UNCSA and Wake Forest University announce partnership for graduate program

The Wake Forest University School of Business and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts today announced a partnership to promote and support opportunities for UNCSA graduates to pursue graduate studies at the Wake Forest School of Business in its nationally-recognized Master’s in Management program.

The collaboration offers UNCSA students an accelerated application process, and access to merit and need-based scholarship awards for highly-qualified students. The 10-month Wake Forest Master’s in Management program is designed for all recent non-business majors with limited work experience. The graduate program builds on the skills gained during undergraduate studies and provides business knowledge that can open new horizons for future careers.

The Wake Forest Master’s in Management program is one of the largest programs of its kind in the U.S. This year, students in the program represent 69 colleges and universities and 48 unique majors. Within six months of graduation, 99 percent of Master’s in Management students are successfully employed. The program was recently ranked No. 4 in the U.S. by The Economist.

“We are excited to launch this partnership with UNCSA,” said Gordon McCray, vice-dean of academic programs for the School of Business. “Our organizations share a commitment to excellence and a dedication to providing the kind of education that encourages students to have an impact on society.”

“Arts and entertainment is a global, multi-billion-dollar industry,” said UNCSA Provost David English. “At UNCSA, we teach our students to be entrepreneurs who will start businesses that create jobs, stimulate tourism, and generate tax revenue. These ‘artpreneurs,’ as we call them, must be business savvy as well as technologically adept and creatively inspired.

“I can think of no better partner for our graduates than the highly-ranked and regarded Wake Forest University School of Business,” English continued. “Enhancing their Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music degrees with the business knowledge and expertise of Wake Forest’s faculty will put them ahead of the curve personally and professionally.”

Part of the UNC System, UNCSA is America’s first public arts conservatory, training students at the high school, undergraduate and graduate levels for professional careers in dance, design and production, drama, filmmaking, and music.

I can think of no better partner for our graduates than the highly-ranked and regarded Wake Forest University School of Business,. Enhancing their Bachelor of Fine Arts or Bachelor of Music degrees with the business knowledge and expertise of Wake Forest’s faculty will put them ahead of the curve personally and professionally.”

Provost David English

As part of the agreement, the School of Business will collaborate with the School of the Arts to enroll candidates through an accelerated admission process to the Master’s in Management program. Recruiting events will be held at both schools for interested students. Both campuses are located in Winston-Salem, N.C., less than five miles apart.

“We are thrilled to work with our colleagues at the School of the Arts, and welcome their talented students to our program,” said John White, executive director, enrollment management at the School of Business. “The Master’s in Management experience values the kind of leadership, creativity, and social awareness UNCSA students represent.”

Graduates of the Wake Forest Master’s in Management program work in a range of industries and nonprofit organizations, in fields such as business development, consulting, marketing/sales, and operations. Some 65 employers have hired graduates of this program including organizations such as Disney, PepsiCo, Deloitte, Kate Spade, Under Armour, and Live Nation.

The partnership takes effect immediately and will apply to UNCSA students and recent graduates who are admitted, starting with the 2018-19 Wake Forest Master’s in Management class. The program begins in July. For more information about the Master’s in Management program, visit the WFU School of Business website.

by Marla Carpenter