Nov 09, 2024  
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Master of Business Administration (MBA)


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Master of Business Administration

The UMass Dartmouth MBA program is AACSB-accredited, the highest international accreditation standard for schools of business.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program provides students with advanced preparation in Management, enabling them to participate as educated professionals in society and the business environment and compete in a dynamic global economy. The MBA program has the following objectives:

  • To assist students in understanding, critically evaluating, and contributing to a wide range of business issues needed to effectively manage change in a globally interdependent, diverse world.
  • To enhance the interpersonal communication and analysis/synthesis skills of our students so that they may work effectively as managers and leaders.
  • To assist students in developing the necessary knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, marketing, information systems and operations necessary to work effectively as managers and leaders in today’s organizations.
  • To help students recognize and evaluate the ethical implications of their actions and to act as socially responsible business professionals.
  • To encourage and reward students’ willingness and ability to think and analyze issues in ways that cross traditional functional boundaries. 

The MBA curriculum is designed to develop knowledge of the functions and techniques of management and to blend an understanding of the social, technological, economic, and political environments in which organizations operate. It provides the student with both a strong foundation in the key disciplines of business and an integrative view of how those areas interact. A key objective of the program is to provide a rich opportunity to specialize in an area of particular interest to the student. This capability provides the foundation for successful mid- and senior-level management positions.

MBA Learning Outcomes

On completion of the program, students are expected to have mastered each of the following learning goals:

Ethics/social responsibility: Students must demonstrate an ability to think critically about ethical issues, to analyze and evaluate situations from opposing ethical perspectives, and to understand social responsibility as an ethical or ideological theory that corporations and organizations have a responsibility to society. 

Written Communications: Students must demonstrate the technical skills and craftsmanship needed to develop professionally written business communication that present useful, accurate information, elicit audience interest, effectively convey the intended message, and demonstrate competence in the use of the English language.

Oral Communications: Students must demonstrate informal speaking skills that effectively transmit their own needs without encouraging defensive response. They must also demonstrate the technical skills and craftsmanship needed to make formal presentations present accurate information, elicit audience interest and understanding of the intended message, and show they have competence in the use of the English language. 

Problem-Solving/Rational, Analytical Thinking: Students must demonstrate the ability to think systematically and logically, to use analysis, interpretation, evaluation, inference, and explanation to examine reasons and evidence for sound objective decisions and in resolving complex, ill-structured problems.

Management of a Business Enterprise: Students must demonstrate their fundamental knowledge of each of the functional domains of the business enterprises, understand the interdependency existing among them, and analyze business strategies that leverage the competencies of each.

The Master of Business Administration program is designed for students with diverse undergraduate backgrounds. It is suitable for students with non-business undergraduate degrees as well as for those with undergraduate degrees in business. Current MBA students have undergraduate degrees in business and other fields such as engineering, computer science, and liberal arts. Depending on background or experience, these students may waive portions of their required foundation courses to permit both program success and timely progress through the program.

The program is designed with the flexibility needed for full-time or part-time students. Students may take as few as one or as many as five courses per semester. Depending on prior preparation and pace of study, the program may be completed in one to five years. Classes are offered in the evening and in the afternoon Monday through Thursday. Part-time and full-time students attend the same classes, resulting in a stimulating mixture of part-time mid-career professionals from the region and full-time students drawn from world wide.

MBA Admission Requirements

Admission to the MBA program is available to qualified candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education. Candidates must submit the required application materials and application fee to the Graduate School. The minimum graduate admission requirements are:

  • Previous College Experience. An official transcript from all institutions of higher education ever attended is required. The transcript must show dates attended, final grades, and credits earned. Applicants who attended a college/university outside the United States must have their official transcripts translated into English, by a credit evaluation service, showing final GPA scores.
  • GMAT exam (or equivalent). A minimum GMAT score of 500 is preferred. LSAT or GRE could be substituted for the GMAT exam. *waiver available see below.
  • Two letters of recommendation: preferably from a faculty member or an employer
  • Statement of purpose: a 1-2 page essay describing the applicant’s motivation and goals.
  • A Current Resume.
  • Candidates whose Bachelor’s degree was not earned in an approved English language country must submit either the TOEFL exam (minimum score of 80 internet-based or 550 paper-based) or IELTS exam (minimum band score of 6.5).

The GMAT requirement for MBA program admission consideration at UMass Dartmouth is waived if the applicant proves, to UMass Dartmouth’s satisfaction, any of the following:

  • An earned a baccalaureate degree (or the equivalent of a USA baccalaureate degree) in any major/discipline from an accredited college/university with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on a 4.00 scale.
  • An earned terminal graduate degree (PhD, MD, JD, DNP, DBA, etc.) from an accredited institution.
  • Licensure in the United States as a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Financial Planner. Other certification programs may also qualify for this waiver at the discretion of UMass Dartmouth.
  • At least five (5) years of managerial/supervisory work experience. Minimum documentation required:  Letter of recommendation from at least one (1) employer (preferably current employer) and resume which cites months and years of all employment, all employer(s) name(s), all job title(s), and specific description(s) of managerial/supervisory duties.
  • An earned Graduate Certificate from the Charlton College of Business at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30.

