Anthony C. Nelson, Ph.D.
Dean
School of Business Building, Room 370
Telephone: (919) 530-6175
Sharon D. White, Ph.D.
Associate Dean
School of Business Building, Room 368
Telephone: (919) 530-6133
LaChelle Wilborn, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean/MBA Director
School of Business Building, Room 358
Telephone: (919) 530-6255
OVERVIEW
The School of Business offers programs leading to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, the Online MBA degree with concentrations, the Dual Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA) degree, and the Dual Master of Business Administration/Master of Information Science (MBA/MIS) degree.
The Master of Business Administration program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions in business, industry, and government by developing their understanding of complex strategies, tactics and their execution. Opportunities exist for career specializations, as well as breadth of core business disciplines. Classes are structured to enrich critical thinking and decision-making skills through opportunities to practice problem definition, analysis, and implementation. Students with any undergraduate major can be successful in the MBA curriculum; however, to properly prepare for MBA core classes, students are required to either possess or complete a group of foundation business courses.
The graduate program in the School of Business is fully accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
VISION
To be a first-choice HBCU business school that delivers academic excellence, inclusivity, a global perspective, learner transformation, and impactful engagement.
MISSION
North Carolina Central University School of Business offers high quality undergraduate and graduate business education programs through teaching and applied research focused on transforming our diverse learners into skilled leaders who can positively impact lives and communities, and promote an inclusive global society.
PURPOSE
To provide high-quality business education that engages, empowers, and enriches the lives of learners, equipping them to become leaders who advance positive societal impact in their communities, the region, and the world.
VALUES
We support the following shared values in our pursuit of excellence and continuous improvement:
- Collaboration: We embrace collegiality and respect the views of our stakeholders in implementing our strategic initiatives.
- Excellence: We strive to deliver best-in-class practices in academics, administration, and relationships with industry and society.
- Inclusivity: We promote a culture of shared governance, diversity, and civic engagement.
- Innovation: We implement best practices in achieving learner success, relevant research contributions, and impactful service.
- Integrity: We act responsibly, honor our commitments, and accept accountability for our mission.
- Sustainability: We recognize the impact of our strategic initiatives on improving society.
DUAL DEGREES
The dual degree programs allow students to simultaneously pursue a degree in Law or a degree in Information Sciences while enrolled in the MBA program. Both dual degree programs allow students to earn two degrees in less time than it takes to earn each degree individually.
The dual Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration degree program can be completed in four calendar years. The degree of Juris Doctor (JD) is granted by the School of Law upon successful completion of a minimum of 88 semester hours of required and elective courses. The degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA) is granted by the School of Business. The dual JD/MBA graduate will complete 24 hours of MBA courses, excluding any foundation requirements.
The dual Master of Business Administration/Master of Information Science degree program can be completed in two calendar years. The School of Business and the School of Library and Information Sciences grant Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Information Sciences (MIS) degrees, respectively. The dual MBA/MIS graduate will complete 24 hours of MBA courses, excluding any foundation requirements.
Students enrolled in the dual JD/MBA and MBA/MIS programs must complete the requirements of each program simultaneously in order to receive both degrees. If a student does not meet the dual degree requirements, the student will not receive the benefit of the reciprocal credits and will have to meet each degree program requirements separately. Additionally, the GPA for the dual programs must be met separately and cannot be combined; individual GPAs must be attained for each program. A cumulative grade-point-average of at least 3.0 in the MBA courses is required to complete the graduation requirements of the MBA degree with no more than one grade of C.
MBA DEGREE
The MBA offers a state-of-the-art master’s degree program from the comforts of home, giving students access to a rigorous, AACSB-accredited curriculum designed to prepare global leaders for immediate contribution. This program allows learners to specialize in the following eight concentration areas:Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, General Management, Hospitality Management, Information Systems Management, Marketing, Real Estate and Wealth Management; we also offer two joint degrees (JD/MBA and an MBA /MIS). Students can move through the program at their own pace, but the program should last between 18-24 months. Students in the online MBA program are required to complete the general management core courses (24 hours), 6-12 hours in their area of concentration, and the MBA capstone course.
SPECIAL GRADUATE STUDENTS
The School of Business restricts its graduate-level business administration and management courses to degree-seeking students. Students admitted to other graduate-level degree programs may enroll in School of Business graduate-level courses by permission of the instructor. Special Graduate Students must apply through the School of Graduate Studies and may register for no more than 9 credit hours of graduate courses before being admitted to a graduate program.
TRANSFER OF GRADUATE CREDIT
A maximum of six (6) semester hours may be transferred from another graduate business program, subject to the following restrictions:
- The course(s) was (were) completed at a regionally accredited institution.
- The course(s) was (were) at the graduate level.
- A minimum grade of “B” was received in the course.
- The content of the course corresponds to that of a course required or permitted in the MBA program at North Carolina Central University.
Once enrolled in the School of Business, a student may not pursue courses of any type at another institution for transfer credit toward a degree from the School of Business without approval from the MBA Director.
