SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant this week announced that the University will offer an accelerated Fourth-Year MBA (3+1) Program this fall, allowing incoming freshmen to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in just four years. 

College of Business Dean Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D., one of the architects of the program, which provides a significant competitive advantage for students, says it's coming at the right time.

“Our accelerated-dual degree program offers enhanced value, prepares and empowers students to differentiate and position themselves for success, which is particularly important in today’s economic environment.”

“If one thing is clear in these unprecedented times, it is that every organization must be able to anticipate and adapt quickly to a changing marketplace. Higher education is no exception,” says Annavarjula. “Our accelerated-dual degree program offers enhanced value, prepares and empowers students to differentiate and position themselves for success, which is particularly important in today’s economic environment.”

Students can choose to enroll in Bryant’s accelerated dual-degree program in the fall of their first year to complete their undergraduate program in three years, moving straight into Bryant’s One-year MBA program to have a Bachelor’s and MBA degree in just four years.

“Earning a Bryant MBA in the time it takes for a traditional four-year undergraduate is a real opportunity for students to excel in their disciplines and stand out with employers looking for top talent.”

The selective Fourth-Year (3+1) MBA Program offers significant value compared to more typical five-year BS/MBA options. It builds on Bryant’s innovative curriculum and degree programs that make the University one of the nation’s top ranked schools for learning outcomes and return on investment.

“Earning a Bryant MBA in the time it takes for a traditional four-year undergraduate is a real opportunity for students to excel in their disciplines and stand out with employers looking for top talent,” adds Diya Das, Ph.D., Associate Dean of the College of Business, who was also a driver of the dual-degree curriculum.

“Bryant graduates will have be equipped with 21st century skills that employers are looking for, including—finance, accounting, data analytics, information systems, digital marketing, communication and design thinking—and be ready to hit the ground running when they graduate.”

The undergraduate curriculum includes coursework completed over the three summer terms between year one and year four, as well as experiential learning experiences such as internships-for-credit and faculty-led international travel either in undergraduate or graduate segments of the program.

Students in the Fourth-Year MBA Program reside on campus for the three undergraduate years, with dedicated first-year housing offering a private study hall, a dedicated resident assistant, and academic advisor. On-campus housing options are available for the fourth year.

Learn more about enrolling

Admitted students who are interested in learning more or enrolling in the accelerated Fourth-Year MBA (3+1) Program may contact the Office of Admission at 800.622.7001, or email admission@bryant.edu.

Bryant’s accelerated Fourth-Year MBA (3+1) Program for undergraduates at-a-glance:

• The Bryant accelerated Fourth-Year (3+1) MBA Program is an innovative academic choice for outstanding students seeking increased value and more options to fast-track completing their undergraduate and graduate education to gain a competitive advantage

• Eligible students will complete Bryant’s integrated business and liberal arts undergraduate curriculum and MBA in four years, which offers an exceptional return on investment and significant savings over traditional five-year BS/MBA options

• Students live in dedicated campus housing for the three undergraduate years, with housing options available for the fourth year.

• A faculty director is dedicated to overseeing this program and the Honors Program. A dedicated resident assistant and study lounge are available in first-year cohort housing

• Scholarships carried from year three to year four are subject to a 3.5 GPA and continued program enrollment

• Classes can be offered both in a traditional on campus setting as well online in the summer

• The program features experiential learning experiences such as internships-for-credit and faculty-led international travel either in undergraduate or graduate segments of the program.

For 158 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Located on a contemporary campus in Smithfield, R.I., Bryant enrolls approximately 3,800 undergraduate and graduate students from 38 states and 49 countries. Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Money, Bloomberg Businessweek, Wall Street Journal, College Factual, and Barron's. Visit https://www.bryant.edu/.