Master of Business Administration

Program Description

The MBA program, with an emphasis in Management, Finance, Accounting, and Information Technology, is a 44 semester hour program. It is designed for individuals to develop professional competence, leadership potential, decision-making abilities, and interpersonal skills to serve commercial, governmental, faith-based, and social organizations in various managerial capacities. An emphasis in business management is offered online.

When to Begin

August or January

Admission Requirements

1. Hold a four-year baccalaureate degree or its equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 (four-point scale).
2. Demonstrated English Proficiency (see English Proficiency).

Prerequisites

1. Demonstrate a solid understanding in each of the following areas:

   • Accounting
   • Economics (Macro- and Microeconomics)
   • Management (Theory and History)
   • Statistics (and Probability)

   Most students will meet these prerequisites by earning undergraduate credits with a minimum grade of B in each of the areas. Students may present other relevant documentation to demonstrate satisfactory knowledge in the area. The department will evaluate each student’s application and make the final determination as to whether a prerequisite has been met.

   The following courses are offered on-campus to meet the prerequisites mentioned above: 

   As graduate level self-study modules: 

   • ACCT 501 Accounting for Managers (3 credits)
   • MGMT 502 Management (3 credits)
   • ECON 503 Economics (3 credits)

   As a regular taught class: 

   • RESM 615 Statistics (3 credits)
2. Students who choose the Information Technology emphasis need to demonstrate a solid working knowledge in the area. Those who have no programming knowledge will be expected to acquire limited proficiency during the program.
3. If deemed necessary, undergo an interview.

Students must use current information technology such as word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, and the Internet in their coursework. Proficiency in mathematics is expected and prior knowledge through advanced algebra (pre-calculus) is assumed. Those who initially lack these skills should plan to acquire them early in their program to help ensure their success.

Requirements

To complete the program and be awarded the degree of Master of Business Administration, the student must satisfactorily meet the following requirements:

1. Complete a minimum of 44 semester hours according to the curriculum specified below.
2. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
3. All students who have less than one year of full-time work experience must register for and complete BUAD 697 Internship (3 credits) before their second registration.
4. Students must complete a thesis or a project as the culminating phase of their MBA depending on their choice.
5. The MBA Thesis (academic) Track requires publication or acceptance for publication of at least one article in a refereed journal.
6. Successfully pass Comprehensive Examination.
7. Complete the Service Learning requirement.
8. Demonstrate the acquisition of the MBA PLOs and Professional Competencies by
   building and presenting an e-portfolio.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the MBA degree is made up of 44 semester hours of coursework as explained below. To be awarded the degree the student must satisfactorily meet the following requirements: