Master's in Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA from Commonwealth University means business. Offered 100% online, with accelerated, fast-track, or part-time options, you'll advance your career and be prepared for a leadership role in your field.
- Degrees & Offerings
-
- M.B.A.
- Location
-
- Online
- Department
- College
- Program Contact
-
MBA Program Director/Associate Professor of Marketing and Professional Sales
Program Details
- Program Delivery – Offered 100% online — Online courses are offered in convenient, intensive six-week sessions.
- Flexible Start Dates – Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
- Coursework – Program includes 12 courses (36 credits). Courses include experiential exercises, case studies, applied projects, and internships.
- Who Should Apply – Whether you studied communications, psychology, political science, or business — our MBA can enhance the skills you already have and prepare you for a leadership role in your field.
- AACSB accredited – It's the gold standard for MBA programs, the hallmark of excellence in business education, and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business programs.
- 3 Program Options – Accelerated MBA (start the MBA your senior year - for CU students only), Fast-Track MBA (finish in one year), or the Professional MBA (work at your own pace).
- Concentrations – Tailor your MBA to your career goals, including Accounting, Analytics, Healthcare Management, Leadership and Human Resources, Marketing, and Strategic Global Decisions.
- GMAT or GRE Waivers – Granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
Courses and Curriculum
The accelerated MBA allows students from any major to use MBA classes towards upper-level undergraduate coursework. Students participating in the MBA Accelerated Program should meet the following qualifications:
- Senior Status
- Any Major
- 3.0 GPA or Above
- Complete the MBA Graduate Admissions Application
- If accepted, students will be enrolled as provisional admission.
Provisional admission: Students participating in the Accelerated MBA Program will need to maintain the following while participating in the program:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Graduate with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Achieve a B+ or higher in MBA courses taken
Coursework Details
- Business Students: MBA graduate courses may be used in exchange for undergraduate courses within the Zeigler College of Business. Up to 4 MBA graduate courses can be applied to undergraduate courses with the approval of the advisor, department chair, program coordinator, and dean. These courses can be existing undergraduate business courses or electives. This assessment will be through a collaborative case-by-case process.
- Non-Business Students: With the permission of their advisor, department chair, MBA program coordinator, and business dean, majors outside of the Zeigler College of Business may enroll in up to 4 MBA graduate courses. These courses may be applied at the discretion of their program and college, for example, undergraduate electives.
- Performance: Students enrolling in the Accelerated MBA Program must meet the MBA program's expectations and complete the required courses that lead to the award of an MBA degree. If a student's cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 or a letter grade below B+ is received, an assessment will be conducted between the MBA Coordinator and advisor, potentially leading to the removal from the program.
- Students have an opportunity to take a second concentration and would require 9-credits for the chosen concentration.
The Fast-Track MBA program allows students to complete their MBA in three semesters, taking four courses in the fall, four courses in the spring, and four courses in the summer to complete their degree. Each semester includes a concentration course specific to the student’s chosen track.
Fall Semester
- MGMT 581 - Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 credits)
- ACCT 511 - Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
- INFT 520 - Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
- Concentration Course #1* (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- FIN 535 - Financial Management (3 credits)
- MGMT 584 - Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 credits)
- MKTG 510 - Marketing Foundation for the Digital Age (3 credits)
- Concentration Class #2* (3 credits)
Summer Semester
- LAW 550 - Law, Ethics, and Public Policy (3 credits)
- INFT 572 - Strategic Information and Technology Management (3 credits)
- MGMT 592 - MBA Practicum (3 credits)
- Concentration Class #3* (3 credits)
MBA 500 - Outcomes Assessment (N/C) - To be taken the student's final semester in the MBA program.
*Concentration Degree Requirements
The Professional MBA program allows students to complete their MBA at their own speed. It is recommended over the course of two years, with 6 credits taken each semester.
Year One
Fall Semester
- MGMT 581 - Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 credits)
- ACCT 511 - Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- FIN 535 - Financial Management (3 credits)
- MKT 510 - Marketing Foundations for the Digital Age (3 credits)
Summer Session
- LAWL 550 - Law Ethics and Public Policy (3 credits)
- INFT 572 - Strategic Information and Technology Management (3 credits)
Year Two
Fall Semester
- INFT 520 - Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
- Concentration Class #1* (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- MGMT 584 - Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 credits)
- Concentration Class #2* (3 credits)
Summer Semester
- MGMT 592 - MBA Practicum (3 credits)
- Concentration Class #3* (3 credits)
MBA 500 - Outcomes Assessment (N/C)
*Concentration Degree Requirements
Complete your Graduate Certificate of Management in as little as two semesters by taking six MBA courses (18 credits).
Schedule of Courses
Fall Semester (Required)
- ACCT 511 - Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
- MKTG 551 - Marketing Management (3 credits)
Spring Semester (Required)
- MGMT 560 - Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 credits)
- FIN 535 - Financial Management (3 credits)
Choose Two Courses
Fall Semester
- MGMT 515 - Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 credits)
- MGMT 582 - Human Resource Management Skills for Managers (3 credits)
Spring Semester
- MGMT 576 - Global Business (3 credits)
- MGMT 567 - Managing People in Organizations (3 credits)
Summer Semester
- ITM 590 - Strategic Information and Technology Management (3 credits)
- MGMT 581 - Strategic Management (3 credits)
- MGMT 580 - Managerial Decision Making (3 credits)
Concentration Requirements (9 credits)
Accounting Concentration
Focuses on advanced accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, and auditing. It’s designed for those looking to delve deeper into the complexities of financial documentation and compliance.
