International Master of Business Administration
The International Master of Business Administration (IMBA) program offered by the Graduate School of Business at Gardner-Webb University is structured to provide a strong academic foundation in international business through a comparative approach to global business. The IMBA is recognized as the professional graduate degree designed to enhance effectiveness and provide comprehensive knowledge and skills involved in managing international profit and non-profit organizations.
The International Master of Business Administration program consists of a 30-36 credit-hour course of study and 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 (12 months) taking two classes per term 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. Within the IMBA program, a minimum of six hours is required for full-time status.
Purpose
The global competitive market is continuously changing, and the magnitude and speed of the changes and their strategic implications for firms, irrespective of location or product/service, is unprecedented. The aggregate impact of these changes and the competitive responses of individual firms on individual country and regional economies is equally powerful. To be an effective global manager, one must be equipped with the necessary tools for the challenges ahead. The IMBA program in the Graduate School of Business offers a cutting-edge graduate international business education that prepares students for these challenges. The intensive, applied nature of this IMBA program provides training in international business through the use of practical techniques, international experience, and other important tools that can readily be utilized by the students in their existing positions.
Student Learning Outcomes
To accomplish the mission of Graduate Programs in individual courses within the Godbold College of Business, students completing a course in International 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 international business administration are vital for success;
- Learn new advanced managerial skills in international business administration that require advanced knowledge of computerized technology applications in business; and
- Respond to complex changes in international business administration in a dynamic, global marketplace and demonstrate high Christian ethical standards in their place of work.
IMBA Degree Requirements
- Overall minimum grade point average of 3.0 in graduate studies
- Satisfactory completion of 30 graduate hours within six calendar years
- Application for graduation by the dates published by the Registrar
- If desired, participation in the Hooding Ceremony and Commencement exercises.
It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the preceding requirements for graduation.
IMBA Program Guidelines
INTL 650 International Business, INTL 651 International Finance, INTL 652 International Marketing, and BADM 633 Entrepreneurial Management should be scheduled early in the program. INTL 653 Seminar in International Trade should culminate the program. A minimum of 18 hours of IMBA program courses that include INTL 650 International Business, INTL 651 International Finance, INTL 652 International Marketing, and BADM 633 Entrepreneurial Management are required prior to enrollment in INTL 653 Seminar in International Trade. A grade of “B” or better is required to pass INTL 653. A student receiving a final grade less than “B” must repeat INTL 653.
It is the student’s responsibility to plan the degree in accordance with the program requirements using the two-year course rotation and coordinating with their advisor.
IMBA Curriculum (30-36 hours)
Prerequisites
An undergraduate business degree is not required for admission to the International 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.
International Business Required Courses (18 hours)
| INTL 643 | International Trade Law | 3 |
| INTL 650 | International Business | 3 |
| INTL 651 | International Finance | 3 |
| INTL 652 | International Marketing | 3 |
| INTL 653 | Seminar in International Trade (IMBA Capstone Course) | 3 |
| INTL 695 | Topics in International Business | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
INTL 653: Must have all MBA/IMBA program prerequisites or permission of the Director of Graduate Business Programs
MBA Required Courses (30-hour Curriculum)
MBA Required Courses (36-hour Curriculum)