Smith welcomes inaugural Global Online MBA cohort
Posted on October 13, 2026
Kingston, Ont. — Last month, Smith School of Business officially welcomed the first cohort of its new Global Online MBA, marking a major milestone for the business school's evolving and innovative graduate portfolio.
A diverse and seasoned group of business professionals with experience spanning technology, healthcare, financial services, energy and natural resources, education and more, attended the in-person opening session of the program at SmithToronto. The session helped create the foundation for trust, accountability and community that will define their MBA journey and help prepare them to be high-performing global leaders.
“Launching an online MBA gave us an opportunity to think very intentionally about what should change with the mode of delivery — and what should not,” says Kerri Regan, Senior Director of Smith’s Full-time MBA, Global Online MBA and Master of International Business programs. “Flexibility is fundamental to the Global Online MBA, but so are community, collaboration and meaningful relationships. Starting the program with four days together in Toronto allowed our students to build those connections in person and then carry them into the virtual environment. It was an important way of ensuring that this new program feels distinctly Smith from day one.”
The 66-person cohort (40 per cent of which is made up of female candidates) will now embark on their individual 24- or-36-month program schedule, while continuing to work and advance in their careers.
“The program's flexible structure allows me to pursue graduate-level business education without stepping back from the work I'm passionate about,” explains student Jake Malette. “If you're serious about your career and serious about your education, this program proves you don't have to pick one.”
Built around a flexible hybrid learning format, the program merges real-time virtual instruction with asynchronous learning. Coursework is delivered through SmithOne, a state-of-the-art digital learning platform that facilitates direct engagement with faculty, instructors and classmates.
A defining feature of the Global Online MBA is its highly customizable curriculum. Following a common core in year one, a flexible elective model allows students to differentiate their MBA in years two and three. Students can also choose to enhance their MBA experience with a global study trip to either ESADE Business School in Spain, or Vienna University of Business and Economics in Austria.
“The Global Online MBA has already exceeded my expectations,” says student Eddie Semaan. “It’s clear that Smith has been very intentional in creating an experience that feels engaging, collaborative and connected, even in an online environment. I’m excited to see how we continue to learn from one another over the course of the program.”
Learn more about Smith’s Global Online MBA at smithqueens.com/gomba.