Coursework

Course Requirements for the Master of Business Administration

Required General Coursework (27 hours):

  • MBA 5020: International Experience (3): This course will develop an understanding of international cultural differences and an understanding of some of the important aspects of conducting business in an international arena. Topics vary from year to year, but can include topics such as financial reporting across national borders, foreign currency exchange issues, marketing to foreign cultures, transfer pricing, transnational tax issues, and so forth. Heavy emphasis will be on student research and presentation. 

  • MBA 5110: Economics for Decision Making (3): This course will examine the analytical techniques used by decision-makers to address such issues as demand analysis and forecasting, production and cost analysis, the strategy and tactics of pricing and output decision, and risk and uncertainty. 

  • MBA 5200: Problem Analysis and Quantitative Methods (3): A course designed to provide business students with the quantitative analysis tools required for managerial decision-making. The course covers quantitative concepts such as decision-making under uncertainty, optimization models and applications, and computer simulation. Additionally, the course will cover various statistical methods, including hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression analysis, and time series analysis. The emphasis will be on business applications of quantitative methods using computer software and models.

  • MBA 5220: Operations and Supply Chain Management (3): Operations and supply chain management involves the transformation of materials and other inputs into products and services. It is one of the primary functions for both manufacturing and service businesses, and works closely with marketing, finance and accounting, engineering and other functions to develop strategic and business plans, and in implementing those plans. Objectives include the production of high-quality products and services to satisfy customer requirements at competitive prices, while effectively utilizing a number of different resources, such as employees, equipment, facilities, and information systems.

  • MBA 5230: Fundamentals of Business Analytics (3): In this course students gain the skills required to succeed in today’s highly analytical and data-driven economy. The course introduces the basics of data management, RFM Analysis, predictive modeling using decision trees and logistic regression techniques, design of experiments, customer segmentation and forecasting. This course includes lab work and a real data project to enhance competency of using analytics in real-world scenarios, and to engage in hands-on experience with SAS software to demonstrate capability of the concepts of data analysis. 

  • MBA 5320: Managerial Accounting (3): An examination of accounting information with an emphasis on planning and control, product costing, and income determination. Subjects include, but are not limited to: cost-volume-profit analysis, manufacturing cost systems, budgeting concepts, capital budgeting, relevant costs for decision- making, income tax implications for business decisions and ethics in the field of accounting.

  • MBA 5420: Marketing Strategy and Applications (3): Through the use of a combination of applied methods such as in-depth case analysis, simulations and/or marketing projects, the student will learn to develop solutions and formulate responses to marketing-oriented problems of the organization in a dynamic, complex, competitive, and global context. This course integrates issues and concepts introduced in other MBA courses.

  • MBA 5600: Managerial Finance (3): This course provides an in-depth study of the financial functions of a business. Financial theory and techniques for financial decisions are presented. Students are expected to use financial models and/or methods in solving problems. Students will receive exposure to advanced financial management material including financial analysis, capital budgeting, cash flow analysis, capital structure, risk and return valuation.

  • MBA 5750: Strategic Management (3): This course focuses on how managers and executives formulate and implement strategy in order to improve long-term performance. Each session emphasizes the development of frameworks that can be used to analyze the topic. Topics include defining the firm’s mission, performance, industry structure, strategic coherence, business-level strategy, vertical integration, diversification, mergers and acquisitions, top management teams, management of innovation, corporate governance, business ethics, organizational structure and control, strategy implementation, global strategy, and leadership. Case analysis, in-class exercises and presentations, and written assignments are used to improve working knowledge of each topic.

  • MBA 5820: Executive Skills (0)*: This course is designed to help the student develop important business skills, such as resume-building, interviewing, networking and self-promotion. Material will be conveyed to the students through seminars, guest speakers and student projects. Students will also need to complete various assessment exercises. Prerequisite: admission to the MBA Program or permission of the program director. Full-time students must enroll each term; part-time students must enroll at least three times; dual degree student at least twice. All students must enroll in their last semester of coursework.


PLUS Choose at least one** concentration from the following (9 hours):

Business Analytics

Economics

International Business

Leading and Managing Human Resources

Supply Chain Management

Sustainable Business

Interdisciplinary Business 

*MBA 5820 Executive Skills must be taken three semesters by students enrolled in the MBA program.

** Multiple concentrations may be obtained by taking an additional 9 credit hours per concentration and completing the concentration requirements in all areas.

Other Requirements for the MBA:

  • Thesis: Optional
  • Proficiency: Not required
  • Candidacy: Required
    • Students must demonstrate knowledge and exposure to international business and culture before completion of the degree program, through approved activities such as short term study abroad, completion of a course with an international theme, international internship, practicum with an international theme, or other activities as approved by the program director.
    • Students must document valid work experience before the completion of the degree program, through approved activities such as business practicum, internship, documented previous work experience, or other activities approved by the program director.