Effective immediately graduate business students have a larger variety of classes to take to fulfill their degree in masters of business administration.

The new classes are offered in a new partnership between UW-Eau Claire and UW-Stout.

Eau Claire students can take electives focused on the tourism industry or classes on hotel management, said Robert Erffmeyer, director of Eau Claire’s MBA program. Students at Stout are offered the opportunity to take business foundation classes that Eau Claire offers.

The classes will be conducted online which, Erffmeyer said, is more conducive for continuing education.

“The Internet has matured as a delivery vehicle for classes,” Erffmeyer said. He said it also enables the program to reach new niches.

The university’s graduate program is able to offer eight courses during regular semesters and two during the summer. For about three years, Erffmeyer said, the department has been involved in a program that allows several UW campuses to share courses online.

Currently there are about 150 students in the MBA program, Erffmeyer said, and some of the students have already shown an interest in the classes.

The expected turnout for the program has not been calculated yet, but Erffmeyer said they are just getting started.

The new agreement with Stout was signed Tuesday to commemorate it formally.

Chancellor Donald Mash feels the new partnership will benefit both universities.

“Its a unique program that builds upon the strengths of each of our schools,” Mash said.