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alberta MBA

Be the future.

An mBA is a tool for critical thinking; you can leverage it anywhere!

feAtured on cover

OmAR YAQUB

director of operAtions for the sociAl enterprise fund director of innovAtion for MBAs Without Borders An mBA is a tool for critical thinking, you can leverage it anywhere! my mBA has helped me to understand marketing in nigeria, partnership building in tanzania, and financing social innovation here at home.

LEARning thE BUSinESS OF imAginAtiOn.


Sooner or later, every great idea has to be managed. Tomorrows challenge is to bring practicality and initiative together without compromise blending strong management with the highest levels of innovation. The Alberta School of Business MBA Program combines aggressive thinking with tools that sustain breakthrough concepts, designed to take you into the future with unprecedented expectations and unlimited potential.

MBA 2004

Alberta Edmonton University of Alberta Alberta School of Business Overview Joint Degrees Specializations Resources Alumni Student Life Career Services Application Process Scholarships and Financial Aid

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Each year, we admit a strong cadre of talented individuals with a desire to gain the skills and insights to conceive and nurture the boldest business endeavours. And each year, a new set of Alberta MBA graduates and

eagerly ready

looks to

ahead

prepared, imagination

passionate does

redefine

how

business.

photos courtesy of creative services, university of alberta, travel alberta, Michael holly and Mark olsen.

nAtURE nURtURES innOvAtiOn.

Where the Rocky Mountains meet the Canadian Prairies, Albertas diverse landscape provides an all-season and around the clock inspiration to big picture thinking. The awe-inspiring natural surroundings reflect strength in diversity and issue a challenge to remain open-minded and find merit in difference. Here in Alberta we enjoy a quality of life second to none; a benefit both of geography that includes the world famous Banff and Jasper National Parks as well one of the strongest economies in North America. Abundant natural resources and a rapidly growing population characterized by a skilled and educated workforce have made Alberta a leading destination for commerce and tourism. The population of Alberta is growing faster than the rest of the nation. Relative to the rest of Canada, Albertans enjoy the highest overall income, the highest disposable income and the lowest tax burden. Alberta is one of the top research centres in North America and Edmonton is designated as one of five Smart Cities in Canada.

A ChAnging CLimAtE CREAtES A CLimAtE FOR ChAngE.

Edmonton, the capital of the Province of Alberta, is a city influenced by four distinct seasons. Each brings a fresh perspective, new energy, and a stimulus for innovative thinking and alternative approaches. An expansive park system runs through the City and along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Brisk, sunshine-filled winters are complemented by very pleasant summers. A location only a few hours drive from the Canadian Rocky Mountains and Banff and Jasper National Parks invites skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and unrivalled hiking, climbing, mountain biking and sightseeing in the summer. Edmontons massive energy sector is

tech industry. The economy is strong and with over one million people in the greater metropolitan area, Edmonton has no shortage of things to do. Hosting in excess of 30 large festivals each year, Edmonton enjoys the title Festival City. Edmonton is home to: Thriving arts and drama communities with numerous professional and amateur theatre options. A wide array of performance venues and musical events. The city not only boasts an acclaimed symphony orchestra, but also annual jazz and folk festivals, and a constant stream of concerts by contemporary artists.

An infrastructure that encourages a plethora of recreational sporting activities, from running in the river valley (the largest municipal park system in North America), to organized recreational sports leagues on and off the University of Alberta campus. Professional sports organizations, including the Oilers (National Hockey League) and the Eskimos (Canadian Football League). At the University of Alberta, students enjoy an exceptional quality of life. The remarkable campus is set in the midst of a city offering the excitement of world-class attractions and entertainment, together with easy access to some of the most beautiful and involving landscapes on earth.

complemented by a fast growing high-

innOvAtiOn SPRingS FROm A LOng AnD PROUD hiStORY.


