LSU Launches Online Leadership Programs in Emerging IT for Business and Public Administration

Two new online programs aim to prepare students for leadership roles in the public and private sectors

BATON ROUGE – The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business has launched the first-of-its-kind online Graduate Certificate in Emerging Information Technologies for Business, or GC Emerging IT, and is now offering its Master of Public Administration, or MPA, program fully online from the LSU flagship campus. Both degrees are online-by-design, taught by the same faculty as the on-campus program, and supported through LSU Online & Continuing Education.

“The power of technology has transformed every aspect of business in this modern era, and we foresee the cloud and AI being two pillars that will serve as the organizing foundation for future companies,” said Andrew Schwarz, professor at the LSU Stephenson Department of Entrepreneurship and Information Systems. “The GC Emerging IT was developed to prepare students not for what has occurred in the past, but what progressive companies will do to transform their industries in the future. Stemming from one of the top MBA programs in the world, we developed this program so our students can learn the fundamentals of technology, but also how to create corporate strategies, policies, and governance to ensure that companies can incorporate these new approaches thoughtfully.”

The MPA is offered through the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business Department of Public Administration and is fully accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration, or NASPAA. The program has earned a spot in the top 25 on all six editions of Eduniversal’s list of best master’s programs and was recently ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top 30 percent of all programs evaluated for the “Best Graduate Public Affairs Programs.”

“The LSU Department of Public Administration is excited to extend the MPA program online,” said Roy L. Heidelberg, interim chair and associate professor at the LSU Department of Public Administration. “For over 40 years, the department has been the premier place in Louisiana for aspiring and accomplished public leaders to gain and refine the skills essential to good, effective public service. With this new way to deliver the same high-quality education, we hope to be able to reach even more potential leaders in Louisiana and beyond.”

The LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business graduates more than 1,000 exceptional students annually who are well equipped to become future business leaders and entrepreneurs. These two new online programs aim to prepare students for these leadership roles in the public and private sectors. Students enrolled in these programs will not only become a part of the E. J. Ourso College of Business, but they will also become a part of the flagship university of Louisiana. Located in Louisiana's capital city, Baton Rouge, LSU is one of the few institutions in the country to boast land-, sea- and space-grant status. With over 32,000 students studying in more than 200 bachelor’s, master’s and specialty programs, it is the premier public institution for the state of Louisiana. LSU Online & Continuing Education has expanded its programs to offer more than 100 online degrees and certificates, allowing students from anywhere in the world to learn from LSU.

Sasha Thackaberry, vice president of LSU Online & Continuing Education, spoke briefly about how LSU Online works in tandem with on-campus programs.

“Our team is consistently delivering on the university’s mission to provide learners an option at any education level here at LSU,” she said. “We do this by working with deans, faculty, and industry leaders to develop workforce-relevant programs to close the skills gap to train and retain employees. The support from leadership and the community is critical, and we would not be where we are without it.”

Students receive flat-rate tuition nationwide and guaranteed admission to LSU at an institution across Louisiana, including LSU Alexandria, LSU Eunice and LSU Shreveport. LSU Online graduates receive the same diploma as their on-campus peers. The application deadline for the online GC Emerging IT is May 10, with classes starting May 24. The application deadline for the MPA is August 10, with classes starting August 23, 2021. Apply today.

About the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business

Since its establishment in 1928, the E. J. Ourso College of Business has continuously improved and expanded its offerings for students and alumni. Additionally, the college has made it a priority to provide its faculty with the resources it needs to further research in every aspect of the business world and to produce industry leaders for a global work environment. For more news and information about the E. J. Ourso College, visit lsu.edu/business.

About LSU Online & Continuing Education

LSU Online & Continuing Education supports more than 100 online degrees and certificate programs from the LSU family of institutions. These flexible programs stack together to help advance careers and reach educational goals with no credit left behind. Our mission is to meet learners' evolving needs by creating education opportunities in high-demand, workforce-relevant fields. Programs are designed for online and taught by award-winning LSU faculty and expert instructors. Online students will earn the same diploma as their on-campus peers and can expect world-class customer service through personal, concierge-style learner support. Explore our programs today at online.lsu.edu.