Fulltime MBA Degree Requirements & Course Descriptions

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 communications. Descriptions of each subject area are offered below.

YEAR 1

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
BUS523	1 credit	FIN525	3 credits
ITM522	3 credits	MKT522	3 credits
ACC518	3 credits	MGT513	3 credits
FIN515	3 credits	ITM514	3 credits
MGT514	3 credits	MGT685	3 credits
ITM513	3 credits

 

Financial Reporting, Analysis and Markets

ACC518	3 credits	Accounting for Managers
FIN525	3 credits	Financial Management

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

Domestic and Global Environments

FIN515	3 credits	Economic Analysis
MGT685	3 credits	Global Strategic Management

The economic foundations for business management and fostering the development of sound economic reasoning are covered in FIN515. The global issues that form the context for business in the new millennium are integrated into courses throughout the MBA curriculum and are specifically covered in MGT685, a 5-week intensive course at the end of the second semester. Global Strategic Management provides an overview of international business so that students will learn the skills to function as informed executives regardless of organizational responsibilities. Students use accounting, finance, human resource management, marketing, and management information systems to evaluate a company within its industry and the world market.

Creation and Distribution of Goods and Services

MKT522	3 credits	Marketing Management
ITM514	3 credits	Operations Management

In MKT522, 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 ITM514: 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

MGT513	3 credits	Organizational Behavior
MGT514	3 credits	Human Resource Management

Through this two-course sequence, students develop an understanding of human behavior in organizations. MGT513 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.

MGT514 focuses on human resources 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:

BUS523	1 credit	Presentation Skills
ITM522	3 credits	Managing Information Technology
ITM513	3 credits	Quantitative Analysis for Business

In BUS523 students develop presentation skills through classroom instruction and practice sessions. Students are videotaped and given detailed feedback about their skills and areas in need of improvement.

Strategies and operational issues in IT management are examined in ITM522, 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.

ITM513 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

Specialization in Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), Information Technology Management (ITM) or Information Assurance (IA)

The second year of study requires each student to narrow his/her focus with 12 credits of specialized coursework in a concentration, a related 6-credit field project and two 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 valued in the business world, while providing invaluable business experience for the student.

YEAR 2 for students with a concentrations in HRIS or ITM:

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
MGT610 (HRIS) or ITM692 (ITM)	3 credits	MGT682	3 credits
Concentration Core Courses	6 credits	Concentration Core Courses	6 credits
Field Project Course	3 credits	Field Project Course cont'd	3 credits
Elective	3 credits	Electives	6 credits

Concentration in Information Assurance

Students working on a concentration in Information Assurance focus on accounting in the final year of their program.

YEAR 2 for students with a concentration in IA:

Fall Semester		Spring Semester
ACC522	3 credits	ACC661	3 credits
ACC531	6 credits	ACC680	6 credits
ACC681	3 credits	ACC683	3 credits
ACC682	3 credits	Elective	3 credits
Elective	3 credits	Elective	3 credits

Classes in Statistical Analysis for Business Decisions, Introduction to Cost Analysis, Accounting Information Systems, and Analysis and Design of Accounting Databases round out the IA fall semester.

In the spring, IA students take a class in auditing accounting information systems, and complete a research seminar on an accounting topic. ACC683 provides information on emerging technologies affecting accounting and auditing practice.

 

Updated 1/10/07