“U.S. MBA by DeVry University will be the first-of-its-kind in Sri Lanka”

Asian International Academy (AIA), formerly known as Aspirations International Academy, is set to launch the DeVry University MBA program, offering Sri Lankan students the opportunity to obtain a career-oriented U.S. MBA right here in Sri Lanka.

Expressing his views, Ranil Herath – Managing Director- International of DeVry Education Group provided insights into the DeVry University MBA program and how it differs from  MBA programs currently available in the island. Within this context, following are excerpts of an interview conducted with him.

Q: What is DeVry University and how well is it recognized?

A: DeVry University is part of DeVry Education Group, a global provider of world-class education services with approximately 143,000 students. DeVry Education Group is a global provider of educational services and the parent organization of American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Becker Professional Education, Carrington College, Chamberlain College of Nursing, DeVry Brasil, DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management, Ross University School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. These institutions offer a wide array of programs in healthcare, business, technology, accounting and finance. DeVry University has been around for 84 years and has over 40,000 students in the 55 plus campuses across the USA. Five of these campuses including New York, Chicago and Los Angeles are specially prepared to service and address the needs of international students.

We are one of the largest post-secondary institutions in the U.S. Our programs span across 40 + career fields, mostly revolving around business, accounting and finance. We also have electronics and technology programs in both Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.

Q: There are plenty of educational qualifications in the local market. How does the DeVry MBA program differ? What is unique about it?

A: The MBA from DeVry University will add a unique nuance to the Sri Lankan market. Currently, there are several MBA programs, although not any recognized as a world-class U.S. MBA program present here. The fundamental difference of the DeVry University MBA is that it will be delivered through the DeVry U.S. curriculum platform in Sri Lanka. Students can read for different MBA options that include Accounting, Finance, General Management, Hospitality Management, Human Resources, Information Systems Management, International Business, Marketing, Project Management and Sustainability Management.

A major differentiator is the structure of the program which is different to the typical setting when a degree program is delivered in Sri Lanka. With the MBA from DeVry University, students will be able to mingle and interact with U.S. students as well as students from around the world, while being here in Sri Lanka. This is made possible through our state-of-the-art online learning platform.

Additionally, the flexibility of the program allows the student to complete degree at own pace. For instance, the 2-year program can be completed in 14 months, if the student wants, while similarly if the student needs more time to finish the program due to various commitments or circumstances, that can also be arranged.

The program also provides students the option of completing the MBA in Sri Lanka or transferring to a U.S. based campus for the final year. At any point, the student can transfer to a U.S. based campus that is located in global business hubs such as New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles. Students who complete one year or more of study in the U.S. are eligible for U.S. Optional Practical Training (OPT) which allows them to work in the U.S. for a period of one year after graduation.

Q: What are your plans in Sri Lanka?

A: Our plan in Sri Lanka is to establish ourselves as a provider of quality U.S. education and be the leader in that space. As the first step, we have partnered with AIA, one of the leading educational establishments in Sri Lanka. In time, we hope to grow this relationship and together build a quality offering of a U.S. MBA to Sri Lankan students.

Q: As a professional who is familiar with both the Sri Lankan education system and international systems, what do you think should change in the Sri Lankan education system?

A: When it comes to the public education system in Sri Lanka, I think we have a fairly well-established, quality public education system. Then we have the relatively recent emergence of many private educational institutes that offer a varying range of programs and credentials at different quality levels. One areathat could have a positive impact on the market is having some regulation on “who can do what”. There should be a framework on quality and outcomes which would help the market in Sri Lanka to better assess the programs currently available and ensure that these students get the best possible education for the investment that they are making.

Q: How does international education compare with local education when you take into account Sri Lanka’s high literacy rate?

A: In Sri Lanka and other Asian countries, education is mostly about absorbing content and being able to write an exam. In the DeVry MBA, it’s about grasping concepts as well as applying them. We focus on the student “learning by doing” – it’s very hands-on. Our curriculum is designed with industry input from business leaders such as Microsoft, Cisco, HP and others. The curriculum is delivered by professors with industry experience and the program is structured in a way where the student is learning through discussions, assignments and various classroom activities, with lesser weightage on exams. So, the student’s progress depends on his or her ability to engage continually, contribute to the class and discussion, demonstrating understanding of the concepts and applying them successfully.

Q: How career oriented is the MBA from DeVry University?

A: DeVry University is known as “the career university” so our programs are structured to be very career-oriented. We are not a research university. The program’s structure, design, delivery and outputs are measured in terms of the student’s career success. Over the last 10 years, DeVry University students and graduates have worked at over 95 of the Fortune 100 companies included in the 2014 Fortune 500 list.

Q: How can students find out more about the MBA?

A: There is a great opportunity coming up on 20th October when AIA is launching the introduction event for the DeVry MBA program at Galadari Hotel from 6pm to 8pm.  This event will be attended by a panel of industry experts as well as a number of DeVry University officials. They will be speaking in detail about the U.S.-style MBAs, and itsrelevance to the Sri Lankan market. Students can learn a lot more about DeVry University, about the MBA program and how it could help achieve their career goals.

Q: Why did you partner with AIA?

A: I think AIA is the perfect partner for us for this initiative. AIA is headed by a group of people who provide solid leadership, is action-oriented and takes care of their students. We usually partner with organisations that are results-oriented and have the student at the centre of everything they do. I believe we’ve found this with AIA and we look forward to growing that partnership in the future.

Asian International Academy (AIA) is one of the most innovative educational institutions in Sri Lanka and is the first in the country to offer a state-of-the-art online learning platform – All Asia Institute. AIA facilitates learning to students who are based far from the commercial capital through their distance learning programs and regional study centres. Further, the academy offers students who have difficulties with the English language alternate means to reach their educational goals.

DeVry University, including Keller Graduate School of Management – part of the University’s College of Business & Management – is one of North America’s leading providers of career-oriented higher education. The University’s extensive resources help prepare undergraduate and master’s-level students for careers at the very core of today’s business and technology sectors.