SYRACUSE, N.Y., Jan. 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Syracuse University's Martin J. Whitman School of Management (Whitman) and 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU) today announced the start of the inaugural class of students in MBA@Syracuse, the school's newly enhanced online MBA degree program powered by 2U. The first MBA@Syracuse students, a group of more than 100 participants hailing from around the U.S. and five different countries, began their studies on January 9. The program is delivered in partnership with 2U Inc., which partners with leading colleges and universities to deliver the world's best online degree programs so students everywhere can reach their full potential.

MBA@Syracuse allows students from anywhere in the world to take part in the highly regarded Whitman MBA program - without having to relocate or put their careers on hold. Classes take place on a live, online platform taught by Whitman's award-winning faculty, connecting students with the comprehensive education and experience they need to succeed in today's competitive business environment.

"Syracuse University's Whitman School of Management has long embraced technology on campus and today marks another milestone: using an enhanced technology platform to extend our program beyond campus and welcoming our first class of MBA@Syracuse students, who also are the largest MBA class in Whitman's history," said Amy McHale, assistant dean for masters programs. "Our enhanced approach has allowed us to both attract an increasingly diverse group of students to MBA@Syracuse, as well as connect new students face-to-face with Syracuse alumni on the technology platform well before the start of class. We're thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of students!"

MBA@Syracuse reflects a diverse student body, with students from a range of educational and professional backgrounds joining the program from India, China, Nigeria, Malta, and 22 U.S. states, including California, Texas, Colorado, South Dakota, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New York. The unique composition of this inaugural cohort includes students with the following characteristics:


    --  Age Range: 24-60
    --  Average Age: 35
    --  Average Years of Work Experience: 11
    --  Percentage of Military Personnel: 27 %
    --  Percentage of Minorities: 25%
    --  Percentage of Females: 34%

Learn more about the inaugural cohort here: http://onlinebusiness.syr.edu/experience/inaugural-cohort-profile

"As a transitioning veteran who does not have much time to dedicate to a full-time program, I saw MBA@Syracuse as my best and most favored option for a successful shift into the business workforce," says Bill Ravelo, Internal Consultant and Project Manager with the United States Army. "Syracuse's online MBA program will allow me to find balance across my life, career and classwork, which is a crucial point for veterans working to move forward after their service."

MBA@Syracuse graduates receive the same Whitman degree as on-campus students, completing a 54-credit-hour program with 36 core course credits and 18 elective credits. Upon completion, the first graduates are expected to apply their education to a wide variety of industries, ranging from financial services and consulting, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, media and entertainment, government and nonprofit, and more. Students also will participate in multi-day domestic and international residencies throughout their program, which offer students the chance to meet classmates and professors face-to-face for workshops and networking experiences.

For more information on MBA@Syracuse, please visit onlinebusiness.syr.edu/mba or follow the program on Twitter at @BusinessatSU. Those interested in learning more about admissions requirements and about the program can contact an admissions counselor at 844-797-4622 or admissions@onlinebusiness.syr.edu.

About the Martin J. Whitman School of Management
 The Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University educates students to become successful entrepreneurial leaders in a rapidly changing global economy. The Whitman School offers BS, MBA, MS and PhD programs in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing, real estate, retail management and supply chain management, all accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The school's faculty includes internationally known scholars and researchers, as well as successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. In any given year, the Whitman School is home to nearly 2,000 doctoral, graduate and undergraduate students. For more information about the Whitman School, visit http://whitman.syr.edu and follow us on social media at http://whitman.syr.edu/follow.

About 2U Inc. (NASDAQ: TWOU)
2U Inc. partners with leading colleges and universities to deliver the world's best online degree programs so students everywhere can reach their full potential. Our cloud-based software-as-a-service platform provides schools with the comprehensive operating infrastructure they need to attract, enroll, educate, support and graduate students globally. Blending live face-to-face classes, dynamic course content and real-world learning experiences, 2U's No Back Row(TM) approach ensures that every qualified student can experience the highest quality university education for the most successful outcome. Learn more at 2U.com.

Media Contacts:
 Syracuse Martin J. Whitman School of Management
Kerri Howell
kdhowell@syr.edu
315-443-3671

2U Inc.
Shirley Chow
schow@2U.com
858-336-0358

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SOURCE 2U Inc.; Syracuse University's Martin J. Whitman School of Management