Master of Business Administration (MBA)

College of Business
The Master of Business Administration (MBA), residential and online, covers the tools and methods required to run a business. The program requires 36 graduate-level credit hours to complete the degree. The schedule of course offerings permits an individual working full time to complete all the requirements for the MBA degree in 18 months, two classes per term. Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business will generally take the Foundation (9 credit hours), the Core (18 credit hours), and a concentration (9 credit hours) to complete the degree. Students with an undergraduate degree in business normally have met all or most of the Foundation requirements; thus, they will take the Core (18 credit hours), a concentration (9 credit hours), and will complete 9 hours of graduate business electives (instead of the Foundation), which may be composed of a second MBA concentration. Undergraduate business courses may not be substituted for graduate courses. The MBA concentration provides the MBA student with an opportunity to focus their studies in a specialized business area of interest.

Enrollment Management in consultation with the Dean’s office will develop an education plan for students that show the courses needed to complete the degree program.

Major Requirements:

Degree Requirements:

Tuition and Fees:

Course Descriptions:

• AC 618 - Accounting Theory
  Accounting Theory is a course in basic accounting theory. It looks at the development of accounting theory and explores its impact on past and current accounting practices. Emphasis will be placed on basic accounting concepts, including the conceptual framework, APB # 4 and ASOBAT. Other areas of discussion will include the policy-making process, contemporary accounting issues, and international accounting. Prerequisite: AC 312 and MBA foundation 
• AC 619 - International Accounting
  In-depth study of current standards of practice in international accounting and a comparison of U.S. GAAP to practices in other countries. Emphasis is also placed on understanding the importance of the harmonization of accounting and auditing standards, the role international standards play in the global marketplace, and the impact of these standards on U.S. GAAP. Prerequisite: AC 312 and MBA foundation
• AC 624 - Seminar in Managerial Accounting
  Course in advanced managerial and cost accounting. Discussion topics include current managerial accounting issues such as JIT, balanced scorecard, ABC accounting, strategic cost management, meaningful report writing for management, and quality and performance measurement. This course uses a "hands-on approach" encouraging participation and interaction through the use of computer projects, case studies, and classroom discussions. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 642
• AC 632 - Advanced Tax Accounting
  Introduction to business income tax procedures for partnerships and corporations. Also covers taxation of estates and trusts. Research of tax law and application of research to case situation is also emphasized. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and 3 hours of taxation
• AC 643 - Advanced Auditing
  Designed to look at topics beyond those covered in basic auditing classes. In-depth study of current standards of practice in areas such as fraud detection, internal and EDP auditing, and special attestation engagements. Also emphasizes the ethical, legal, and regulatory environment of auditing and theoretical issues. Prerequisite: AC 442 and MBA foundation
• AC 652 - Accounting for Governmental and Non-profit Entities
  Governmental accounting and the various funds associated with non-profit enterprises. Study of accounting techniques as applied to governmental units, public school systems, colleges and universities, hospitals, voluntary health and welfare organizations, and other non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: AC 312 and MBA foundation
• AC 661 - Seminar in Contemporary Accounting: Selected Topics
  This course covers special topics of financial accounting, auditing, tax, or managerial accounting. The specific topic(s) offered will be listed in the course schedules for the session which the seminar is offered. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and 12 hours of accounting
• BA 602 - Risk Management
   Fundamental principles and practices of risk management and insurance are addressed with an applied focus on risk management processes, rather than institutional and contractual details of the insurance industry. Topics include fundamental principles of risk management, such as risk identification; risk characterization; pricing of risk reduction techniques; risk retention; regulatory, legal and tax implications; insurance; and other hedging strategies. Additionally, personal, business, and public policy perspectives concerning life, health, property, and liability risk management and insurance are addressed. Prerequisites: MBA foundation
• BA 616A - Investments
  Investment principles and practices are studied in the context of individuals and organizations. The course will integrate economic relationships and practices for an understanding of the current investment environment. Additionally, the course will survey the institutions and securities that make up the investment environment to provide students a history of how Wall Street operates. The student will understand and experience how individuals trade financial instruments, including stocks, options, bonds, futures, and other derivative securities. Prerequisites: MBA foundation
