Master of Business Administration
Gardner-Webb University is committed to providing a program of study that clearly gives its MBA graduates an advantage when competing among others in today’s dynamic business environment.
The program’s 30-36 credit-hour course of study is structured to provide students with a working knowledge of business and the managerial skills needed for successful departmental, divisional, and organizational leadership.
The 30-credit-hour curriculum can be completed in as few as five eight-week terms (10 months) taking two classes per term or as many as ten eight-week terms (20 months) taking one class per term, depending on the needs of each individual, and is offered in a convenient online format. The 36-credit-hour curriculum can be completed in six eight-week terms taking two classes per term (12 months) or as many as twelve eight-week terms (22 months) taking one class per term. Furthermore, the program’s rolling admissions enable the student to enroll and start at any of the six different term start dates each year. Based on the student's needs, the five- or ten-term rotation of courses offers students the flexibility of entering the rotation at any point to progress through the program.
The MBA is recognized as the professional graduate degree designed to enhance effectiveness in upper-level managerial positions in a business setting. Many persons having career goals in non-profit settings also pursue the MBA degree. Graduate study in business not only helps individuals meet their goals of career development and personal growth but also contributes to their enhanced appreciation of the private enterprise market system.
Purpose
Effective managerial behavior depends on the knowledge and skills used in decision making. A successful administrator not only must know about his/her own professional area, but he/she also must have considerable understanding of the professional areas of others. Students in the MBA program are expected to develop a working knowledge of accounting, finance, human relations and behavior, economics, marketing, production, business law, and international business.
The applied nature of the MBA program provides training in management through the use of practical techniques that can be readily utilized by the students in their existing positions. Students learn to be innovative in their approaches to solving problems and making decisions. The program offers a unique opportunity to study with others who have similar interests and learn from others who have had varying work experiences.
Student Learning Outcomes
To accomplish the mission of Graduate Programs in individual courses within the Godbold College of Business, students completing a course in Business Administration will be able to:
- Adapt themselves in advanced professional career positions in business, government, and other areas of human endeavor where organizational, managerial, and analytical skills in business administration are vital for success;
- Learn new advanced managerial skills in business administration that require advanced knowledge of computerized technology applications in business; and
- Respond to complex changes in business administration in a dynamic, global marketplace and demonstrate high Christian ethical standards in their place of work.
MBA Degree Requirements
- Overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 in graduate studies
- Satisfactory completion of the required coursework within six calendar years
- Application for graduation by the dates published by the Registrar
- Participation in hooding ceremony and Commencement exercises if desired
It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the preceding requirements for graduation.
MBA Program Guidelines
It is the student’s responsibility to plan the degree in accordance with the program requirements using the course rotation. The course rotation is fixed. Missing or not successfully completing a course in a term means that the student will need to wait until that course is offered again in the course rotation.
BADM 690 Strategic Management should culminate the program. A minimum of 21 hours of MBA courses that include ACCT 600 Managerial Accounting, BADM 610 Managerial Economics, BADM 620 Managerial Finance, BADM 625 Marketing Management, BADM 630 Organizational Behavior, and BADM 635 Production Research and Operations Management are required prior to enrollment. A grade of “B” or better is required to successfully pass BADM 690. A student receiving a final grade of less than “B” must repeat BADM 690.
MBA Curriculum (30-36 hours)
Today, managers need skills in analysis, problem solving, interaction, and communication. Approaches to problem solving are stressed throughout the program through the use of practical applications of academic concepts and theories. Students learn to be innovative in their approaches to problem solving through assignments requiring teamwork, communication skills, and computer applications.
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program consists of 30-36 credit hours (10-12 three-credit-hour courses). A transcript review will determine the most appropriate track for applicants. Students may begin in any semester. A minimum of six hours is required for full-time status in the MBA program.
Prerequisites
An undergraduate business degree is not required for admission to the Master of Business Administration program. Students without an undergraduate business degree will be admitted to the 36-credit hour program. Students with an undergraduate business degree may be admitted to the 30-credit hour program based on a transcript review.
Required Courses (30 hours)
Required Courses (36 hours)