The incoming class of graduate students at Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business is the largest and most diverse group ever to enroll in its advanced-level programs.

Robinson welcomed 862 new graduate students this fall, a 78 percent increase over 2019’s incoming class of 484 students. They are enrolled in 14 degree programs, including the MBA and Executive MBA, a dual-degree MBA/Master of Health Administration, 10 master of science (M.S.) programs and the Executive Doctor of Business Administration.

The class is striking in terms of diversity.

• More than half (51.4 percent) of U.S. students identify as racial or ethnic minorities described by the Graduate Management Admission Council as underrepresented in graduate business education. Of that number, 39.7 percent are Black or African American, 6.9 percent are Hispanic, 4.7 percent are multiracial and 0.1 percent are American Indian, Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian.

• More than half (55 percent) are women. Among Robinson’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related master’s programs, typically male-dominated disciplines, women compose 53 percent of the new enrollment.

• Students represent 45 countries, 27 states and the District of Columbia.

“Creating opportunities for students of all backgrounds to succeed in business is a defining passion for Robinson, and our incoming graduate class speaks volumes to our commitment,” said Richard Phillips, dean of the Robinson College.

Over the past several years, the college has hired faculty whose domains (computer science, statistics, engineering, science and technology) are not typically found in business schools, and integrated their expertise into academic programs and applied projects where students engage with industry partners to solve business problems.

“Broadening students’ digital fluency and analytical skills beyond those required in most graduate business programs makes our offerings attractive to candidates interested in advancing in their careers and to potential employers,” said Brian Jennings, associate dean for graduate programs. “We are known for preparing our graduates to adapt to and innovate in a rapidly changing world.”

Total enrollment in Robinson’s graduate programs is 1,560 students.