Master of Business Administration, MBA

Program Description: The Newman MBA is a 36-credit hour program designed for the experienced working professional who, upon completion of the degree, will possess the appropriate knowledge, practical skills, and professional abilities necessary to fill executive-level positions in industry, government, or non-profit organizations. Students have the flexibility to take a full-time or part-time course load with courses offered online. An integral part of the MBA experience is that students develop expertise in all aspects of executive leadership and organizational performance. Through the program, students develop competencies in the core functions of corporations while learning how to responsibly lead people and manage projects in an efficient, effective manner. All students will complete the standard MBA core courses, courses in at least one emphasis area, and a capstone course.

Admission Requirements

Prospective students may apply at any point in the calendar year. Once admitted to the MBA program, a student may begin his/her studies in any 8-week block in the academic year, subject to their plan of study. Admission to the program may be considered under the following circumstances:

Full Admission: An applicant must possess an undergraduate degree (any major) from an institution with accreditation recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The applicant must also submit an entrance essay and all transcripts. The applicant may be required to sbumit additional admissions documentation to support his/her candidacy.

Conditional Admission: An applicant not meeting the criteria for full admission may still be considered for admission with other evidence of ability to complete the program of study. Conditional admission decisions are at the discretion of the Program Director and/or Dean of the School of Business. Some applicants may be required to complete additional coursework in order to adequately prepare for the program. An applicant so admitted will have these requirements listed on the Plan of Study.

Program Objectives: The objectives of the MBA program are consistent with the mission of Newman University and the Goals for Graduate Students. The primary goal of the MBA program is to provide a superior graduate level education that will prepare graduates for professional management careers in either private or public organizations, as well as for positions of leadership and increasing responsibility in business and society. Specifically, graduates of the Newman MBA program will be able to demonstrate the following:

• Possess a managerial perspective and knowledge of finance and accounting and be able to utilize and analyze financial/accounting information in the strategic decision-making process.
• Develop and apply innovative marketing strategies to position a product or service within a market.
• Be able to apply organizational behavior and leadership theories in order to motivate and lead employees toward the achievement of organizational objectives.
• Develop a broad understanding of economic practices, applications, and techniques directly related to business issues.
• Communicate ideas logically and persuasively in writing and/or speech, with emphasis on effective business presentations and executive presence.
• Survey the strategic landscape of an organization and make strategic decisions that position the firm for future success.

Recommended Program Preparation: Although not required, the School of Business strongly recommends that each MBA applicant have completed the following undergraduate coursework (or its equivalent) before entering the MBA program:

• One semester of College Algebra and/or Statistics
• One semester of Economics
• One semester of Finance
• One semester of Accounting

Progression Requirements: A grade of a C (70%) is considered a minimum passing grade for courses in the MBA program. Any grade below this minimum passing standard is considered a failing grade for program progression and for financial aid purposes. A grade of D or lower will not count toward meeting graduation requirements.

Plan of Study: At matriculation, each MBA student is issued a plan of study by the academic advisor. This plan of study outlines the scope, sequence, and dates of the student’s required coursework. This plan of study must be on file in the Dean’s office before the student initiates coursework.

Graduation Requirements: To be approved for graduation, a student must meet the following criteria:

• Successful completion of the core MBA sequence.
• Successful completion of at least one 12-credit emphasis area. Students may choose any combination of 12 credits from existing MBA concentration courses or choose one of the defined concentrations. Students may earn up to two concentrations as a part of the MBA, but students must declare both concentrations. In cases where concentration courses are shared, students need only complete the unduplicated courses to earn the concentration.
• Successful completion of the capstone course.
• Successful completion of a minimum of 36 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or higher.
• Any other specific requirement as defined in the student’s plan of study.