Curriculum and Course Descriptions
The MBA Program curriculum and has three parts: foundation, core, and elective courses. Seven foundation courses are available to students who have no prior academic work in business. Few, if any, of these courses are necessary for students who have an undergraduate business degree. Nine required (or core) courses plus three elective courses constitute the actual program. Electives provide the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills in areas of individual interest.
Foundation courses
( up to 17 credit hours ):
Students need a background in business subjects to succeed in graduate-level core courses. The college offers graduate-level courses that provide an understanding of common topics in business administration.
Although an undergraduate degree in business will exempt you from most of these courses you should not expect work experience or certification programs to enable you to meet foundation requirements. Upon your acceptance into the program your transcripts will be reviewed to determine exactly which foundation courses are needed, and we will work with you to develop an individual course schedule.
Most foundation courses are offered once a year, but not during the summer. You need not have had any business courses to begin the program.
Core courses
( 27 credit hours ):
All MBA students are required to take the same nine courses. These courses improve technical and analytical abilities and interpersonal skills while establishing a background in business.
Most of the core courses have prerequisites, which are explained in detail in the graduate catalog. They are generally offered each semester, and most are offered during one of the summer sessions.
Elective courses
( 9 credit hours ):
You may choose to focus on one area with your three elective courses, or you may select courses from different areas. The second approach allows you to consider a variety of elective options to meet your professional and academic objectives.
Three-course elective concentrations are available in accounting, finance, international business, management, marketing, and fine arts management. In addition, other courses are designed to meet specific needs of students such as insurance, human resources, project management, business law, and agribusiness. In total about 40 designated elective courses are available. These courses are constantly changing to reflect the professional development needs of business, industry, and other organizations.
A current elective course list is always available from the MBA office.