA did not guarantee raises or advancement, it was only a matter of a couple of months after I had completed the degree that I received a new role in the company that included more responsibilities as well as a bump in pay grade and title.  It has also set me up for future job opportunities in even higher levels of management,” Potts added.

U.S. News & World Report also recognized UTPB in several other areas.

For online Bachelor’s Programs, UTPB ranked in the top 20 percent for providing best teaching practice, student engagement, student services and technology. For online graduate programs in education, UTPB ranked in the top 15 percent in the same areas.

“This is another tremendous recognition for UT Permian Basin,” President David Watts said. “U.S. News & World Report, which generates the Best Colleges list annually, is one of the top resources for choosing a university. We are honored by this distinction.”

For more information on any of these degree programs, visit www.UTPB.edu or call the university at 552-2020.