One school, two degrees, zero wasted time

For Nikolas (Niko) Sorich ’25, ’26, being a decathlete means discipline and giving your all, even when the odds are stacked against you. Nearing the completion of his bachelor’s in business administration program, Sorich watched as his job applications went unanswered. Instead of throwing in the towel, he found an opportunity through University of Redlands’ 4+1 MBA pathway.  

“I'm already in the mindset of learning, why wait?” he asked himself. 

When Sorich crosses the 2026 Commencement stage, it will be as a dual degree holder. 

Getting there required showing up for practices, coursework, and opportunities that didn't always look glamorous. During his undergraduate years, Sorich completed two internships: one with a marketing analytics firm that introduced him to the pace and expectations of corporate life, and another as a bookkeeper at a learning center serving children with disabilities.

Both tested a kind of mental fortitude that Sorich had been building long before he stepped into a classroom — on the track, as a member of Bulldog Athletics’ track and field team.

“Being an athlete has made me the person I am today and taught me to be disciplined when nobody's watching,” he said. “You can't get complacent. You've got to push through, and it’s the reason I give 110% to whatever I do. It prepared me for the MBA and pushed me to be a better student.”

Sorich also worked closely with senior lecturer Vernon Stauble, electing to take his brand management courses when other options were available, then selecting him as his capstone advisor — a relationship that proved pivotal in shaping his MBA concentration. 

“Dr. Stauble helped me realize the important role marketing plays in successful companies,” Sorich said. 

Transitioning to the 4+1 program brought a new set of challenges — eight-week courses, weekly presentations, and group projects built around actual companies, graded by faculty who presented as a corporate board. Through it all, Sorich said he remained disciplined and determined to cross the finish line.  

“It was a lot of taking information and transforming it into your own work,” he said. “That's what you're going to do in the real world.” 

Sorich’s path makes the case for students weighing whether to stay and go further. One more year means two degrees, and a readiness for whatever comes next. 

Discover the 4+1 program at Redlands.