• BA 617 - International Finance
  This course will focus on international financial tools, applications, and concepts. Topics include fundamental international financial relationships and their application to firms and individuals, international transactions, tax issues, and multinational corporations. It will cover essential elements of transacting in an international market place. It also will address the fundamental risks inherent in international business and the use of financial securities to hedge these risks. Prerequisites: MBA foundation
• BA 620 - Cash Management
  Also known as treasury management, working capital management, or short-term financial management, cash management addresses fundamental principles and practices concerning cash management. Topics include the role of cash management, credit, accounts-receivable and collection management, accounts payable and disbursement management, electronic commerce, information and technology needs for cash management, forecasting, short-term investments and borrowing, international cash management, relevant relationship management, and contemporary issues. Prerequisites: MBA foundation
• BA 623 - Quantitative Methods
  This course introduces modeling as a tool for decision making and planning. Emphasis is on understanding the mechanics of various models and their applications to business. Topics include: optimization models, network models, inventory control, waiting lines, decision theory, and multi-criteria decision models. Large-scale problem solving is facilitated through use of software.  Prerequisites: MBA foundation
• BA 635 - Labor Relations
  This course will trace the history of labor/management relations from the industrial revolution into the modern age. It will cover the significant events and laws that have shaped the American labor union. Included in this is a detailed segment about how union contracts are negotiated. Students will participate in a semester-long simulation designed to allow them to develop a new labor contract. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• BA 636 - Compensation and Performance Management
  This course examines current theory, research, and practice necessary to make effective strategic decisions in managing compensation and performance issues. Included in this course will be a detailed look at contemporary compensation systems and strategies, job analysis, and performance evaluations. Also includes how to design wage and salary structures and benefit packages in order to be competitive in today's organizations. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• BA 637 - International and Global Business
  This course surveys international and global business issues, processes, and strategies. The course describes and assesses (a) issues that surround business and market opportunities, such as cultural, economic, legal, political, and technological differences, (b) international trade and monetary systems, and (c) strategies, structures, and processes used by successful international and/or global businesses and organizations. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• BA 638 - Human Resource Law
  Describes, analyzes, and evaluates legal foundations, cases, and applications of human resource law. Areas of law covered will include, but are not limited to, equal employment opportunity law, labor relations law, fair employment practices law, and compensation-benefits law. Human resource management practices will be considered within analysis and evaluation of laws, cases, and settlements. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• BA 644 - Service Learning
  This course provides an opportunity for students to use their talents as professionals to perform meaningful community service. It is designed to help managers develop the skill sets and mind sets necessary to be effective stewards of a moral society, i.e., to enjoy the fruits of capitalism while actively seeking justice, fairness, and ecological sustainability. It seeks to improve their moral performance as future business managers by encouraging them to actively promote community welfare, thus bettering themselves, their communities, and their country. Prerequisite: None
• BA 655 - Internet Marketing
  This course examines the nature, characteristics, and culture of the online environment to understand, develop, and implement marketing strategies and tactics for conducting effective online commerce. Emphasis is on the hardware/software tools necessary for internet-based commerce, market segmentation identification, product development, pricing, direct marketing, global marketing, and the methodology to execute marketing strategy in a computer mediated environment. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 652
• BA 656 - Consumer Behavior
  Review of the classical areas of perceptions, cognition, attitudinal formation, and cultural influences that affect individual and group purchasing behaviors. Emphasis is placed on understanding marketplace dynamics, market segmentation, and understanding the importance of psychographics in market planning analysis. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 652
• BA 657 - Multinational Marketing