Classes began at the University of Alberta in 1908. Over the past century, the U of A has established a reputation as one of the leading universities in Canada with an intense focus on, and extensive funding for, research. The Universitys location in the heart of Albertas capital city inextricably ties it to the vibrant and expanding provincial economy. The University is home to more than 36,000 full- and part-time students enrolled in over 200 undergraduate and graduate level degree programs. Programs and courses are developed and led by internationally renowned professors drawn here by an academic culture that is open, exploratory, and supported by an innovative and fully involved business community. A strong and successful link has been forged between the academic and research focus of the University and the surrounding business community. Over fifty companies have sprung from U of A research initiatives; more than can be claimed by any Canadian university and a close second in all of North America.

inAnC inAn

MBA 2007
SChOOL OF BUSinESS BUiLDing

senior finAnciAl AnAlyst Adp cAnAdA the Alberta mBA with the international Business Specialization opened doors to immense opportunities. not only did it enable me to develop and focus my personal abilities, but also the close ties within Albertas dynamic business world made the journey a lifetime experience.

A REPUtAtiOn WELL EARnED AnD highLY ACKnOWLEDgED.


The Alberta School of Business is one of Canadas leading business schools, offering internationally renowned Bachelor of Commerce, MBA and PhD programs. The School is consistently rated among the best in Canada in terms of research, teaching and community involvement. But recognition goes far beyond domestic borders. Research at the School of Business is recognized as being in the top five percent of publicly funded universities worldwide. This research is cutting edge and finds its way into the hands of students before it reaches
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the balance of the public. On many occasions, our faculty members have been recognized nationally for teaching excellence. The Alberta MBA is regarded as one of the top 100 MBA programs in the world by the Financial Times of London. The Alberta School of Business is also the longest continuously AACSB accredited business school in Canada. AACSB represents International accreditation

of Alumni. Institutions earning accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and and comprehensive peer review. AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in management education. MBA 2006 continuous improvement through a rigorous

ALLiSOn hEnning
Account MAnAGer, coMMerciAl finAnciAl services hsBc BAnK cAnAdA my mBA has allowed me to see the global business climate from a whole new perspective. i can analyze issues and create innovative solutions to problems in the face of a rapidly evolving global business environment.

the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide and stands as testament to the diversity of programs, research strength and career development

WhERE ACADEmiA mEEtS AttitUDE.


The Alberta School of Business MBA Program is extremely strong. The program is unquestionably challenging, inspiring, focused, effective and real world. Supported, encouraged and motivated to excel in a booming resource and high-tech based economy, our students pursue a practical course that invites innovation and produces precedent-setting business leaders. community, Alberta MBA. Our MBA program builds on a core curriculum providing students with a thorough, integrated grounding in management essentials, while leaving room for more specialized course work and work experience. We deliver a multi-disciplinary education with a global perspective on business, equip students to handle the knowledge and information-based economy, and provide graduates with strong problem solving and communication skills. The School continues to be at the forefront of innovation through inspired teaching techniques and a cutting-edge curriculum. translate into incredible

accoMplishED pEErs
The Alberta MBA attracts strong, mature students who strengthen The the learning admitted environment through their rich and diverse backgrounds. individuals to our MBA program are smart, savvy and hardworking with leadership ability, initiative, excellent communication skills, strong career ambitions and the desire to make an impact in the business world.

outstanDing facultY
While the School of Business boasts incredible research talent, this does not come at the expense of teaching. Our high quality instruction is informed by exceptional research. One of the key strengths of the Alberta MBA is the climate of collaboration that brings that knowledge into the classroom. The School of Business faculty is young and dynamic, with four 3M Teaching Fellowships to our credit. This prestigious post-secondary teaching award in Canada recognizes not only instructional excellence but also educational leadership. We are proud to support more award winners than any other Canadian business school.

