At Millennia Atlantic University (MAU), the commitment to high-quality education and professional preparation is fundamental. Under the leadership of Dr. Arístides Maza Duerto, the university has distinguished itself by offering innovative programs tailored to the needs of today’s market. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Maza Duerto shares details about MAU’s most outstanding academic programs, specifically designed for entrepreneurs, business owners, and business leaders, and how the university integrates technology and innovation into its educational offerings.
Interview with Dr. Arístides Maza Duerto
What are the most outstanding academic programs that Millennia Atlantic University offers specifically for entrepreneurs?
“At the undergraduate level, we have two entrepreneurship programs. The Bachelor’s in Retail and E-Commerce Entrepreneurship. The Bachelor of Science in Retail and E-Commerce Entrepreneurship program prepares students to create, launch, and operate retail and e-commerce businesses. Students will be exposed to MAU’s practical curriculum in retail and e-commerce entrepreneurship, which will provide them with in-depth knowledge of the development, management, and operations of e-commerce, retail, and retail-related businesses. We also have a Bachelor’s in Global Entrepreneurship. The Bachelor of Science in Global Entrepreneurship program trains students in the skills needed to create, launch, and operate an international import/export business. The Global Entrepreneurship program places a strong emphasis on practical projects that a promising entrepreneur can directly apply to business-related activities.”
What programs does the university offer for business leaders looking to advance their careers?
“The university employs expert instructors who believe in a real-world learning approach and strive to provide each student with individualized attention. At MAU, we encourage our master’s students, who are business leaders, to embrace the local community through professional development and networking programs. Our students, graduates, instructors, and staff work together to create a vibrant and intellectually stimulating environment. Areas of special interest that will strengthen students’ ability to pursue their chosen professional goals include Accounting, Finance, International Business, Logistics, and Management. The university offers the following master’s degrees: Master of Science in Global Finance, Master of Science in International Logistics Management (on-campus and online), Master of Science in International Business Management (on-campus and online), Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting (on-campus and online), Master of Human Resource Management (on-campus and online), Master of Business Administration (on-campus and online).”
How do these programs differ from others offered in the region?
“Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) differentiates itself from similar programs primarily through several key factors:
- Flexibility and Accessibility: MAU often emphasizes flexibility in its programs, offering online, hybrid, and traditional on-campus options. This flexibility caters to students with diverse needs, including working professionals and those with personal commitments.
- Career-Focused Curriculum: MAU programs are generally designed to be career-focused, integrating practical skills and relevant knowledge for specific industries. This focus ensures graduates are well-prepared for their chosen fields.
- Personalized Attention: MAU promotes a supportive learning environment with smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized interaction between students and faculty. This can enhance learning outcomes and facilitate mentoring opportunities.
- Global Perspective: Many programs at MAU incorporate a global perspective, recognizing the interconnected nature of today’s world. This might include international faculty, multicultural perspectives in coursework, or opportunities for international studies or internships.
- Applied Learning and Research: MAU often emphasizes applied learning and encourages students to engage in research or practical projects relevant to their fields. This hands-on approach can enhance skill development and workforce readiness.
- Professional Services and Support: MAU generally offers robust professional services to help students transition from academia to the professional world. This could include career counseling, resume building, interview preparation, and networking opportunities.
- Accreditation and Quality: Ensuring programs meet rigorous quality standards and are accredited by recognized accrediting bodies is crucial at MAU. This accreditation often means that programs meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring the value of the degree earned.”
How are the programs for entrepreneurs and business owners structured in terms of duration, modality (on-campus, online, hybrid), and content?
“Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) offers programs designed for entrepreneurs and business owners with a focus on flexibility, practicality, and comprehensive content. Here’s how these programs are structured:
- Duration: Bachelor’s programs typically last 4 years if taken full-time, though part-time options may extend the duration. Some students take more courses per semester and attend summer classes, reducing the program time to 3.5 or 3 years.
- Modality: On-campus: Traditional campus classes are available for those who prefer a more structured learning environment or benefit from direct interaction with professors and peers. The university offers online programs for postgraduate or master’s degrees.
- Content: MAU programs for entrepreneurs and business owners are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape. The content includes:
– Basic Business Skills: Courses covering areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations management, and strategic planning lay the foundation for understanding business fundamentals.
– Entrepreneurship Focus: Specialized courses delving into entrepreneurship, innovation, startup management, and business creation provide insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs.
