Carlow University has received final approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to begin enrolling students in the Masters in Business Administration degree program in the fall of 2007.

"I commend you for the progress made with this program," said Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Gerald L. Zahorchak, D. Ed., in a letter to Carlow University President Dr. Mary Hines announcing the state's approval.

"It is evident that you and your staff have worked to develop a program that will enrich education in the Commonwealth."

Carlow's MBA will have an integrated management and technology focus, which is essential to leading a business enterprise in the 21st century.

The current business management program at Carlow, a Master of Science degree, has been awarded since 1997 and will continue for the time being. It is planned that eventually the MBA program will replace the MS program.

"We are pleased that the state has recognized the quality of this program," said Dr. Mary C. Rothenberger, associate provost, and the dean of the Graduate School at Carlow University.

"This is an exciting development for Carlow, and we look forward to offering an MBA degree program for our students."

This is the second new graduate degree to be offered by Carlow in the past two years. In January 2005, the university added a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing degree. The first graduate to earn the MFA degree was in the winter commencement ceremony earlier this month.

"As the university moves forward, we consider this offering (the MBA) one which will contribute to our strength in serving the greater southwestern Pennsylvania community and beyond," said Dr. Gary L. Smith, provost, Carlow University.

For information about the new MBA program, please call 1-800-333-CARLOW.