Longwood University
06/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/16/2026 09:23
Longwood expands graduate business and technology offerings to meet growing workforce demand
As demand for skilled professionals continues to grow across Virginia, Longwood University is expanding its graduate program offerings to help address critical workforce needs. In partnership with education technology company Risepoint, the university has launched several new concentrations within its Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) programs, providing students with pathways to high-demand, career-advancing opportunities.
Reflecting Longwood's commitment to workforce-aligned graduate education, the expansion includes two new MBA concentrations in healthcare administration and supply chain management, along with three new MSIT concentrations in cybersecurity, software development and IT project management. These programs are designed to equip professionals with the practical skills and specialized expertise employers increasingly seek in today's evolving business and technology landscape. Demand for technology talent continues to accelerate across Virginia as organizations invest in digital transformation and emerging technologies. In recent years, employers across the Commonwealth have sought to fill more than 51,000 cybersecurity positions, and Virginia now employs more cybersecurity analysts than any other state in the nation. Combined with one of the country's largest technology workforces, these trends underscore the growing need for graduate programs and prepare professionals to lead, innovate and succeed in rapidly changing industries.
Longwood's MSIT programs can be completed in as few as 12 months, making them among the fastest upskilling options in Virginia. The university is also a leading MBA provider in the region and offers one of the most affordable graduate tuition rates in the state, with cost per credit ranked third lowest. All programs are aligned with industry standards and accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
These programs are about preparing students to meet real workforce needs across Virginia. Our goal is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and perspective needed to step into high-demand roles and make a lasting impact in our local communities and the regional economy.
Dr. Larissa Smith, provost and vice president for academic affairs"These programs are about preparing students to meet real workforce needs across Virginia," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Larissa Smith. "Our goal is to equip graduates with the knowledge, skills and perspective needed to step into high-demand roles and make a lasting impact in our local communities and the regional economy."
Longwood's Online MBA program maintains robust national rankings by U.S. News & World Report as well as Poets&Quants, which named Longwood to its Best Online MBA Programs in the U.S. for 2026 list.
The curriculum emphasizes applied, career-ready skill development through projects, labs, case studies and assignments aligned with industry expectations. Students also interact closely with faculty who bring both academic and industry experience, providing mentorship and practical insight that support career readiness across a range of industries. The program also upskills students with the newest Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools infused in the program.
By working together, we are creating opportunities for more students to gain the skills and experience needed to grow in their careers and contribute to the communities they call home.
Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint"We are proud to partner with Longwood University as they expand access to high-quality, career-aligned programs," said Fernando Bleichmar, CEO of Risepoint. "By working together, we are creating opportunities for more students to gain the skills and experience needed to grow in their careers and contribute to the communities they call home."
Applications for the new MBA and MSIT programs are now open. Interested applicants can learn more here.
Longwood University published this content on June 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 16, 2026 at 15:23 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]