DEtErMinED rElEvancE
Our Business Advisory Council is comprised of outstanding business leaders and works to ensure that our programming addresses real-world situations. Students are provided with the opportunity to pursue a general degree or they can choose among multiple specializations that are particularly relevant to the regional, national and international economies. These include: Natural Resources Energy and the Environment, Finance, Technology Commercialization, International Business, Leisure and Sport Management, and Public Management. Regardless of focus, students are welcome to attend classes and take advantage of special lectures from industry leaders in each of these key areas. These opportunities are open to both full-time and part-time students.

opportunity for those who choose an

DiscovEr What You can Do


The approach that differentiates us is the desire and capacity to stimulate personal growth and insight, and foster the creation of unique approaches to business. Our graduates go beyond the mere execution of proven techniques to the bold exploration of breakthrough ideas. The first goal of the Alberta MBA Program is to provide students with current knowledge as well as pragmatic and sought after skills that will enable career choice. The second goal is to encourage new approaches and an understanding of particular, personal abilities. Each year, approximately 50 students are enrolled into the full-time and part-time programs. Small class sizes, an applied hands-on learning style, and close ties to over 20,000 alumni and members of the business

profile of Entering students


international Students Average gmAt Average gPA Average Work Experience Average Age 44% 615 3.3/4.0 5.5 years 28

Educational Majors

QualitY lEarning
Our small classes foster personal attention from faculty and allow for close relationships with other students. One-on-one instruction and extensive participation are supported by leading data and wireless technology. The U of A attracts students from a wide variety of disciplines and countries. The entering class is expected to have at least two years work experience and moves through the program as a group, in a collaborative, applied learning environment.
Engineering - 20% Commerce - 17% Arts - 16%
o Ec no he Ot r4%

Science - 33% Engineering - 20% Commerce - 17%


3% -3 ce % ien 20 Sc grin ee % gin 17 En eerc mm Co 6% -1 ts Ar

Science - 33%

Arts - 16%

Economics - 10% Other - 4%

Typically 12-15% of the class also hold graduate degrees. Economics - 10%
Other - 4%

cs mi

-1 0%

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JOint DEgREES.
We offer four joint programs with other University of Alberta faculties. Students complete each of the four joint programs in one year less than taking each degree separately.

SPECiALiZAtiOnS.
The foundation of the Alberta MBA is a compulsory list of courses delivering business fundamentals. Through a rich choice of electives constituting roughly half the program credits, students tailor their Alberta MBA to suit their interests. In many instances, students deepen their knowledge by choosing a niche specialization that takes advantage of Albertas unique economic strengths.

MBa/llB
The MBA/LLB is offered in conjunction with the University of Alberta Faculty of Law. The program was developed for students seeking a career defined by the tradition of law and the application of management practices. Graduates of this intensive four year program are well prepared for demanding and worthwhile careers in both the legal and business professions, particularly in areas where the two disciplines coincide.

MBa/MastEr of forEstrY
This program prepares students to take a leadership role in the forestry industry by providing a strong foundation in management fundamentals with leading edge practices in the science of forestry. Offered in conjunction with the Faculty of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences, students are able to learn from leaders in both the forestry and business fields while completing the program requirements in just two years of full-time study.

natural rEsourcEs EnErgY anD thE EnvironMEnt


A program unique in Canada and one of only a few worldwide. Students interact with leaders in Albertas world renowned natural resources and energy sector through work experience, seminars and summer internships. Students analyze key strategic questions facing industry leaders and policy makers through coursework that focuses on economics and markets. Internationally recognized U of A researchers in fields related to resources and energy offer electives in relevant and challenging disciplines.

financE
The Alberta MBA in Finance provides students with the skills, knowledge and tools to succeed in the world of finance. The core faculty has significant experience in the financial industry and cover topics such as investment banking, venture capital, international finance, mergers & acquisitions and trading. The graduates of the program are well positioned to work in the areas of investment banking, private equity and corporate finance.

intErnational BusinEss
Students are challenged to widen their perspective and learn new approaches to compete in the global marketplace. Students choose from electives covering areas such as international finance, marketing, business law, international perspectives on workforce management, and Asian economic and business management. They complete a relevant research project and have the option of participating in an international exchange with one of 13 universities, an international study tour or a double degree with a partner institution. skilled

MBa/MastEr of EnginEEring
This program enables students with an undergraduate degree in Engineering to further advance their knowledge in this field while developing strong management skills, thereby gaining a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The MBA/MEng allows students to meet the requirements for both degrees in just two years of fulltime study.

