Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business is exploring the possibility of offering its nationally ranked MBA program in Atlanta's growing southern suburbs.

Given sufficient interest from the residents of south metro Atlanta, Georgia State's MBA program will be available at Clayton College & State University as early as next year, and that's good news in Fayette, said local Chamber of Commerce director Elissa Hall.

“The prospect of having an MBA program available to residents in the metro south area is very exciting,” said Hall. “The fact that Georgia State and Clayton State are joining together in this effort shows their `heads-up' response to work force development needs of the metro south region.”

She said having the program available nearby will give those considering or needing the MBA (for their professions) convenient access to a program with Georgia State that “is highly regarded on the national level.”

An open house April 18 will give residents of Clayton and surrounding counties like Fayette an opportunity to express interest in attending a nationally recognized MBA program near where they work and live.

The exploratory session begins with a reception at 6:45 p.m. in the Harry S. Downs Center for Continuing Education on the campus of CCSU, followed by the informational program at 7:15 p.m. Interested students and area residents are invited.  

“We are assessing possibilities for offering our MBA program at a convenient location for residents in this growing part of the Atlanta area,” said Dr. Sidney E. Harris, dean of the Robinson College of Business. “We are pleased with the initial response from civic and education leaders in the south metro area.”

According to U.S. News & World Report, Georgia State's part-time MBA program has been recognized as one of the nation's ten best programs for five consecutive years.  In addition, Business Week listed the college's executive MBA program as one of the top 20 programs in the country. Forbes magazine has named the college one of the best business schools for return on investment.

“This initiative, involving two sister institutions of the University System of Georgia, could pay many dividends for south metro Atlanta,” said CCSU interim President Michael F. Vollmer.

“Not only will it serve students and professionals in the entire region, but it will stand as another part of Clayton State's efforts to fulfill the needs of its community, especially in regards to providing services and educational opportunities to existing and future companies,” he said.

Despite recent growth in the south metro area, few post-graduate programs exist here.