Newsroom

Partnership with CFEP

• By The UCI Paul Merage School of Business

Irvine, CA - (April 01, 2025) -

UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business and Center for Educational Partnerships Launch Groundbreaking Initiative to Expand Graduate Business Education Pathways  

The UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business, in collaboration with the university’s Center for Educational Partnerships (CFEP), has launched the Anteater Masters Pathway Program – Business (AMPP-B), a first-of-its-kind initiative in the UC system designed to provide community college students with a direct pathway to graduate business education. This program aligns with the University of California 2030 Capacity Plan in which the goal is to add more graduate students into the California workforce to address the complex needs of our evolving economy.

As part of this initiative, the Merage School and CFEP hosted an event in October, introducing students from Long Beach City College and UC Irvine undergraduates to the school’s Specialty Masters Programs, a portfolio that is the largest in the UC system. The event provided attendees with hands-on guidance on graduate management education opportunities, mentorship from faculty and admissions advisors, and insights into how a master’s degree can accelerate career success.

CFEP has long been a leader in fostering pathways from community colleges to four-year institutions, and this collaboration extends its impact by helping students envision and prepare for graduate-level education. Through AMPP-B, participants can transition from select California Community Colleges to any four-year institution (not limited to UC Irvine), complete the university’s Transfer Prep Program, and maintain minimum requirements to become eligible for Merage’s specialized business master’s programs.

“This partnership is a first of its kind in terms of the broad reach between many of our local community colleges, 4-year institutions, and ultimately connecting them to our graduate business programs here at UC Irvine,” said Burt Alvaro Slusher, Assistant Dean, MBA and Specialty Masters Programs at the Paul Merage School of Business. “By working with our incredible CFEP team, we are breaking down barriers and making advanced business degrees more accessible, with clear pathways, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds and non-traditional pathways.”

The Merage Specialty Masters Programs include the Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Master of Finance, Master of Professional Accountancy, and Master in Management. These programs equip students with the skills and industry insights necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

“This partnership exemplifies the mission of the Center for Educational Partnerships (CFEP),” said Dr. Ashley Cheri, CFEP P-20 Programs Manager. “By merging CFEP’s Transfer Prep program with the Merage School’s Master’s pathway, we’re expanding access to graduate education in business. What was once a limited opportunity is now open to a broader audience, creating new pathways for students to advance their education and careers. This is the future of collaboration in education, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.”

Through the Anteater Masters Pathway Program – Business (AMPP-B), UC Irvine is setting a new precedent in graduate business education accessibility, empowering students to take charge of their future in business and leadership and aligning with the broader workforce goals of our California economy.

Interested in learning more about the Anteater Masters Pathway Program – Business (AMPP-B)? Complete our interest form.

 

About The Paul Merage School of Business

The Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine is a globally recognized leader in business education and research. The school is dedicated to preparing leaders for a digitally driven world through innovative programs, cutting-edge research, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About the Center for Educational Partnerships (CFEP)

UC Irvine’s Center for Educational Partnerships (CFEP) fosters student success by building bridges between community colleges, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions. Through partnerships like AMPP-B, CFEP works to expand college access and create opportunities for historically underserved students.

###

---