2011-2012 University Catalog 
  
2011-2012 University Catalog

Business Administration, MBA


Banner Code:  BU-MBA-BUAD

Phone: 703-993-1880
E-mail: mba@gmu.edu

The Mason MBA Program provides a high-level professional education in business administration. It is offered in both part- and full-time formats. The curriculum integrates functional areas with an emphasis on group work, information technology, and the global business environment.

Admissions Requirements

All students registering for SOM graduate courses must have graduate standing. Non degree student status is not available. Admission is highly competitive and available to all qualified candidates without regard to prior academic major. No previous course work in business administration is required, but a four-year undergraduate degree and a college-level calculus course must be successfully completed before matriculation. Admission is based on a combination of academic, professional, and leadership factors. No portion of the portfolio is considered more important than another; careful consideration is given to every part of the application packet to ensure that the Admission Committee has an accurate profile of a candidate’s professional and academic qualifications. For information on the GMAT, go to www.mba.com. A minimum of two years of professional work experience is recommended before entering the program.

The part-time MBA format commences twice a year: fall and spring semesters. Priority is given to applicants submitting their application by October 15 for the following spring semester and March 15 for the following fall semester. Applications for admission received after October 15 and March 15 will be considered on a space-available basis. The full-time MBA format begins only in the fall and has an application deadline of January 15. International students have an application deadline of January 15.

Degree Requirements


Students are responsible for familiarization and compliance with the Graduate Policies  contained in this catalog.

Program Information


The MBA core curriculum effectively integrates functional areas with the use of IT, oral and written communication, and teamwork. The MBA program requires 48 credits: 33 credits of core courses and 15 credits of elective courses. Students complete the degree program in two or three years depending on the cohort selected. Because of the cohort structure, part time students commit to attending classes a minimum of two times per week and full-time students attend classes during the day four days each week. Part-time students are required to enroll in classes during the summer session to complete their degrees on a timely basis.

Core Courses: 33 credits


33 credits of core courses are completed prior to enrollment in electives. Part-time students enroll in at least 6 credits per semester and at least 3 credits each summer. Full-time students enroll in 12 credits per semester, with no expectation for enrollment in the summer session. All MBA students complete the following core courses:

Elective Courses: 15 credits


After completing the core courses, students must complete a series of market-driven elective courses (15 credits). A limited number of courses from outside the MBA Program or through the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area may be taken as electives with the permission of the program director.

Concentrations


MBA students may use electives to complete courses leading to a concentration in accounting, financial management, entrepreneurship, marketing, information systems management, or project management.

▲ Accounting (ACCT)


▲ Entrepreneurship (ENTR)


Required courses

Choose any four courses from the following list to complete 12 credits.

Note:

Three credits of MBA 700-level courses must be taken to complete degree requirements.

Total: 15 credits

▲ Financial Management (FM)


▲ Information Systems Management (ISM)


Note:

Three credits of MBA 700-level courses must be taken to complete degree requirements.

Total: 15 credits

▲ Marketing (MKTG)


Note:

Three credits of MBA 700-level courses must be taken to complete degree requirements.

Total: 15 credits

▲ Project Management (PMGT)


Note:

Three credits of MBA 700-level courses must be taken to complete degree requirements.

Total: 15 credits

Specializations


MBA students may use electives to complete courses leading to a specialization.  Specializations are not formally declared and are not recognized on a student’s transcript.

International Business


Choose any three courses from the following list to complete 9 credits.

Tourism and Events Management


 The Tourism and Events Management specialization consists of 12 hours of required courses and 3 hours of elective.

MSA to MBA option


Students who are admitted to the MSA Program may opt into the MBA program.  In order to qualify for the MBA degree, the student will have to fulfill the 33 credit MBA core requirement, however the student will be allowed to make course substitutions for MBA 612 and MBA 613 with appropriate ACCT courses.  The student may have to take more than 48 credits to complete the MBA degree.  The student will receive only the MBA degree, and will complete either ACCT 795 or MBA 795 but not both.  Students considering this option should consult with their academic advisor first.

 

Total: 48 credits