BUTLER TWP— Through an agreement with Indiana (Pa.) University, students at Butler County Community College can earn a MBA beginning in January.

This is the first time IUP is offering its MBA Executive Track program at a non-IUP site, and it may be the first of a series of programs offered jointly.

It's also the first-time students can earn a MBA on BC3's campus, Susan Changnon, BC3 spokeswoman, said.

The program, designed for professionals who want a managerial education, also is offered at IUP's Monroeville campus. Students in the program will be able to complete the program in six semesters by taking classes two days per week.

Paula Sandusky, director of recruiting and off-campus programs for IUP, said BC3 was chosen as a location because the fast growth of business in the area.

"Northern suburbs of greater Pittsburgh area, as well as Butler and surrounding communities, are among the fastest growing region in terms of professionals residing in the area and start up of new businesses. We wanted to cater to the graduate business education needs of this professional community,"she said in her e-mail statement.

She said IUP is working toward offering an undergraduate program in marketing and other business-related initiatives.

The MBA program at BC3 is a part-time program, designed for professionals with two-and-half hour classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"Our students come from a variety of professional and educational backgrounds, including engineering, liberal arts, business, medicine, education, health care, law, and social science," Sandusky said.

To learn more, IUP professor Krish Krishnan will answer questions at a meeting at 6 p.m. Nov. 1 in Room 183 of the Business and Health Professions Building on BC3's main campus.

To make reservations or ask questions, call Sandusky at 800-845-0131 or Linda Dodd at BC3 at 724-287-8711, Ext. 8353.