Flexible MBA Program Components

Effective Fall 2011

Gateway Courses

MBA Gateway courses provide fundamental business knowledge for students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business.  Some students with undergraduate business coursework may be required to take Gateway courses if: the courses were not comparable, classes were taken more than six years ago or grades in the courses were below “B.” 

CBA Graduate Programs advisors can provide a transcript assessment for you, before you submit the application, so that you can determine what your program will look like.   This will involve a review of transcripts or grade reports for all previous universities attended to determine which, if any, of these courses you need to take. Contact an advisor at grad.cba@uakron.edu to arrange a transcript assessment. We also offer waiver exams so that you have the opportunity to prove your knowledge of a particular subject. If you pass the waiver exam the course will be waived, reducing your program requirements. If there is doubt with regard to academic equivalence, we will require the waiver exam.

MBA Proficiencies

A requirement of all Flexible MBA Core and Professional courses is that students are proficient in Excel, Writing, and Quantitative/Statistical skills. Upon admission to the MBA program students will provide evidence of these proficiencies. If students are not proficient, recommendations for acquiring the proficiencies will be provided.

During the application process potential students will be advised of the required proficiencies. They will be provided with information as to demonstration of the proficiencies and suggestions for acquiring the proficiencies prior to, or during, the application process before enrolling in MBA Core and Professional courses.

Core Courses

MBA core courses build on the Gateway coursework to provide students with broad exposure to the interrelated functional disciplines of business. These advanced courses in accounting, finance, marketing, operations, managing and international business also prepares students for coursework in their specific concentration.

Professional Courses

Professional courses expand the student’s understanding of essential business skills such as leading, influencing, and negotiating.  In addition, focusing on professional integrity and social responsibility help build strong, moral leaders for the future.  Analytical skills essential for business performance are also a key component of professional life.

Action Learning

The action learning component of the MBA exposes students to real-world application of the classroom material through internships, case analysis and projects focused on the local business community. Action Learning Class List.

Concentrations

Concentrations consist of 9 to 12 credits in different areas of specialization which permit students to expand their skills beyond the broad understanding of business management provided by the Core and Professional components of the MBA. The concentrations in the MBA program are developed around market needs and faculty expertise. They permit you to seek out further study in one of a number of selected areas. The nature of each concentration differs. For example, a concentration in Management has one required course and three elective courses which you may select to meet your needs from a menu of over 40 courses in management. This concentration provides you with maximum flexibility in designing your program to fit your needs. Other concentrations are more restrictive and may require a number of specific courses which the faculty have designed to provide you with the background you need to be competitive in today’s market.

Integrative Course

The integrative course allows you to use the skills developed in the core to analyze and solve complex business problems and recommend solutions.  The integrative course involves teamwork, presentation building and report writing skills. All are skills which are developed throughout the MBA program.  The integrative course may be taken in the last two semesters of enrollment.  All Gateway and core courses should be completed prior to enrolling in this course.