Program of MBA studies
Core courses of the MBA Program
General Management
Finance Concentration
Course description
MBA 500
Introduction to Graduate Studies
This course will orient the student to enter the Masters in Business Administration program. The student will be introduced to the philosophy, procedure, politics and prerequisite knowledge of the MBA degree. This course will include overviews of adult learning concepts, useful academic skills, group dynamics, library services orientation and information sources. This course is a prerequisite to all other MBA courses. 1 semester hour
MBA 502
Organizational Behavior
This course will introduce the student to contemporary theories of organizational behavior and the effects of that behavior on the individual, workgroups and the organization itself. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of organizational problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 506
Ethical and Legal Issues
This course will introduce the student to ethical and legal theories as they relate to the modern organization. The rights and duties of the organization to its stakeholders, both internal and external, as well as to society-at-large, will be examined. The rights and duties addressed will be political and social as well as ethical and legal. Major issues to be analyzed will be: leadership; employer-rights; occupational safety; product safety; advertising; environmental issues; and social responsibility. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 508
Managerial Economics
This course will introduce the student to the application of microeconomics principles to managerial decision-making in the modern organization. Emphasis will be placed on marginal analysis and resource allocation, as well as on computer-based forecasting and model building. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 510 Macroeconomics
This course will introduce the student to macroeconomics principles and how the fluctuations of economic public policy impacts the behavior of individuals, organizations and governments. Issues addressed will be business cycles, price fluctuations, employment issues, trade issues and growth, as well as international trade policy and the expanding global economy. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 514 Managerial Accounting
This course will introduce the student to managerial accounting concepts and the use of those concepts in the evaluation of financial reports and other financial data. Issues addressed will include techniques to analyze and evaluate cost data for planning and control, inventory management and control, cost-volume-profit analysis, revenue and profitability analysis, and quality control issues. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 516
Financial Markets
This course will focus on the behavior of financial markets, such as stock, bond, futures and options markets. Several different investment alternatives and their characteristics will be addressed. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 518
Financial Management
This course will emphasize the financial analysis and decision-making associated with managing the organization. Topics include financial statement analysis; the cost of capital; capital budgeting; and debt v. equity financing. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 522 Strategic Marketing
This course will examine marketing principles and their application to strategic marketing problems in a competitive global environment. Among the issues addressed will be: new product development; product/service offerings; and pricing, promotion and distribution. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 524
Strategic Management
This capstone course will integrate the functional areas of the organization so that the student will be able to hone the analytical, creative, marketing, financial and managerial skills necessary to prepare an organization for the 21st century and beyond. A variety of managerial decision-making techniques will be used in the analysis and solving of managerial problems. 3 semester hours
MBA 526
Project Management
This course introduces MBA students to the discipline of project management with examples of the kinds of projects they are likely to encounter in their career, such as Facility Construction, Product Development, IT Systems, Business/Public Program Rollout, etc. Students will learn principles and apply techniques in project need/mission formation; project planning and control; risk management and mitigation strategies; project organization, leadership, and motivation issues, procurement and contract management; quality management; and project communications. Course contents are aligned with industry certifications (Project Management Professional), although the course by itself is insufficient for certification exams. 3 semester hours
MBA 529
Multinational Management
This course explores the many aspects of doing business internationally. Students will focus on cultural differences/values and the role they play, international economic and socioeconomic forces, international strategic management, political forces, as well as human resource management. Students will learn a broad range of concepts and ways of thinking that are critical in order to have success in today’s ever-changing global environment. 3 semester hours
MBA 532
Technology and Management
This course gives the student a business framework for how to exploit technology and information to improve competitiveness and quality. Like human and financial resources, technology is a critical ingredient of modern business. The course addresses a broad set of technology - from general automation to the digital revolution, IT, and the Internet -- and its impact on many industries -- manufacturing and various services from healthcare to government. The business framework is based on Michael Porter's model of Competitive Advantage. 3 semester hours
MBA 536
Corporate Hedging Strategies
This course will help students develop corporate hedging strategies predominantly through the use of index and equity options and exchange traded funds. Students will focus on analysis of corporate risk exposure and hedging strategies to limit the risk. Students will utilize risk management software, option valuation tools, and other modeling tools used for corporate hedging. 3 semester hours
MBA 540
Strategic Investments
This course explores the business valuation process from the perspective of business managers, financial practitioners, and investors. Students will analyze the recent increase in value-based practices, drivers of value in corporations, how to make value happen, and value-based initiatives related to corporate restructurings. The course will also explore variations on company valuations including conglomerates, technology firms, cyclical firms, and valuation outside the United States. 3 semester hours
