A downturn in the economy traditionally has been a time to beef up the résumé with some new training. Tough times don't last, but tough people can come out of them with an MBA and be ready to make a good career move. Not this downturn, though. Southeast Michigan 's hunkered-down job market is not necessarily good news for the area's business schools. Anxious workers still are looking for graduate degrees, but are not as willing to quit their jobs or take leaves to do so. The consequence is a downturn in applications for full-time programs and a greater demand for part-time or executive programs, forcing business schools to become more adaptable and competitive. At Wayne State University , the biggest factor pulling enrollment down is the diminishment of tuition reimbursement in the area, said Linda Zaddach, assistant dean of the School of Business Administration . "As companies cut costs, that's usually one of the first (benefits) to go," Zaddach said. "Our program is designed for the working professional, and they're balancing work, school and family obligations. Only a small number of our students can go full-time, and many of them really rely on getting help with tuition from their employers." Wayne's program is flexible. Students have up to six years to complete their MBA course work, and have online, evening, weekend and other options.