Three Modes of Delivery

Alternative delivery methods are available for a number of MBA courses.  These include traditional face-to-face format, a hybrid format with face-to-face and online delivery, and a fully online format (for students admitted to the online track).  For more information, please contact the Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies at the Charlton College of Business (508-999-8543).

Graduate Program Alternative Formats

Full-time MBA

Core courses and electives are offered such that students can complete their degree or certificate program on a full-timebasis in as little as 3 semesters, depending on their prior education and experience. Full-time in-residence students may receive teaching, research, or general graduate assistantships. Resident international students are classified as full-time students. 

Part-time MBA 

Students may enroll in the MBA program on a part-time basis if it better meets their professional needs.  Part time students are not eligible for assistantships and they cannot study full-time unless they notify the registrar of their change in status.

Academic Policies for MBA Program

Academic standing in the UMass Dartmouth MBA program is governed by the following policies:

      1. Prospective MBA students can take up to 2 (two) core courses or six credits before matriculation with approval of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs.

      2. Students should complete all course work for the MBA degree within ten successive semesters after candidacy status in the MBA advanced core program.

      3. Requests for a leave of absence from the university should be submitted in writing to the Director for Graduate Studies before the start of any given semester. The deadline for a leave of absence request will concur with that of registration for the coming semester.

      4. If a regular (not summer) semester passes with a break in registration, and the student has not secured written permission from the Registrar’s office, they will be dropped from the program. The student may be      reinstated upon application to the Director for Graduate Studies when one semester is skipped. If two successive regular semesters pass with a break in registration, the student will be automatically dropped from the program and must reapply for admission through the Graduate Studies Office.

      5. Students are required to maintain a cumulative average of “B” or better in all courses attempted at UMass Dartmouth. By general policy, only grades of “C” or higher will be accepted toward the MBA degree. When calculating interim cumulative averages, incomplete “I” grades which are older than one semester will be considered as “F.”

      6. No more than two grades below “B-” will be allowed. Grades ranging from “A” to “C” are passing grades. If a grade of “C-” or less is received, the course must be repeated and a higher grade must be obtained

      7. Candidates who satisfy all the course requirements but have not achieved the 3.0 average may be allowed to take a maximum of six additional credits to improve their average. Individuals who fall into this category must first appeal to the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, for permission.

      8. If at any time during the course of study a student’s cumulative average falls below 3.0, the individual may be placed on academic probation or dismissed from the program.

      9. The academic sanction is made by Associate Provost for Graduate Studies and emailed to the student and copied to the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, CCB. The individual may appeal to the Assistant Dean, in writing, within thirty calendar days of receipt of the copy of the Associate Provost’s recommendation. The Dean of the Charlton College of Business, along with the Associate Provost for Graduate Studies will make the final determination as to whether to rescind the dismissal. The individual will be permitted to continue in the MBA program while an appeal is in progress.

      10. Students are required to submit official notification of formal withdrawal from the program to the Registrar’s office.

      11. Change of address and other emergency contact information must be made in COIN.

      12. Students may transfer a maximum of 6 semester hours of credits from AACSB accredited institutions to the MBA program with the approval of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, CCB, provided the courses have a B or better grade.

Requirements


MBA Foundation


Students need to demonstrate competency in the areas of knowledge that form the foundation for the MBA program. Accordingly, they will be required to take 3 foundation courses in the first semester of their program, unless they qualify for foundation requirement to be waived based on one of the following criteria:

· Students took the equivalent foundation courses at the undergraduate or higher level from an accredited program within the ten years prior to enrolling in the MBA program and got a min. of B- grade or higher.

· Students have the relevant professional certification.

Appropriate documents supporting this must be submitted at the time of application for any course to be waived based on this criterion. Review of foundation waivers are completed during the application process. Information about required foundation courses will be provided upon application decision. Students may contest waiver decisions within 30 days of the date of the initial decision. No waiver request will be considered after this.

Graduate Foundation courses


The Advanced Business Courses


Students must complete seven required advanced core courses for 21 credits and electives equaling 9 credits. These courses build upon the foundation knowledge by presenting interdisciplinary, case-based material that develops the student’s ability to manage or operate complex business operations.

The minimum credits for the MBA are 30, exclusive of foundation courses.

Once enrolled in the program, candidates are expected to take all courses at UMass Dartmouth. However, up to 6 credits may be transferred into this sequence, either at the time of admission or after enrolling in the MBA program, to satisfy elective course requirements. (STEM approved concentrations cannot accept courses transferred in as electives.)