  This course is designed to cultivate and develop a global perspective for planning and decision-making. Analysis of how successful companies develop and implement strategies and tactics to serve foreign markets with competitive advantage is provided. The purpose of this course is to understand global competition in order to better achieve and sustain competitive advantage in global markets. Includes understanding of how global businesses develop and use continuous innovation and improvement, global joint ventures, and strategic alliances. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 652
• BA 658 - Sales Management
  Examines development, structure, and implementation of an effective and profitable sales force across substantially different environmental conditions. Strategies involving various markets, sales person characteristics, sales program design, and quantitative measurements are emphasized. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 652
• BA 695 - Independent Study in Finance
  This course provides an opportunity for learners to customize their finance emphasis by specifically studying one of the many other important topics in finance and/or by doing additional advanced work in topic areas addressed in other finance courses. Areas of potential study include, but are not limited to: financial institutions and intermediaries (banking), financial markets, real estate finance, financial modeling, statement analysis and quality of earnings analysis, public finance, finance for non-profit organizations, financial advising, advanced financial valuation, a readings course surveying scholarly research and contemporary issues in finance. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 612
• MBA 505 - Survey of Business Functions
  This course surveys the essential functions of a modern business organizations. It is designed for the graduate student whose undergraduate degree is in a non-business area. The course emphasizes specific business knowledge in the core areas and functions, including organizational design, marketing, accounting, finance, management, and operations. The course uses both focused and integrative analyses of business areas and functions. Course materials include scholarly and professional articles, cases, and exercises.  Prerequisite: None
• MBA 522 - Data Analysis for Effective Decision Making
  In this course, students are introduced to data analysis and selected models which are essential for sound business decision-making.  The course introduces the art of collecting, summarizing, analyzing, and describing data using descriptive tools.  Graphical, tabular, and numerical summaries are included.  Students learn the concept of probability and selected distributions.  As an introduction to analytical modeling, forecasting and project management topics are covered.  In addition to time series analysis, simple- and multiple-regression are introduced as forecasting methods.  PERT, CPM, and time-cost trade-offs are studied for managing projects.  Appropriate computer software is used to facilitate learning.  Prerequisite: None
• MBA 541 - Survey of Accounting and Information Systems
  This course is designed to provide students with an overall understanding of the manner in which a business gathers, processes, and uses information. Students are introduced to basic accounting and computer concepts and procedures through case studies and computer projects. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of basic accounting processes and principles, on data management in a computerized environment, and on basic financial statements. Students also are expected to develop an appreciation of the needs for internal controls in a business. Issues relating to internal control procedures, computer security, privacy issues and ethics will be introduced through readings and case studies. Prerequisite: None
• MBA 592 - Independent Study in International Business
  This course is designed to enhance a student's understanding of and ability to operate in international settings with customized research and experiences relevant to the student's interests and deficiencies. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, students may participate in internationally related simulations, internships, consulting teams, and/or research projects tailored to individual needs and interests. Students are encouraged to select personally meaningful projects to enhance their understanding of international management, organizations and operations. Prerequisite: MBA foundation (1 to 6 credit hours)
• MBA 611 - Economics
  This course presents fundamental micro and macro economic concepts relevant to managers and other policymakers in business and government.  Students are challenged to recognize, apply and assess these concepts to decision-making in business management and public policy.  Students address the applicability of economic concepts to themselves, businesses, and society.  Concepts and implications fundamental to the market supply and demand economic framework are addressed with an emphasis on their application to the firm and individual.  Additionally macro economic concepts, including an overall aggregate model of the economy are addressed.  Students are encouraged to take a holistic view of how economic concepts impact the firm.  Prerequisite:  MBA foundation
• MBA 612 - Financial Strategy
