Mar 29, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Business Administration, M.B.A.


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CIP Code:  52.0201

I. Admission Requirements


Admission to the MBA Program is based on a qualitative and quantitative assessment of those factors deemed relevant for successful graduate study.  The following factors are considered in the admission decision:

  1. Scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). For students applying for the JD/MBA program, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) may be used for the admissions examination.  All MBA applicants must have the results of their GMAT, GRE or LSAT submitted directly to the School of Graduate Studies.Applicants who are members of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS) - the international business honor society for AACSB-accredited schools are not required to take a graduate-level entrance exam  
  2. Prior academic record (official transcript).
  3. Employment history (applicant’s resume)
  4. Two letters of recommendations from instructors, employers, or others who know the applicant well. 
  5. A personal interview is recommended.
  6. Applicants for the MBA Program who lack the foundation courses in their undergraduate degree must complete these courses before they can be fully admitted to the MBA program. 

Foundation Courses


The foundation courses consist of twelve (12) hours of graduate-level courses - four, 3 credit hour courses.  The foundation courses should be completed with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.  Some or all of the foundation courses may be waived for students with prior appropriate course work.  The following comprise the foundation courses:

II. Program Requirements


Graduate Management Core - 24 hours


The graduate management core courses, the heart of the MBA program, focus on organizational decision making, behavioral factors impacting decision making, and the environment in which the organization functions.  The graduate management core is composed of the following courses: 

Traditional MBA Program Electives


In addition to the graduate management courses show above, students in the traditional MBA program must complete two electives (6 hours) and one capstone course (3 hours).

Total Credits - 33 hours


Enhanced Online MBA Program Concentrations and Electives


The Online MBA offers a state-of-the-art master’s degree program from the comforts of your home with access to a rigorous, AACSB accredited, curriculum designed to prepare global leaders for immediate contribution. This program allows you to specialize in your study by concentrating in one of three areas: Data Analytics, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Real Estate, or Wealth Management. In addition to the core courses above, students must complete three courses in each concentration (two electives and one capstone course).

Program Requirements

Students in the online MBA program are required to complete the general management core courses (24 hours) and 9 hours in their area of concentration.

Data Analytics Concentration (12 hours required)

The concentration in Data Analytics provides students with solid knowledge and training in data analysis and statistical computing. The concentration includes the courses shown below.

Hospitality Management (12 hours required)

The concentration in Hospitality Management offers courses specifically developed to support the advancement of hospitality and tourism management professionals. Along with a strong business management foundation, students who pursue this concentration will also receive relevant instruction related to contemporary topics in hospitality and tourism.

Marketing (12 hours required)

The concentration in Marketing gives students the toolbox and analytical skills to operate effectively in an increasingly dynamic marketplace. Students will be prepared for the immediate application of progressive techniques within marketing that utilizes new technology and digital capabilities while strengthening foundational marketing principles.

Wealth Management

The concentration in Wealth Management is open to individuals from diverse backgrounds, the primary purpose is to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the wealth management industry to address the significant underrepresentation of African American professionals and to decrease the racial wealth gap between African Americans and whites.  The racial and ethnic wealth gaps are large and persistent according to the 2016 Federal Reserve Board Survey of Consumer Finances Report. The real median net worth in an African-American household still lags far behind white households. The median household wealth gap between African-Americans and whites grows larger as education levels rise.  The Report also shows that African-American households are less likely to own assets, such as a house, business, retirement savings, and savings account, as compared to white households. Those who do own assets, own far fewer in each of those categories.  Along with wealth gaps, there are substantial knowledge gaps in basic financial education.  This program answers the growing call to address the wealth gap and improve the financial literacy skills in the African American community and among college students. This concentration is offered through an online or face-to-face delivery method.

Real Estate

The concentration in Real Estate provides students the leverage to increase diversity and inclusion in the commercial real estate industry across the U.S. There is a compelling need for more minority professionals in the commercial real estate industry. This course will also educate MBA students enrolled in the Real Estate Concentration through coursework, internships, and mentorship; Help MBA graduates secure professional positions in various sectors of the commercial real estate industry; Create an affiliated Real Estate Center to enrich the concentration primarily through projects that increase minority economic development and wealth creation in Durham, NC and elsewhere.  This concentration is offered through an online or face-to-face delivery method.

Graduate Electives


Except for joint degree students, each student is required to select at least two elective courses.  These courses must be approved by the Director of Graduate Programs.  The graduate management electives consist of the following courses:

III. Exit Requirements


Completion of all required MBA courses with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and with no more than one grade of C.

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