The University of Nevada, Reno's College of Business recently celebrated the commencement of 27 students from its nationally ranked Online Executive MBA program. The program, which is ranked No. 33 of 199 schools in U.S. News and World Report's "2018 Best Online MBA Programs" category, has now graduated six cohorts.

"Over time, business schools have evolved in the professional school model," College of Business Dean Greg Mosier said. "Historically, business schools have embraced education as including engagement opportunities among peers. In other words it is about networking as students learn critical skills. This University's Executive MBA was designed with that model, applying it to today's technologies. These cohorts work together virtually to complete a rigorous executive MBA entirely online."

Students participate in the program from all over the world and many of the students already have a graduate or professional degree. Credentials from the 2018 graduating cohort included medical doctors, Ph.Ds. in psychology and biochemistry, a master's of science degrees in computer science, geology, biology, mining engineering, mental health counseling and physical therapy, a master's of arts degree in communication, a family nurse practitioner and a certified public accountant.

"To complete an online program requires an extraordinary amount of drive and self-sufficiency," Jessie Fisher, 2018 Executive MBA graduate, physical therapist and director of outpatient therapy at Northern Nevada Medical Center, said. "The tangible knowledge that we've learned (from this program) is important but I think that the intangible things that we have gained from this program have truly been life changing."

"Through all the support of the instructors and of the department, I've grown personally to be a more effective leader, and professionally, as I move on to challenging career opportunities," Jackie Hernandez, program graduate and project coordinator for HDR in Las Vegas, said. "So much has changed in such a short amount of time, but I will always feel very fortunate for my experience with the program."

Upon completion of the Online Executive MBA program, students were sent an exit survey to gauge how well it met their individual needs. According to the survey, 93 percent of participants were satisfied with the program as a whole, 100 percent were satisfied with the faculty's knowledge of the subject matter, 93 percent were satisfied with the course content and 93 percent were satisfied with the design of the classes.

The College of Business' Executive MBA Program meets the accreditation standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the highest attainable level of accreditation in business education.

"I believe the Online Executive MBA is one of the most impactful graduate programs at the University," Kambiz Raffiee, the program's director and associate dean of the College of Business, said. "This diverse group of students brought with them an incredible level of academic and professional credentials before even entering this program. Led by our talented and dedicated faculty, these students showed a clear diversity of perspective and a dedication to furthering their business acumen. We are incredibly proud of the work they did and look forward for the work they will continue to do as they move forward with the tools they gained through this program."