  Fundamental principles and practices relevant to a firm's financial strategy are addressed. Emphasis is on conceptual foundations and analysis of how financial fundamentals impact corporate financial strategies and the efficient allocation of wealth resources. Topics include: key elements of financial environments, market efficiency, financial analysis, cash flow, incentive theory and practice, agency problems, time value of money, security valuation, risk analysis, portfolio theory and practice, capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policies, options, global financial concerns, contemporary financial issues. Prerequisite: MBA 522 and MBA 541
• MBA 626 - Operations Management Strategies in a Global Context
  This course deals with the problems of producing and delivering goods and services. This course also covers the application of problems such as production scheduling, smooth work flow, quality control, inventory control, facility layout, and proper task sequencing from a managerial viewpoint. Case studies will be used to improve skills in problem identification; mathematical and computer tools will be used when appropriate to solve the problem at hand. Prerequisite: MBA 522 and MBA 541
• MBA 633 - Advanced Organizational Behavior
  This course encourages the application of advanced conceptual and theoretical perspectives to the analysis and control of behavior in organizations. Students will practice diagnosing and resolving behavioral and organizational problems related to management functions, individual differences, group and interpersonal conflict, and work/life interface. Includes emphasis on perception, motivation, leadership, influence, work/family conflict, stress, decision making, diversity, organizational learning, ethics, global issues and change. Prerequisite: None
• MBA 634 - Advanced Organizational Management and Theory
  This class encourages the application of advanced conceptual and theoretical perspectives to the design of organizations and the linkage mechanisms that organizations must develop to manage their environments. Students will practice diagnosing and resolving organizational problems related to the growth, survival, and decline of organizations. Research emphasis will be placed on how size, structure, technology, and organizational culture impacts operations, strategic contingencies, and competitive advantage. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• MBA 639 - Strategic Management
  This course describes, analyzes, and evaluates components and processes of business strategy and policy.  Issues and topics are examined at the corporate, business, and product/service levels.  Quantitative and qualitative assessment tools are examined and applied in cases, exercises, and research materials (by traditional or online publication).  Component research is conducted concerning specific issues in stakeholder analyses, social responsibility, competitive actions, internal integration, and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) assessment.  Prerequisite:  Must be taken by MBA students during the last term of coursework
• MBA 642 - Managerial Accounting and Information Systems
  Provides an understanding of management information systems used in decision-making processes. Designed with a hands-on approach, encourages participation and interaction through the use of computer projects, case studies, and classroom discussions. Topics include basic cost accounting concepts and terminology, product costing and pricing, planning and controlling a business operation through budgets and variance analysis, and managerial decision-making using such techniques as cost-volume-profit analysis and variable costing. Computers and appropriate computer software will be used. Prerequisite: MBA 522 and MBA 541
• MBA 650 - Applied Methods and Measures for Human Resource Management
  This course describes, examines, and applies the quantitative methods used to evaluate and assess the organization's human resource policies and practices. Key empirical human resource research and measurement issues are analyzed, evaluated, and assessed in relation to HRM law, organizational effectiveness, and human resource management contributions to the organization's mission and strategies. Prerequisites: MBA 522 and BA 638
• MBA 652 - Marketing Strategy
  Examines the key concepts and issues in developing and selecting a marketing strategy. Developing and implementing dynamic marketing strategies that are adaptable to changing conditions are emphasized. It examines processes that enable the domestic and/or international organization to continually learn from competitors, customers, and other stakeholders with the objectives of developing marketing strategies that are essential to both obtaining and sustaining a competitive advantage. Prerequisite: None
• MBA 654 - International Consumer Analysis
  This course is designed to learn and apply the understanding of consumer behavior in order to develop effective marketing strategies for marketing products/services internationally. Emphasis is on developing customer focus and competitive advantage by using consumer behavior analysis and then designing products/services to meet consumer wants and needs consistent with the different consumer characteristics of selected cultures throughout the global marketplace. Environmental influences and individual determinants of consumer behavior are analyzed, along with consumer decision-making in order to understand the influences on buying behavior that are critical to effective marketing strategy development and market penetration in both developed and developing nations in the global economy. Prerequisite: MBA foundation and MBA 652
