SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock University’s new masters of business administration program will start Dec. 18.

Nearly two dozen students already are enrolled.

The instruction will be split with about half the classes in a classroom and half the classes online. Students will participate two evenings each week, taking one course each evening during the eight-week sessions.

“This program will allow the student to complete two courses during each eight-week session or four courses per semester in addition to a winter and summer session,” said Larry McCarthy, coordinator of the program.

The in-class sessions will meet at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Township.

The degree will be offered in three tracks: accounting/finance, marketing/management and a general MBA. The program also is expected to help graduates meet new Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants requirements for the CPA exam.

McCarthy said that he anticipates plenty of SRU graduates to take part in the program, but he said that he is seeing people who have graduated from other colleges, as well as working professionals looking to further their education, take part.

“We believe that advertising and word-of-mouth, as well as a pent-up demand and our competitive edge, have helped boost enrollment,” McCarthy said.

Details about the program are available from SRU’s Office of Graduate Admission at 724-738-2051.