If students wish to receive credit, they must apply to the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, CCB for approval prior to taking a course at another institution. Only courses taken at an AACSB accredited university will be eligible. Students must also secure a grade of “B” or better for the credit to transfer.

Course Requirements for Degree


Seven core courses constitute the heart of the program. There is a strong emphasis on cross-functional examples and student participatory activities that reflect the interdisciplinary nature and complexity of actual business challenges.

Required Core Courses: 21 credits


Elective Courses: 9 credits


(Note: Some concentration options require 12 credits)

 

Option A: Concentrations

Students who would like to declare a concentration must complete and submit a Concentration Request Form through the Charlton College of Business Graduate Office. Below is the list of concentrations and courses.

Accounting

Choose three (3) ACT Graduate Courses over 600, not including Core MBA course

Examples are as follows

ACT 670: Financial Statement Analysis

ACT 671: Strategic Cost Management

ACT 672: International Accounting

ACT 690: Special Topics in Accounting

Business Analytics (STEM approved)

Three (3) of the following courses required

MIS 681: Business Intelligence and Knowledge Management

MIS 674: Applied Business Analytics and Information Visualization

POM 681: Business Analytics and Data Mining

MIS 690 / POM 690: Special Topics

Environmental Policy (Online)

Two (2) of the following courses required

POL 500: Public Institutions and the Policy Process

POL 562: Environmental Policy

Choose two (2) electives from the following list:

POL 611: Administrative Law

POL 661: Environmental Law

POL 663: Ocean Policy and Law

Finance

Choose three (3) FIN Graduate Courses over 600, not including Core MBA course

Examples are as follows

ACT 670: Financial Statement Analysis

FIN 670: Investment Management

FIN 672: International Financial Management

FIN 698: Financial Institutions Management

FIN 690: Special Topics

Health Systems Management

Three (3) of the following courses required

POM 684: Lean Healthcare Operations

POM 679: Management of Healthcare Operations

NUR 520: The U.S. Healthcare Delivery System

NUR 508: Healthcare Economics and Managing Healthcare Finances

NUR 615: Organizational Behavior and Leadership in Healthcare Organizations

International Business

Three (3) of the following courses required

FIN 672: International Financial Management

MGT 600: Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Law

MGT 675: Managing Across Cultures

MKT 672: International Business and Multinational Enterprises

POM 675: International Supply Chain Management

Marketing

Choose three (3) MKT Graduate Courses over 600, not including Core MBA course

Examples are as follows

MKT 670: Marketing Research

MKT 671: E-commerce and Digital Marketing

MKT 672: International Business and Multinational Enterprises

MKT 690: Special Topics

Organizational Leadership Option (Online)

Three (3) of the following courses required

MGT 600: Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Law

MGT 671: Management of Organizational Change

MGT 675: Managing Across Cultures

MGT 677: Leading, Motivating, and Empowering Others

MGT 673: Organizational Structure and Design

Public Management (Online)

Two (2) of the following courses required

POL 500: Public Institutions and the Policy Process

POL 510: Public Management

Choose two (2) electives from the following list:

POL 531: Program Evaluation

POL 536: Regional Economic Development Policy

POL 541: State and Local Public Finance

POL 611: Administrative Law

POL 661: Environmental Law

Supply Chain Management and Information Systems

Three (3) of the following courses required

POM 682: Tech Management Strategies

POM 675: International Supply Chain

POM 677: Logistics Strategy and Management

MIS 675: International Supply Chain

MIS 685: Enterprise Systems: Theory and Practice

MIS 674 OR MIS 681 OR POM 681

 

Option B: Individualized Option (Elective examples below. All CCB courses 600 and above, not including 650 Core MBA courses, are allowable options.) 9 Credits required.

ACT 670 - Financial Statement Analysis

ACT 671 - Strategic Cost Management 

ACT 672 - International Accounting 

FIN 670 - Investment Analysis 

FIN 671 - Personal Financial Plan

FIN 672 - International Financial Management 

MGT 600 - Corporate Social Responsibility & Business 

MGT 671 - Management Organization Change 

MGT 673 - Organization, Structure, and Process 

MGT 677 - Lead,Motiv,Empowr Others 

MIS 670 - Managing Information

MIS 671 - Managing Systems

MIS 672 - Digital Economy&Commerce

MKT 670 - Digital Marketing 

MKT 671 - Marketing Research 

MKT 672 - Int Bus&Multinat Enterpr 

POM 676 - Business Process Design

POM 679 - Management of Health Care Operations

Special Topics, Independent Study or Directed Study in Each Discipline


  • Special Topics (690)
  • Independent Study (695)
  • Directed Study (696)

 

Total credits: 30


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