This year, National University began an executive MBA program. UCSD will offer one in 2004 while SDSU has been at it since 1990. As the number of executive programs grows, a survey released in June could help administrators better forecast enrollment.

SDSU was among the 289 schools that participated in the Applications Trends Survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council and the Executive MBA Council. The survey tracked trends such as year-to-year enrollment at campuses with executive graduate business programs. The poll indicates that 51 percent of campuses experienced a drop in applications during the 2002-2003 school year. Enrollment rose at 36 percent of campuses, and 11 percent of schools reported level enrollment.

Part of that last group was SDSU. “In 2002 as compared to applications for 2001, we were flat,” says Candace Williams, EMBA program director.

Williams says factors affecting enrollment included the dot-bomb, Sept. 11 terrorism attacks and the weak economy. “The trend has often been that when the economy goes down, applications to full-time MBA programs go up because the job market is tight, so going back to school makes the most sense,” says Williams. “Applications to EMBA programs go down because those students already have jobs and don’t want to rock the boat. Also companies often lower or eliminate their tuition reimbursement plans during tough economic times.”

Williams says the number of applications is back to the 2000 level. SDSU’s program goal is to enroll from 25 to 35 per program. About 30 are in the program now. Women generally account for 25 percent to 28 percent of students.

— Liz Swain