CONTINUOUS REGISTRATION
Following admission as a degree-seeking student in the graduate program, students are generally required to register each semester, exclusive of the summer sessions, until the degree is awarded. Students not maintaining their admitted status will be required to seek readmission and adhere to prevailing program requirements if readmission is granted.
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:
- Prior Academic Record (official transcript) from a regionally accredited university. Based on the Undergraduate Transcript:
- If the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is 2.75 - 2.99, then a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required.
- If the CGPA of 3.0 or higher or if the applicant holds a MS Degree or professional degree, then the entrance exam is waived.
- For students applying for the JD/MBA program, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) may be used for the admissions examination, if necessary.
- All results from the GMAT, GRE or LSAT submitted directly to the School of Graduate Studies.
2. Employment History (applicant’s resume).
3. Two Letters of Recommendations from instructors, employers, or others who know the applicant well.
4. Personal Statement
5. Applicants for the MBA Program who lack the foundation courses in their undergraduate degree must complete the required foundation courses before they can be fully admitted to the MBA program.
Entry Points:
Five Entry Points (Fall 1, Fall 2, Spring 1, Spring 2 and Summer)
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
Online MBA Program (33-39 hours)
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 the following areas: Data Analytics, Hospitality Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Wealth Management, Cybersecurity, Information Systems Management, or General Management.
Program Requirements
Students in the Online MBA program are required to complete the general management core courses (24 hours), the MBA capstone course (3 hours), and concentration electives (6-12 hours).
Core Courses - 24 hours
MBA Capstone - 3 hours (All MBA students must complete the capstone course)
Cybersecurity Concentration (12 elective hours required)
The concentration in Cybersecurity provides students the skills to make a positive impact on the security of data, information, and technologies which are critical to business performance. The cybersecurity program at NCCU is designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense (CAE-CD). This designation is a major competitive advantage in the information technology (IT) workforce. There are numerous benefits of this concentration including lucrative career opportunities with industry relevance in a world that is ever-changing. By pursuing a cybersecurity degree, students can contribute to the larger goal of protecting individuals, organizations, and critical infrastructure from cyber threats while positively impacting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of digital assets, ultimately ensuring the safety and privacy of people’s information.
Data Analytics Concentration (12 elective hours required)
The Data Analytics concentration equips students with the analytical mindset, technical expertise, and strategic insight needed to thrive in one of today’s fastest-growing and most in-demand fields. Through hands-on training in data analysis, statistical computing, and real-world application, students gain a strong foundation in turning raw data into actionable insights. This dynamic program empowers students to accelerate their careers across industries.
General Management Concentration (6 elective hours required)
The General Management concentration aims to develop comprehensive leadership and management skills, equipping graduates to navigate complex business environments and drive strategic initiatives. It provides a broad understanding of various business functions, including is a broad, foundational concentration that is designed to prepare individuals for a wide range of management and leadership roles across various industries.
- Students may select 2 elective classes (6 credit hours) from any of the MBA concentration courses.
Hospitality Management Concentration (9 elective 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. Students should choose any three courses (9 hours) from the list below to complete the concentration requirements.
Information Systems Management Concentration (12 elective hours required)
The Information Systems Management (ISM) concentration prepares students to become future-ready business leaders by equipping them with a robust understanding of technology, data systems, and digital infrastructure. This concentration bridges the gap between business strategy and IT, empowering students to evaluate, implement, and lead technology-driven initiatives across various industries. Through coursework in enterprise systems, data management, and emerging technologies, students learn to drive innovation, streamline operations, and make informed strategic decisions. By mastering key methodologies such as business process management, systems development life cycle, and business intelligence, students are positioned to lead digital transformation and operational excellence in an increasingly data-driven economy.
Marketing Concentration (9 elective hours required)
The Marketing concentration equips students with a powerful blend of strategic insight, digital fluency, and customer-centric thinking to succeed in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven marketplace. Students gain hands-on experience in areas such as professional selling, healthcare marketing, customer relationship management, and emerging marketing trends - all culminating in a capstone that connects theory to real-world application. This concentration not only sharpens students’ analytical and creative skills but also prepares them to lead innovative campaigns, manage client relationships, and respond to shifting consumer behaviors with confidence. To fulfill the concentration, students must complete any three courses (9 credit hours) from the options listed below. Students should choose any three courses (9 hours) from the list below to complete the concentration requirements.
Real Estate Concentration (12 elective hours required)
This concentration provides students with the tools, experience, and industry access needed to launch successful careers across the commercial real estate sector. Through immersive coursework, direct mentorship, and internship opportunities, students gain practical expertise in areas such as development, investment, and asset management. Supported by a dynamic Real Estate Advisory Board and enriched by real-world projects, the program prepares graduates to lead and innovate in a competitive, fast-evolving industry.
Wealth Management Concentration (12 elective hours required)
The concentration provides a comprehensive education in financial planning, investment management, and related areas to prepare students for careers in wealth management and private banking. It incorporates a strong foundation in finance, accounting, economics, and strategy, with a specific focus on wealth management techniques and best practices.
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.