GPRC Moves Forward with Business Opportunity

Grande Prairie, Alberta - Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) today announced an exciting new partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) that will see the two institutions working together to develop further business acumen in the region.

Starting August 2022, GPRC will host UNBC’s 21-month Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. It’s an academic development that gives locals a chance to pursue their passion for business leadership, to harness their entrepreneurial spirit, and to earn a Master degree without leaving the community. 

“We are extremely excited to carve out this outstanding postgraduate pathway with UNBC,” says GPRC Vice-President, Academic and Research, Dr. Vanessa Sheane. “This is a timely development that gives our learning community members the opportunity to reach their professional and academic goals right here in the heart of northwestern Alberta.”

“The new Master of Business Administration cohort in Grande Prairie provides students from across the Peace Region the opportunity to study business theory, gain practical knowledge and unlock new career opportunities,” says UNBC interim President, Dr. Geoff Payne. “We are pleased to partner with Grande Prairie Regional College to deliver our MBA program, which includes a unique focus on business, economic and social conditions in northern Canada.”

This postgraduate offering can be completed faster than traditional MBAs and will feature northern-focused curricula. During the first year, students will complete nine required courses covering strategy, business analytics, accounting, finance, organizational behaviour, marketing, managerial economics, and operations management. The second half of the program will include knowledge and skill application through either further MBA coursework or a capstone research project. 

“Our learning community is fortunate to have a variety of business program options at their fingertips,” says GPRC Dean of Business, Dr. Carly McLeod. “Local access to UNBC’s MBA will serve as a great motivator for any past, present and future students who are looking to enhance their skillset and broaden career opportunities.” 

The Grande Prairie cohort of UNBC’s MBA program will be accepting applications until March 15, 2022. More information about admission requirements along with course specifics can be found at GPRC.me/MBA.

UNBC launched its MBA program in 2004 at its Prince George campus. In 2013, the program expanded with the addition of a cohort in Vancouver. Grande Prairie is now the third MBA cohort site.