STONY BROOK, N.Y. — In response to increasing demands by employers that job candidates hold an advanced degree, and as part of Stony Brook University's interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate education, Provost Robert L. McGrath has announced the launching of the University's first “Combined Degree” programs that will provide both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree to qualified students in five years.

The “Combined Degree” programs are being offered in 50 areas of study across a wide range of academic departments. Stony Brook began recruiting efforts this Fall and the program will begin next summer.

“These combined degree programs will create students who will be highly sought after, and who will have new career paths and opportunities opened up to them,” McGrath said. “They will be more prepared, more marketable, and more qualified.”

The “Combined Degree” programs will combine a student's B.A., B.S. in his or her major—such as Anthropology, Chemistry, Russian Language, Sociology, Music, Applied Mathematics, or Pharmacology—with an M.B.A as part of a comprehensive collaboration with the College of Business.

Stony Brook is awaiting approval from the State Education Department (SED) to also offer the “Combined Degree” program to provide prospective teachers. Students would be able to satisfy their New York State certification requirements by choosing from nine fields of undergraduate study, such as English, Foreign Languages, History, Physics, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), and also obtain either an M.A. or M.A.T.

Stony Brook also hopes to be able to offer the “Combined Degree” program to qualified students who are enrolled in Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Upon SED approval, they will be able to receive their B.E. and M.S. degrees in five years.

In the “Combined Degree” program, juniors will begin taking courses for a full 60-credit MBA while completing the requirements for their undergraduate degree. In addition, as a response to today's global business environment, students will be provided with opportunities for an educational experience in a foreign country. Admission to the MBA “Combined Degree” program will be competitive and students will be selected from Stony Brook's best and brightest achievers.

“The students selected will have a demonstrated record of academic excellence and leadership,” McGrath said. “Stony Brook has a long history of producing well educated students, and now our students can enter the job market with an M.B.A. along with their academic major. This program allows us, and our students, to focus on meeting the needs of a changing marketplace.”

For a complete list of the approved “Combined Degree” MBA programs, please visit www.stonybrook.edu/sbbusiness.