University of Albany NanoCollege and School of Business Develop World’s First MBA Program with Elective Track in Nanotechnology

The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") and the School of Business of the University at Albany today announced a further expansion of the pioneering Nano+MBA program, highlighted by the development of the world's first Masters of Business Administration ("MBA") program to include an elective track in nanotechnology.

The new nanotechnology elective track for UAlbany's Evening MBA program is designed to help meet the demand for business education from the growing number of scientists and researchers in the Capital Region and New York State - including many who have been attracted by the rapidly expanding nanotechnology-focused economy - while further building an interdisciplinary workforce that is critical for economic development and growth.

The program will enhance the business opportunities emerging from nanoscale laboratory research - including accelerating the path to commercialization - while increasing the likelihood that existing businesses with high-growth prospects are able to reach their full potential. At the same time, business students participating in masters and doctoral classes at CNSE will have a unique opportunity to develop a real-world perspective that is essential to bringing scientific discovery to the marketplace.

MBA students enrolled in the nanotechnology elective track would undertake a 12-credit program consisting of two three-credit electives offered by CNSE that focus on nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience or nanoeconomics, and a research experience from both CNSE and the School of Business that would total an additional six research credits.

University at Albany President George M. Philip said, "Through this unique program that combines the exciting world of nanotechnology with the vital principles of business, the University at Albany is once again breaking new ground while further building its reputation as one of the world's top-notch research universities. I congratulate the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and the School of Business for their partnership and collaboration on this initiative, which is both responsive to the current environment and proactive in educating future generations of leaders."

CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros said, "The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to expand our successful partnership with the School of Business to once again provide educational and workforce development opportunities that are truly unparalleled. This new endeavor empowers our students with world-class education and training while supporting the rapid growth of New York's nanotechnology-based economy, giving both a competitive edge in the 21st century global innovation economy."

UAlbany School of Business Dean Dr. Donald S. Siegel said, "The School of Business is pleased to further extend this important collaboration with the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering to provide an educational platform for our MBA students that is truly without peer. By tapping into the University's strengths in both nanotechnology and business, we are well-positioned to offer a new generation of educational opportunities that will give our students and our state a clear advantage in the high-tech business environment."

In addition, as part of the enhanced collaboration between CNSE and the School of Business, the Nano+MBA program will be expanded to include a doctoral-level curriculum, supplementing the master's-level program launched in 2005. Participating students would complete the 48-credit MBA program on a part-time basis while furthering their CNSE studies, helping to develop industry-ready graduates who will be facilitators of change with the ability to integrate science, engineering, business, and management.

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Professor and Head of CNSE's NanoEngineering Constellation, said, "The expansion of the Nano+MBA initiative underscores the success of this pioneering collaboration between the UAlbany NanoCollege and School of Business. We look forward to engaging students in this exciting new facet of the program, and in taking advantage of the unique opportunity to lead the development of a highly educated, highly skilled, high-tech workforce."

An open house and information session concerning these new programs will be held at CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex on Tuesday, October 20 from 4 to 6 p.m.

About UAlbany. Educationally and culturally, the University at Albany-SUNY puts "The World Within Reach" for its 18,000 students. An internationally recognized research university with 56 undergraduate majors and 128 graduate degree programs, UAlbany is a leader among all New York State colleges and universities in such diverse fields as public policy, nanotechnology and criminal justice. With a curriculum enhanced by 300 study-abroad opportunities, UAlbany launches great careers. For more information about this globally ranked University, visit http://www.albany.edu/. For UAlbany's extensive roster of faculty experts, visit www.albany.edu/news/experts.htm.

About CNSE. The UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world. With over $5 billion in high-tech investments, the 800,000-square-foot complex attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE's Albany NanoTech, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech. For more information, visit http://www.cnse.albany.edu/.

CNSE Contact:
Steve Janack, CNSE Vice President for Marketing and Communications
(phone) 518-956-7322 (cell) 518-312-5009
(e-mail) sjanack@uamail.albany.edu