• MBA 665 - Advanced Business Law
  This course is a comprehensive and technical study of law and its application in business operations. This course examines the influence of political, social, regulatory, environmental, and technical issues on the formation and interpretation of the law. Topics include Uniform Commercial Code, bankruptcy, agency and employment relationships, mortgages and property concept, contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, and dispute resolution. Emphasis is placed on applying these concepts to business decisions while considering both ethical and global perspectives. Students completing Advanced Law should be well prepared for the law areas covered in the CPA exam. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• MBA 667 - Regulation and Ethics for International Business
  An examination of the basic categories of regulations and laws to develop the framework within which organizations operate in the global economy. The international framework will be contrasted with the one constraining domestic operations. Skills in making ethical, strategic decisions within this framework will be developed through comprehensive international case problems. Ethical and moral analysis will examine issues in human rights, environmental considerations, investment, and social responsibility considerations. Prerequisite: MBA foundation
• MBA 670 - Regulation and Ethics for International Business
  This course examines classical and contemporary issues in managing supply chains in domestic and global environments.  The capabilities that a supply chain must have to support a firm’s business strategy are studied.  Students learn to analyze and assess the strategic role of the supply chain and the fundamental issues in managing them.  Methodologies for designing and planning a supply chain are introduced and methods to apply them in supply chain activities are learned. Prerequisite: MBA 522 and MBA 541
• MBA 672 - Models in Supply Chain Management
  This course introduces models to frame, structure, and solve decisions which pertain to various aspects of supply chain management. Students will learn how to apply these models and how to use the solutions in decision-making from a cross-functional business perspective. Through the examination of various models and benchmark cases, students will learn to recognize, structure, analyze, and develop decisions which have supply chain implications. Prerequisite: MBA 670
• MBA 674 - Emerging Topics in Supply Chain Management
  With the business environment constantly changing, new strategies and topics in supply chain management emerge continuously. This course is devoted to bring such topics to the foreground. It examines the emerging issues by evaluating their immediate and long-term impact on traditional supply chain management theories as well as other business disciplines and practices. Contemporary readings and guest speakers supplement traditional academic literature and textbooks as the topics are fluid and very dynamic. Prerequisite: MBA 670
• MBA 676 - Information Technology Practices for Managing the Supply Chain
  This course examines the importance of various technology-driven practices which affect the performance of supply chains, such as timely information sharing, reducing lead times, and reducing inventory levels, are examined. Software and products used in managing supply chains, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), are introduced. The advantages and disadvantages of each are analyzed, and students learn how they benefit the enterprise and how to propose choices for various industries. Prerequisite: MBA 670
• MBA 678 - Strategic Supply Chain Management
  This course examines the importance of various technology-driven practices which affect the performance of supply chains, such as timely information sharing, reducing lead times, and reducing inventory levels, are examined. Software and products used in managing supply chains, such as Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), are introduced. The advantages and disadvantages of each are analyzed, and students learn how they benefit the enterprise and how to propose choices for various industries. Prerequisite: MBA 670
• MBA 685 - Internship in Business Administration
  This course provides an opportunity for learners to expand their learning environment by including the actual workplace. Students will spend an amount of time on-the-job equivalent to that spent in the classroom. The learning objectives and specific program of study must be developed in consultation with, approved and sponsored by a full-time College of Business faculty member and the work supervisor of the intern prior to the start of the internship. These objectives will be documented through oral or written reports as required by the faculty sponsor. Prerequisite: MBA foundation (1 to 6 credit hours)
• MBA 699 - Topics in Business Administration
  This course provides an opportunity for the learner to customize their business administration degree curriculum by pursuing in more depth advanced work in topic areas not addressed or only briefly addressed in other business courses. Specific programs of study must be developed in consultation with, approved and sponsored by a full-time College of Business faculty member. Emphasis will be placed on advanced research in current business issues. Prerequisite: MBA foundation (1 to 6 credit hours)