New Simmons MBA program hopes to train more men on women’s leadership
When the Simmons all-women’s MBA program was established in 1975, there were very few women enrolled in graduate business school programs. The program was the first in the world designed specifically for women, and taught them both business skills and how gender dynamics would impact their workplace experiences.
But, since its foundation, more and more women are attending business school (even if they’re still outnumbered by men). They’re also getting into elite programs at highly competitive schools, like Harvard and Wharton.
As a result, enrollment at Simmons has decreased. The number of full-time students has decreased 38 percent since 2008, according to data reported by The Boston Globe.
To save the program, the school decided to make two fundamental changes, which were announced in August. First, it would move the program online through an outside company, 2U.
It would also admit men.
The finer details of the program were announced Thursday, including that the program is now accepting applications for the spring 2016 semester.
Cathy Minehan, dean of the management school, said alumni were very concerned about the changes because they worried that the aspects of the program that made it welcome to women would be lost.
Among the concerned alumni was C.A. Webb, a 2006 graduate of the Simmons MBA program and former head of the New England Venture Capital Association. In an email to Simmons administrators that was published by WBUR, she said: “You’ll ignore the school’s founding mission and the fact that women are still woefully underrepresented in MBA programs and you’ll join the pack offering an online MBA, but with no strong differentiated brand to stand on. Good luck!’’
Minehan, however, argued that the program will help ensure men are more educated about gender dynamics in the workplace.
“Men need to understand the challenges that women and all kinds of diverse people face in the corporate world today,’’ she said. “I think this is also a way of making the program more powerful.’’
And, as the number of MBA programs declines, the school is hoping that the switch to online will help them stay competitive. Minehan said business schools need to better understand how to use technology and engage students who aren’t able to leave work for two years to take part in a full-time program.
“Hopefully with these changes, we’re staying ahead of the curve,’’ she said. “Or, at least, right alongside the curve.’’
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