Nearly 50 business professionals from across the state embarked on a West Virginia University Executive Master of Business Administration degree recently, with some at WVU Potomac State College (PSC)the first time for students on the Keyser campus.

The 48-credit-hour program can be completed in 2.5 years and is made possible through WVU ’s Office of Extended Learning and the College of Business and Economics in partnership with PSC Provost Kerry Odell.

Seventeen students are enrolled in Keyser, 13 in Beckley and 20 in Morgantown .

The program is designed for busy working professionals, with evening classes twice a week. Lectures originate from Morgantown through use of the Interactive Video Network, a broadband system that transmits live lectures to points across the state.

This gives students the opportunity to pursue an advanced degree in their own back yard while maintaining momentum in their careers,said Dr. Paul Speaker, director of EMBA programs and coordinator of graduate programs at the College of Business and Economics.

This is a very accomplished class. Their applications show that they have the highest scores in the history of WVU on their GMATsa standardized test for students entering business schools,Speaker said.They also have the most years of work experience, on average nearly 14 years. Also, 10 percent have doctorates, and 10 percent serve as company presidents or chief officers.

Classes will begin in Charleston , Morgantown and Parkersburg in August.

For further information, visitwww.be.wvu.edu/embaor contact Elizabeth Vitullo at 304-293-7811 or via e-mail at mba@wvu.edu .