WICHITA, Kan. — Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business and McPherson College have announced a new academic partnership that will allow eligible McPherson College undergraduates to earn up to nine credit hours toward a Master of Business Administration degree at Wichita State beginning with Fall 2026 classes.
“This partnership with Wichita State’s Barton School of Business creates a powerful academic bridge for our students — one that accelerates their path to advanced business leadership while maintaining the high academic standards McPherson College is known for,” said Michael Schneider, president of McPherson College. “It reflects our shared commitment to innovation, access, and preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving economy.”
The agreement, signed during a ceremony at Wichita State, establishes a streamlined academic pathway enabling qualifying students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degrees. Through the partnership, students may enroll in up to three MBA courses through the Barton School of Business — reducing both the time and cost required to complete the degree.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education,” said Rick Muma, president of Wichita State University. “By creating clear and affordable pathways, we are helping students move more efficiently into leadership roles in business and industry.”
The collaboration strengthens institutional alignment while preparing students for the academic rigor of graduate study. “This partnership demonstrates how institutions can work together to serve students more effectively,” said Monica Lounsbery, senior executive vice president and provost at Wichita State. “It provides motivated students with early exposure to graduate-level expectations and academic rigor.”
Larisa Genin, dean of the Barton School of Business, underscored the pathway’s focus on access, momentum, and career acceleration. “Our mission is to create bold, accessible pathways to advanced business education,” Genin said. “This partnership empowers McPherson students to begin their MBA journey early — reducing time and cost while accelerating both their academic progress and career trajectories.”
Matthew Skillen, vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at McPherson College, added that the agreement strengthens the connection between undergraduate education and professional preparation. “This pathway creates a strong bridge between undergraduate learning and graduate business training,” Skillen said. “It expands opportunities for our students while maintaining rigorous academic standards.”
Students must meet defined academic and eligibility requirements to participate. Credits earned through the pathway will apply toward Wichita State’s MBA program upon formal admission.
University leaders noted that the partnership also supports regional workforce development, preparing graduates with advanced business skills to lead across industries in Kansas and beyond.
Students interested in learning more about enrollment opportunities through the pathway program may visit wichita.edu/mba or contact Stephanie Cockrell, director of graduate programs in the Barton School of Business, at 316-978-6019 or [email protected], or contact McPherson College at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.wichita.edu/business or www.mcpherson.edu.