– Practical Applications: Emphasis on practical learning through case studies, simulations, and real-world projects helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real business scenarios.
– Leadership and Management: The development of leadership skills, team management, ethical decision-making, and effective communication are often integrated into the curriculum to prepare graduates for leadership roles.
– Technology Integration: Given the importance of technology in modern business, programs may include courses on digital marketing, e-commerce strategies, data analysis, and technology adoption in business operations.
– Final Project: The two undergraduate entrepreneurship programs and all postgraduate or master’s programs culminate in a final project, offering students the opportunity to prepare their own entrepreneurship project, allowing students to gain practical experience and build professional networks in their chosen field or company.
– Additional Support and Resources: MAU provides additional support services, such as job search and placement counseling, assisting students in their job search process in their field of study, and promoting networking events and access to industry mentors to help entrepreneurs and business owners leverage their education effectively in the real world.”
Are there opportunities for students living outside the United States?
“The university has two options for those living outside the United States. The first option is on-campus through an international student visa. Millennia Atlantic University is authorized by federal law to enroll non-immigrant foreign students by issuing I-20 forms. Students who wish to come to Miami to study on-campus at MAU must meet the same admission requirements and standards as other students entering our undergraduate or postgraduate programs. To enroll, in addition to a completed and signed application, international applicants who have earned a degree from an educational institution outside the United States must submit original or certified sealed copies of their graduation certificate, transcript, or other documentation attesting to the student’s successful completion of the secondary or postsecondary education program equivalent to that awarded in the United States.
Additionally, the university offers its postgraduate programs online. MAU Online Learning provides education from the comfort of your home without leaving your country. MAU offers its online programs through a synchronous format. Students participate in each class at the same time as on-campus students or at the scheduled time with other virtual participants. This provides students with live access to professors for questions and other assistance, as well as live interaction with classmates.”
How does Millennia Atlantic University integrate innovation and technology into its programs for entrepreneurs and business owners?
“Millennia Atlantic University (MAU) integrates innovation and technology in various ways into its programs for entrepreneurs and business owners. Here are some of the strategies typically implemented:
- Updated Curriculum: MAU ensures its academic programs for entrepreneurs and business owners are aligned with the latest trends and advances in technology and innovation. This includes specific courses on technological entrepreneurship, innovation management, and the application of emerging technologies in business.
- Industry Collaboration: The university fosters partnerships and collaborations with innovative companies and industries. This provides students with direct access to practical experiences, real projects, and mentors who are at the forefront of technological innovation.
- Technological Resources: The university invests in advanced technological infrastructure and offers access to cutting-edge digital tools and platforms that facilitate research, collaboration, and the development of technological projects.
- Digital Skills Training: Recognizing the importance of digital skills for business success in the modern era, MAU integrates training in key digital competencies such as data analysis, digital marketing, e-commerce, and IT management.
- Events and Conferences: They organize events, conferences, and seminars on innovation and technology, where industry experts share knowledge and experiences on how these areas can transform and improve businesses.”
How does the university support its graduates who have completed programs for entrepreneurs and business owners?
“The university, with the help of its graduates, founded the ‘MAU Alumni Association,’ a non-profit organization. All donations and profits are used to benefit the MAU scholarship fund. As a graduate of Millennia Atlantic University, alumni are automatically members of the MAU Alumni Association. The MAU Alumni Association was founded to keep us connected with each of our past, current, and future Macaws. The association’s mission is to promote pride and loyalty among past, current, and future alumni of Millennia Atlantic University. Its goals are to encourage the MAU community to seek new connections, professional fulfillment, and activities that positively impact the community and their lives. To this end, the alumni association promotes galas, cocktails, and MAU Talks as an effort to keep alumni connected and support them in their business and entrepreneurial development through networking among their fellow university peers.”
Millennia Atlantic University, under the leadership of Dr. Arístides Maza Duerto, positions itself as a cutting-edge educational institution, offering academic programs designed to meet the demands of the current business environment.
With a solid offering of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in key areas for entrepreneurs and business owners, MAU provides theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and networking opportunities that are essential for professional success.
The integration of technology and innovation into its programs, as well as continuous support for its graduates, demonstrate MAU’s commitment to educational excellence and the professional development of its students.
For more information about the programs and opportunities offered by Millennia Atlantic University, visit https://www.maufl.edu