Master of Business Administration

Program Description

The MBA is a general management degree requiring 58 total graduate credits of study including the student’s choice of specialization.

Online and On-Campus Options

Online study is available to students who choose a specialization in Sustainable Business, Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution, or Enterprise Resource Planning and Analytics.

Students may be able to complete their MBA in four semesters or less if they’re approved to waive up to 18 credits of Foundational courses. Students in all specializations who study on campus may be able to complete their MBA in six semesters or less if they’re approved to waive up to 18 credits of Foundational courses. Studying on campus may include part-time university employment in academic or administrative areas for students who qualify.

MBA Foundational Requirements

Students with no prior study in business must successfully complete 18 credits of course requirements in the seven foundational fields of business:

• Marketing
• Accounting
• Finance
• Business law
• Management: organizational behavior, human resource management, and leadership
• Operations and quality management
• Information systems management

If a student submits an official transcript from a prior postsecondary institution showing a grade of B or above in an undergraduate course(s) specific to one of the seven foundational fields, the student may request consent to waive the course requirement for that field.

MBA Depth Requirement: Specializations

In addition to foundational courses, all MBA students must complete a minimum of 16 credits in one chosen Specialization, providing an opportunity for an advanced depth of study in one discipline or cross-functional business field. Each MBA Specialization includes a seminar or capstone course requiring a substantial amount of research and writing.

MBA Specialization choices are:

• Sustainable Business
• Accounting
• Enterprise Resource Planning and Analytics
• Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution
• Entrepreneurship (Ethiopia only)

Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have a four-year bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in formal training and work experience. Acceptance is based upon the quality of undergraduate performance, aptitude test scores, work experience, and other achievements.

All international students must submit official English proficiency test scores (either TOEFL or IELTS) as part of their application. The test must have been taken within the past two years. Minimum proficiency scores are 6.5 on IELTS, 575 TOEFL paper-based, 230 TOEFL computer-based, 90 TOEFL internet-based, or 58 PTE. Applicants are exempt from this requirement if they have resided in the following countries for a minimum of 2 years: American Samoa, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (except Quebec), Dominica, Grenada, Grand Cayman, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Liberia, New Zealand, Trinidad/Tobago, United Kingdom, and US Pacific Trust. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required. Students need to have the prerequisite knowledge of Algebra.

MBA Transfer Credit Policy

Students who have successfully completed graduate coursework in business administration at another university and have not used those credits for a degree may apply to transfer up to a maximum of 20 credits to fulfill MBA specialization or elective requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the Master of Business Administration, students will be able to:

1. Communicate effectively in written and spoken English for both informative and persuasive purpose.
2. Utilize software to create visually appealing documents and presentations.
3. Research a topic using the Internet and private databases, correctly assess the value of acquired information for the purpose at hand, and correctly document the use of sources.
4. Contribute as an effective team member so that a team can accomplish more than an individual can accomplish on their own.
5. Experience better health and happiness.
6. Achieve greater clarity about their personal strengths and career goals .
7. Demonstrate skill in problem formulation and creativity in identifying options for decision-making.
8. Additional Specialization-specific Program Learning Outcomes:

Sustainable Business Specialization Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Sustainable Business Specialization, MBA graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in all MBA Program Learning Outcomes above and in the following areas specific to this Specialization:

1. Knowledge of Sustainability in Management: Graduates will acquire the expertise to apply principles of social and environmental responsibility, leveraging this knowledge to devise sustainable solutions to complex business challenges.
2. Sustainability-Focused Consultancy Process: Graduates will demonstrate a consultative approach by researching an organization to unearth deficiencies and provide solutions embodying sustainability concepts.
3. Implementation Skills for Sustainable Solutions: Graduates will develop actionable plans to execute sustainability-oriented recommendations from consulting assignments, ensuring practical impact on business practices.

Accounting Specialization Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Accounting Specialization, MBA graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in all MBA Program Learning Outcomes above and in the following areas specific to this Specialization:

1. Knowledge of general management, integrating their knowledge of the domains of business in organizational decision-making.
2. A working knowledge of US accounting principles and analysis.
3. Knowledge of US business culture and the ability to work effectively in the U.S.

Enterprise Resource Planning and Analytics Specialization Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Enterprise Resource Planning and Analytics Specialization, MBA graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in all MBA Program Learning Outcomes above and in the following areas specific to this Specialization:

1. Knowledge of general management and the ability to integrate their knowledge of the domains of business in organizational decision-making.
2. A working knowledge of SAP ERP or other business analytics and technology tools.
3. Knowledge of U.S. business culture and the ability to work effectively in the U.S.

Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution Specialization Learning Outcomes

Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Leadership and Workplace Conflict Resolution Specialization, MBA graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in all MBA Program Learning Outcomes above and in the following areas specific to this Specialization:

1. Leadership and Team Development: Graduates will be prepared to organize and lead a team to achieve more collectively than individuals could alone.
2. Analytical Thinking for Conflict Resolution: Graduates will develop the skill to analyze conflict situations, articulate clear problem statements, and craft creative resolutions that balance business needs with workforce considerations.
3. Advanced Conflict Resolution Skills: Graduates will be adept at resolving workplace conflicts, displaying the ability to proactively prevent, de-escalate, and manage conflict, as well as to collaborate on problem-solving.

Entrepreneurship Specialization Learning Outcomes (Ethiopia)

Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Entrepreneurship Specialization, MBA graduates will be able to demonstrate proficiency in all MBA Program Learning Outcomes above and in the following areas specific to this Specialization:

1. General Management: Graduates will demonstrate a knowledge of general management, integrating their knowledge of the domains of business in organizational decision-making (General Management).
2. Business Decisions: Graduates will effectively apply business principles to make recommendations for business decisions.
3. Implementation Planning: Graduates will design an implementation plan for recommended actions.