MBa/MastEr of agriculturE
This program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing an advanced degree in agriculture with a strong management focus. Trends in the agriculture and food sectors have shown an increased demand for leaders with both technical knowledge and business acumen. Students are able to complete the program requirements in just two years full-time.

tEchnologY coMMErcialiZation
This specialization prepares entrepreneurs and managers to create and grow high technology businesses, and to facilitate technology-driven economic growth. Students can gain practical experience through an optional summer internship with an organization actively involved in commercialization. Typical projects include market feasibility studies, competitive analyses, negotiations, patent evaluation and patent processes, project management, and international technology transfer assessments.

puBlic ManagEMEnt
Strength in public sector management is developed by analyzing key issues in a public sector context. Courses include strategic management, human resource management, policy development and business-government relations.

lEisurE anD sport ManagEMEnt


This program, unique in Canada, offers a diverse curriculum combining an MBA with courses from the University of Albertas highly acclaimed Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation. This specialization will help develop the skills and knowledge to build a successful management career in voluntary sports organizations, the leisure sector or professional sports.

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go to www.mba.net for links to joint degrees.

go to www.mba.net for links to specializations.

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MBA 2007

hEnning mOE
chAnnel MAnAGer nortel the mBA experience is about opening minds and unlocking opportunities. it has given me the tools i need to understand business challenges and to recognize my strengths and weaknesses; it taught me how to excel by applying my skills where they make a difference.

StROng SUPPORt.
tEchnologY lEaDErship
25-station computer lab dedicated for MBA students. State-of-the-art computers with a broad range of leading software programs are available 24 hours per day. High-speed wireless connections to the Internet throughout the building. Smart classrooms with full multimedia capability for teaching and group presentations.

MBa foruMs
On a regular basis, experts and leaders from the local, regional and national business community are brought in to speak to MBA students. These lively and interactive events encourage candid viewpoints from speakers as well as open and lively discussion. These catered forums are held over the lunch hour or in the later afternoon in an effort to ensure that both full-time and part-time students are able to attend.

placEs to MEEt
HUB Mall (connected to the School of Business building) offers an incredible array of places to have coffee, lunch or dinner. The Jean de la Bruyere Lounge is equipped with meeting tables and comfortable furniture suitable for long discussions or just taking a break. Business Graduate House (located in the historic Garneau neighbourhood adjacent to campus) is also a great place for convening formally or informally.

outstanDing liBrarY anD DataBasE accEss


Students can access collections and assistance in our virtual Winspear Business Reference Library 24/7. Our collection of financial and international business databases rates among the top in Canada and our marketing, research and information technology databases are the best in the country.

stuDY spacE
Dedicated MBA carrels with locking storage space are available on the third and fourth floors of the building. Study space is also available in campus libraries as well as Business Graduate House.

JEFF SChELLEnBERg
investMent BAnKer Merrill lynch cAnAdA inc. talking with individuals who have graduated from other mBA programs across the country, i feel that no other program could have given me the same kind of access to the skill set i need to compete and excel in a highly competitive environment.

MBA 2004

niCOLE ASSELin

MBA 2004

senior consultAnt Meyers norris penny the Alberta mBA has opened many doors that may have otherwise remained closed to me. it enabled me to best position myself in our everchanging market and gave me the skills to succeed.

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ExPERiEnCE At YOUR FingERtiPS.


aluMni association
On completion of the MBA program, graduates become part of a large Alumni community, influential in business, professional and academic circles worldwide. The Schools Business Alumni Association (BAA), with 20,000 members, keeps our alumni connected to current students and the School, as well as fellow professionals. The BAA hosts several events during the year such as the annual dinner, golf tournaments, reunion weekend and other networking events.

MEntorship prograM
Alumni and other members of the business community from Alberta and across North America seek to provide mentorship to students in the program. Sometimes the connection interesting yields career insights on courses Other that would be valuable or guidance on opportunities. times, the core benefit results from instant integration into an established network. Our mentors represent professionals working in areas including banking, government, financial services, construction, forestry and communications.

Managing changE. Making a DiffErEncE.


