Master of Business Administration Degree

2010 Updates

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Master of Business Administration Degree

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MBA Degree Requirements

Emphasis in General Administration
Emphasis in International Business

The Master of Business Administration degree is a graduate professional program which emphasizes breadth of preparation in the various competencies required of business executives. Depth is provided through the selection of a limited concentration in accounting and general administration. The MBA program is ideally suited for individuals whose undergraduate degrees were in areas other than business, as well as for students with the degree in business. Additional information regarding admission and degree requirements may be obtained from the MBA program director.

MBA Program Mission

The mission of the Kelce College of Business' Masters in Business Administration (MBA) Program is to support the University and College missions by providing quality graduate business education. The program serves students, employers, and citizens in southeast Kansas and the surrounding Tri-state region, as well as a number of international constituencies.

Admissions

All students seeking admission to the MBA program must take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) prior to admission to the MBA program. Admission to the MBA program requires the following:

1. an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university;
2. a minimum GMAT score of 400; and
3. a minimum of 1050 points based on the formula: 200 times the overall undergraduate grade point average plus the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score or at least 1100 points based on the formula: 200 times the upper division undergraduate GPA plus the GMAT score.

Applicants who have at least 950 total points based on the GMAT score and the undergraduate grade point average or at least 1000 points based on the GMAT score and the junior/senior average may petition the MBA Admissions Committee for admission to the program. The evaluation of such petitions will be based on factors such as work experience, educational background, personal and/or professional references, personal interviews and other data which the student may develop to show evidence of high promise in the program. The decision of the MBA Admissions Committee on such petitions is final.

A student whose native language is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 550. Further information concerning the GMAT and admission requirements may be obtained from the MBA program director.

Senior/Graduate Admissions

Seniors at PSU may apply for admission to the MBA program. They may take graduate work and receive graduate credit if they are in their final semester of undergraduate work. In addition, the following requirements must be met:

1. overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.25;
2. a minimum GMAT score of 400. A student whose native language is not English must submit a minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper-based exam, 213 on the computer-based exam, 79 on the internet based exam, or be completing a baccalaureate degree at Pittsburg State University.

The planned academic program for senior-graduate semester will not exceed sixteen semester hours including the graduate work. Upon application to the Dean of Continuing and Graduate Studies, the student may be approved as a senior-graduate student and may register for no more than six hours of graduate work. The specific courses available for senior-graduate status are MGMKT 839 (Marketing Strategy) and FIN 836 (Financial Strategy). If the senior-graduate does not complete the undergraduate degree in the semester in which they are enrolling in courses for graduate credit, graduate credit will not be awarded for the courses taken.

Academic Actions

An MBA student must maintain a B average (at least a 3.00 GPA) in all foundation courses taken at Pittsburg State University after admission to the MBA Program. An MBA student is issued a warning letter upon receipt of a grade of "C" or lower. An MBA student is placed on probation upon receipt of a second grade of "C" or lower. An MBA student is issued a letter indicating that his or her graduate status is in jeopardy at any point when his or her cumulative grade point average in graduate work falls below 3.00.

Curriculum Requirements

The course requirements for the MBA degree consist of a minimum of 34 hours and a maximum of 64 hours. The 30 semester hours of foundation courses may be waived if appropriate undergraduate courses have been taken. None of the decision and strategy, integrating or elective courses may be waived.

A minimum of 31 hours beyond the foundation courses must be numbered 800 and above. No more than three hours of graduate work may be taken in courses numbered between 500 and 699.

Additional information regarding admission and degree requirements may be obtained from the MBA program director.

The following courses must be taken unless specifically waived by the MBA program director based on previous academic work. The equivalency of courses presented as waivers to corresponding courses at Pittsburg State University will be determined on an individual basis by the MBA program director.

* All electives must be selected from an established list and approved by the MBA Director.

*A number of experiences may meet this requirement (e.g. study abroad, university sponsored field trips, internship with a company in a foreign setting, and so forth).  All international experiences must be approved in advance by the International Business Emphasis advisor.