The University of Arkansas announced last week that they're starting an Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) program focused on China.

The first class of 13 graduate students just visited the campus in Fayetteville for an orientation. Most classes will be held in Shanghai.

All of the students in this first class of the program work in management at U.S. or global companies in China, according to the university. Some of the companies involved include Wal-Mart, Dillard's, Kimberly-Clark and Proctor & Gamble.

A story by the Associated Press said that:

The Executive MBA program is part of the university's Sam M. Walton College of Business. Over 17 months, the students will meet nine times in Shanghai and twice in Fayetteville, and there will also be Internet-based work. The courses are all taught in English.

One blog says that as of the first assignments, "each student is required to come up with a plan that will save his or her employer $250,000."

The program will last 17 months and expose students to topics like retailing, consumer products, shopping behavior, and logistics.

The University of Arkansas is working with Tong Ji University in Shanghai on the program.