After graduation, Alberta MBA Alumni have gone on to establish distinguished careers in every sector of business in Canada and across the world. Our graduates share a business world, a strong network of fellow Alumni, the Alberta MBA degree and most of all a spirit of adventure! Alberta MBA Alumni are overwhelmingly satisfied with their education. In post graduation surveys they repeatedly indicate that the Alberta MBA delivered the critical thinking skills necessary for their work and that they compete successfully in the marketplace. Consistently, over 90 percent of our graduates are employed within three months of graduation. MBA 2005 strong knowledge base readily applied in the

KRiStinA WiLLiAmS
vice president, MArKetinG And sAles nAtrAceuticAl cAnAdA inc. honorAry consul for sWeden i have the tools i need to make strategic decisions at the senior management level. One of the main benefits of the Alberta mBA is the small class size that enables students to interact with each other and the professors. Also, the mBA featured excellent guest lecturers and high quality teaching.

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DAniEL KiCKhAm
in addition to a world-class education, the Alberta mBA provided excellent networking opportunities. this has allowed me to take my career to a higher level.

MBA 2008

AssociAte, coMMerciAl BAnKinG ciBc coMMerciAl BAnKinG

LEARning OUtSiDE thE CLASSROOm.


Extracurricular activities are an integral part of the MBA experience, giving students opportunities to meet, relax, network, learn and gain valuable leadership experience. These activities also help build the strong camaraderie that continues for years after graduation.

MBa association
The MBA Association is a student representative body, providing professional, supportive programs and services for its members.

nEt iMpact
Net Impact is an international network of emerging business leaders committed to using the power of business to create a better world. It is also the most progressive and influential network of MBAs in existence today. Originally founded as Students for Responsible Business in 1993, Net Impact has developed into a mission-driven network better and of 5,000 with new over chapters leaders 75 for business, professional student

athlEtics
The University of Alberta is an active sports community with 14 intercollegiate teams and a record of over 30 championships over the past three decades. The MBA Association also participates heavily in intramural programs, fielding teams in hockey, basketball, soccer and volleyball among others. The University is home to world-class athletic facilities, including indoor running tracks, an indoor climbing wall, ice rinks, pools, gymnasiums, ball courts and a well-equipped fitness centre.

founder/oWner sWeet MoMMA spA

JOLEnE ALi

MBA 2005

MBa gaMEs
The MBA Games competition is an annual contest involving students in Canadian MBA programs who compete in various academic, athletic and cultural activities while promoting university fellowship and citizenry. The event is the largest gathering of MBA students in Canada, and is held at different schools across Canada each year.

the mBA not only helped me develop management skills i use everyday, the knowledge i attained significantly changed the way ive grown and developed my business.

worldwide.

intErnational stuDY tours


International study tours are a chance for students to travel with their classmates to countries around the globe and experience firsthand the business environment outside of Canada. Students have opportunities to visit organizations, learn from prominent business leaders and instructors, network with international organizations, and explore the culture and sights during the tour.

casE coMpEtitions

CAROLE St. LAUREnCE-PLE


senior MAnAGer internAtionAl educAtion initiAtives, AlBertA educAtion Obtaining an mBA in Public management enabled me to further my knowledge and skills necessary for a leadership role in the public and/or private sector. the program not only provided me with a solid foundation in management, but also allowed me to specialize in effective policy development and implementation. i feel that i am now prepared for new challenges in my career.

MBA 2006

Case competitions permit students to apply academic material to real world problems. Opportunities exist to participate in the annual internal case competition as well as others throughout North America.

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gEt tO WORK.
carEEr sErvicEs
Our dedication to career development begins even before the first day of class, with continued efforts to match opportunities that leverage key skills with the desired paths of individual students. Our role is to act as the catalyst that enables students to take ownership of their own careers. We work exhaustively to ensure that doors are open in top companies throughout Alberta and Canada. With the added advantage of being located in the heart of Canadas most vibrant economy, our job placement rate is outstanding.