- ACCT 525 - Data Analytics for Accounting
- ACCT 551 - International Accounting
- ACCT 552 - Controllership
Analytics Concentration
Analyzing data to drive business decisions is increasingly crucial. This concentration covers data mining, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling. It’s perfect for those interested in a career as a data scientist, business analyst, or any role requiring strong analytical skills.
- INFT 510 - Business Application Development, Programming, and Evaluation
- INFT 530 - Enterprise Architectures and Cybersecurity
- INFT 522 - Data Analytics for Business Strategy
Healthcare Management
Targets the unique challenges of the healthcare industry, including hospital administration, healthcare policies, and patient care management. It’s ideal for those aiming to hold leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations.
- INFT 568 - Healthcare Informatics
- INFT 577 - Healthcare Analytics
- Special Topics in Healthcare Management
Leadership and Human Resources
This concentration is about managing people and organizations effectively. It includes courses in leadership theory, organizational behavior, and strategic HR management, preparing graduates for roles in executive leadership and HR departments.
- MGMT 580 - Managing People in Organizations
- MGMT 593 - Strategic Management
- MGMT 583 - Human Resource Skills for Managers
Marketing Concentration
Focuses on understanding and leveraging consumer behavior, data analytics, and market research to create effective campaigns and strategies. It covers areas such as brand management, digital marketing, sales strategies, and product development.
- MKT 530 - Behavioral Insights
- MKT 551 - Marketing Management
- MKT 552 - Marketing Research and Analytics
Strategic Global Decisions Concentration
Designed for those looking to understand the complex dynamics of international business. It encompasses strategic planning, global supply chain management, international finance, and cross-cultural management.
- MGMT 582 - Global Business Management
- MGMT 590 - Managerial Decision-Making
- MGMT 593 - Strategic Management
Build Your Own Option*
This unique option allows you the flexibility to tailor your MBA experience by selecting courses that align with your personal and professional goals. It empowers you to diversify your skill-set across various disciplines, ideal for those seeking a broad knowledge base.
- Elective
- Elective
- Elective
*This option allows you to pursue the MBA without a concentration and the flexibility to choose your electives.
Program Admissions
There is a rolling admission process, so applications are accepted year-round. Students can be admitted to start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The program admits students based on an evaluation of past academic achievement, aptitude for advanced study, professional accomplishments, and motivation to succeed.
Complete applications include the following items:
- Official transcripts from an accredited academic institution indicating an earned baccalaureate degree.
- Official transcripts from all institutions where the applicant earned undergraduate or graduate college credit must be provided. Degrees earned from non-United States universities will be judged individually.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A current resume.
- GMAT or GRE: Waivers are granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
- A statement of career goals.
International applicants whose native language is not English must provide official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score within the prior year as well as current evidence of financial capability. International applications must be complete at least four months prior to the start of the semester of application. A translation of transcripts to a GPA on a 4.0 scale is required.
- Q: Do I need a degree in business to be admitted?
A: No! Whether you studied communications, psychology, education, or business — our MBA can enhance the skills you already have and prepare you for a leadership role in your field. - Q: How is the program delivered?
A: Courses are offered 100% online. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. - Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
A: You can choose to take courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students may be able to finish the program in just one year; part-time students finish at their own pace. - Q: When can I start?
A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. - Q: Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT to gain admission?
A: GRE and GMAT waivers are granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
ONWARD AND UPWARD
Careers
You'll learn to manage the people, finances, marketing, and materials that every organization — from museums to manufacturers — need to be successful.
Potential Job Opportunities
- Chief Technology Officer
- Director of Human Resources
- Director of Marketing and Communications
- Management Consultant
- Financial Analyst
- Vice President of Finance
- Marketing Manager
- Director of Sales
- Project Manager
- Director of Supply Management
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Information Technology Consultant
- Regional Sales Manager
- Financial Advisor
- Accountant
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Brand Manager
Supplying the front lines in the fight against COVID-19
Alex Annan’s first job out of college has not only been the perfect fit for an MBA graduate, it positioned him to be among the key players in the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Coaching Software is a Game Changer
Brenden Argomaniz, MBA student and assistant baseball coach is working to revolutionize coaching through a software app. With a friend, Argomaniz created dataBase Analytics, an app that calculates players’ statistics and stores them away to be referenced later, covering everything from pitching stats to full-career development.
Program Faculty
Applying to Graduate Programs
Apply
-
Application Process
Review the step-by-step application process for graduate school at Commonwealth University.
-
Apply Now
By starting your application, you gain access to your personalized application portal to view your progress.
-
Contact Us
If you have questions, we have answers. Contact us today!
Explore More
-
Grad Assistantships
Help finance your grad degree. Gain professional experience. Grow your network.
-
Tuition and Fees
Earning an advanced degree is an investment in your future. See just how affordable a graduate degree can be for you.
-
Understanding Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid team is your guide to navigating the aid process for your graduate degree.
Contact Us!
- University-wide