“ For the past 30-years, the Harbert College of Business has exploited technology advancements to ensure the most effective and innovative methods of instruction and student success.”

In these uncertain times, the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University is working with prospective students to offer flexible enrollment options for Fall Semester 2020. The application deadline for Auburn Full-time and Online MBA programs has moved from May 1 to June 1 to allow more time to engage with our admissions team. This is one of many steps the Harbert College of Business is taking to ensure the health and welfare of both our current and future students. Our team is available at mba@auburn.edu to help you through this process.

It all started with VHS tapes.   

That’s right. No streaming devices. No live classes on a smart phone. Distance learning at the Harbert College of Business at Auburn University started with VHS tapes and a VCR.

When electronic distance learning started at Auburn University, there was no internet, just stacks of VHS tapes which were labeled and mailed. 

One tape for each class period for each week of class. That was a lot of tape. When the class was complete, students mailed the tapes back so they could be used again. 

VHS tapes later became CDs and CDs then became DVDs. Early internet didn’t have the compression algorithms or the bandwidth to carry even standard definition video, but that would soon change and when it did, students flocked to the online space. 

Today, our online masters students outnumber our on-campus students. Advances in technology allow crisp audio, high-definition video and live student-teacher interaction – available through any device the student chooses. 

For the past 30 years, the Harbert College of Business has exploited technology advancements to ensure the most effective and innovative methods of instruction and student success.  

Today, the Harbert College of Business offers online MBA programs for an Executive MBA, a Physicians Executive MBA and a Master of Real Estate Development – all of which are highly ranked nationwide. 

Recognizing that executive students learn from each other and value networking with their peers, the Harbert College of Business was among the first in the country to develop hybrid programs where students combine on-campus residencies and international trips with distance courseware. 

We’ve come a long way from VHS tapes, but we’ve never strayed from good teaching.