Our students diversify their career options once they start the MBA program. Teaching in the classroom is complemented with life experiences through summer internships pertinent business issues. Our dedicated MBA career placement personnel deliver tangible results in permanent positions and internship opportunities for our students, while offering advice and tools to develop and plan out career options. We also leverage our link to the corporate community and our strong ties to our Alumni to the benefit of our students. MBA 1986 and research projects focusing on the most

ROD SimPSOn
pArtner redstone MAnAGeMent consultinG For me the practical application of concepts was key. the program paved the way for a number of challenging opportunities and created the confidence to take my career in different and rewarding directions.

intErnships
All MBA students are encouraged to participate in a four-month summer internship between the first and second year of the program to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills. This paid internship serves to transfer the information business and communication skills and MBA 2002 acquired to an applied context, hone build networks for career growth.

ARUn BhARgAvA

product MArKetinG MAnAGer honeyWell Easily one of the best decisions of my life. i now have the skills and tools to compete globally. the Alberta mBA program is fast-paced, fun and fully the equal of the best mBA programs in the world.

tARA mcCREADY

MBA 2001
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proGrAM director, cAnnectin populAtion heAlth reseArch institute i entered the program with a PhD in Biochemistry. my Alberta mBA has opened up hundreds of career paths for me and allowed me to build on my science background in exciting new ways.

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APPLiCAtiOn PROCESS.
Our mission is not to fill seats, but rather to change lives. As such, our goal is to make sure the Alberta MBA Program is the right choice for your future. The Alberta MBA Program is an intensive 16-month program. Success requires high scholastic aptitude, a superior command of the English language, a proven potential for leadership and strong time-management skills. Admission to the Alberta MBA Program is highly selective. We seek motivated, bright, articulate individuals who have a strong standard of personal ethics. Candidates are evaluated individually based on an admissions package comprised of the following: Undergraduate degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0/4.0 in the last two years. Official transcripts from all postApplications are assessed when received. To be considered for entrance scholarships and bursaries, a complete application package must be submitted by January 31st. The deadline for applications is April 30th for a September entrance. secondary institutions attended. Work experience minimum of two years. Rsum highlighting professional and volunteer experience. GMAT score minimum 550. TOEFL score (if required) minimum of 600 (paper-based test) or 100 (internetbased test). Three letters of reference. Statement of intent.

SUBStAntiAL SChOLARShiPS AnD FinAnCiAL AiD.

The Alberta MBA Program makes every effort to ensure that academically strong students and those in need receive financial support. The University of Alberta School of Business and Faculty of Graduate Studies award an extensive array of scholarships and bursaries to Canadian and international candidates. These are offered to both full- and part-time students entering our program. Scholarships are based on academic excellence while bursaries are based on financial need. Provincial and federal government loans are also available to students in financial need. Between years one and two of the full-time program students are eligible to apply for scholarships based on academic excellence during the first year of the program as well as community and volunteer activities. Teaching assistantships are also available to students who have completed the first year of the program. Prior to their arrival in Edmonton, Canadian students (or permanent residents) who require financial support should make application to the Canada Student Loan and other programs through their provincial government. Alberta residents can find relevant information at www.alis.gov.ab.ca.

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go to www.mba.net for the link to the application form.

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BE thE FUtURE.
You will find the University of Alberta School of Business to be a mix of the anticipated and the unexpected. Here, you will

ChRiStOPh DOEDtmAnn
M&A (MerGers & Acquisitions) AnAlyst, corporAte finAnce Advisory services ernst & younG the wide range of courses provided me with the flexibility to tailor the program towards my interests and career aspirations. the mBA helped me to obtain a corporate finance position at one of Canadas most popular employers, grow professionally and personally, and last but not least develop lifetime friendships.

MBA 2007

come to understand how business is done and then you will be encouraged to do it differently. One need only look at our Alumni to see that we are creating leaders. Our graduates move the world quickly and capably, in directions that will bring the greatest benefit to all. They always have and they always will.

www.mba.net

For more information about the Alberta mBA Programs contact:

Alberta mBA Programs Room 2-30 Business Building University of Alberta Edmonton, AB Canada t6g 2R6

email: mba@ualberta.ca telephone: 780.492.3946 toll free: 866.492.7676

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