Full-Time MBA: Degree Requirements & Course Descriptions

The Full-Time MBA program is a two-year, four-semester lock-step program totaling 61 credit hours. The first year of the curriculum includes the following core areas: financial reporting, analysis and markets; domestic and global economic environments of organizations; creation and distribution of goods and services; and human behavior in organizations. It also provides instruction in the fundamental areas of quantitative analysis, computer usage, and written and oral communication. Descriptions of each subject area are offered below.

YEAR 1

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
BUS 523 (1 credit) ITM 522 (3 credits) ACC 518 (3 credits) FIN 515 (3 credits) MGT 513 (3 credits) ITM 513 (3 credits)		FIN 525 (3 credits) MKT 522 (3 credits) MGT 514 (3 credits) ITM 514 (3 credits) MGT 685 (3 credits)

Financial Reporting, Analysis and Markets

ACC 518 (3 credits) - Accounting for Managers
FIN 525 (3 credits) - Financial Management

ACC518 focuses on financial statements and their usefulness to managers, including profitability analysis. In FIN525, the emphasis shifts to application, particularly in the corporate financial world.

Domestic and Global Environments

FIN 515 (3 credits) - Economic Analysis
MGT 685 (3 credits) - Global Strategic Management

The economic foundations for business management, including fostering the development of sound economic reasoning, are covered in FIN 515. The global issues that form the context for business in the 21st century are integrated into courses throughout the MBA curriculum and are specifically covered in MGT 685, or Global Strategic Management. MGT 685 provides an overview of international business so that students will learn the skills to function as informed executives regardless of organizational responsibilities.

Creation and Distribution of Goods and Services

MKT 522 (3 credits) - Marketing Management
ITM 514 (3 credits) - Operations Management

In MKT 522, students learn about the characteristics and management of markets. Topics include the marketing environment, components of the marketing mix, market segmentation, and market planning. Tactical issues are covered in ITM 514: the process of obtaining and utilizing resources to produce and deliver goods and services to meet the customers' needs and the organizations' goals.

Human Behavior in Organizations

MGT 513 (3 credits) - Organizational Behavior
MGT 514 (3 credits) - Human Resource Management

Through this two-course sequence, students develop an understanding of human behavior in organizations. MGT 513 provides a basic understanding of individual, group and organizational processes and their effectiveness. The emphasis is on building the diagnostic skills needed to understand events and become effective managers. The course also helps students develop the administrative and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in business: time management, planning, problem solving, leading meetings, negotiating agreements, managing conflict and reviewing performance. MGT 514 focuses on human resource management in organizations. Topics include personnel recruitment, selection and assessment, as well as affirmative action, labor relations, and collective bargaining.

Quantitative, Computer and Communication Skills

Prior experience or education in written and oral communication, quantitative analysis, and computer usage is beneficial, but these skills can also be achieved as part of the MBA curriculum. Although most of our courses integrate these fundamental skills, we address these areas specifically through three separate courses:

BUS 523 (1 credit) - Presentation Skills
ITM 522 (3 credits) - Information Technology Management
ITM 513 (3 credits) - Quantitative Analysis for Business

In BUS 523 students develop presentation skills through classroom instruction and practice sessions. Students are recorded and given detailed feedback about their skills and areas in need of improvement. Strategies and operational issues in IT management are examined in ITM 522, which introduces the dynamic field of information systems, covering systems analysis and design concepts and techniques as they are applied to business situations. In addition, computer modeling is used for projects using computer simulation and other techniques. ITM 513 combines descriptive statistics and basic distributions. The course enhances students' analytical skills and introduces decision support tools. Students will work on projects involving quality control and forecasting. Risk management and inventory planning will be emphasized.

YEAR 2: 30 Credit Hours

The second year of study requires each student to narrow his/her focus with 15 credits of specialized coursework in a concentration, a related 6-credit field project and three elective courses as noted below.

Concentrations in HRIS and ITM

Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and Information Technology Management (ITM) students complete consulting-type field projects in organizations where they face the challenges, dynamics and deadlines they will later experience in their own careers. They work in teams of 2 or 3, with a faculty supervisor, for this year-long simulation. Participating firms range from Fortune 100 firms to local social service agencies. This applied educational approach develops the professional skills and abilities most in demand in the business world, while providing invaluable business experience for the student.

A typical Year 2 course schedule for students with a concentration in HRIS or ITM:

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
Concentration Core Courses (6 - 9 credits) Field Project Course (3 credits) Elective (3 credits)		Concentration Core Courses (6 - 9 credits) Field Project Course (Cont'd) (3 credits) Elective (6 credits)