2018-2019 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Business Administration, MBA


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The Master of Business Administration program is devoted to the concepts, analytical tools, and communication skills required for competent and responsible management. The management of an enterprise is viewed in its entirety and within its social, political, and economic environment. All on-campus graduate level courses are scheduled during the evening hours to accommodate employed students.

Campus and Online Options

The Graduate School of Business Administration offers an MBA program that may be accomplished on campus, online, or through a combination of both methods.  The MBA is designed for students to complete their degree as a full-time or part-time student.  Students structure the pace of completing the program to meet personal and professional goals.  Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semester.  In the fall or spring semesters, campus courses are offered from 4:45 to 7:20 pm or 7:30 to 10:05 pm and meet once a week.  Please contact the Graduate School of Business Administration for more information. 

MBA Graduate Admission

Admission Criteria
The Graduate School of Business Administration seeks to admit students who show a high likelihood of success in postgraduate business study. The following 3 basic indicators are used to evaluate candidates for admission:

PRIOR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE: A 4-year Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent is a condition for application. The applicant’s complete academic record from all institutions attended is examined.

ADMISSION TEST: Applicants may submit scores from either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In some cases, the GMAT may be waived if the applicant has substantial business experience or holds an advanced degree (e.g. Master’s or higher).  Waiver eligibility criteria and the Waiver Petition Form is posted on the website at www.uccs.edu/mba or contact the Graduate School of Business Administration Advising Office.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE: Of particular interest is the candidate’s progression of work. Recommendations from prior and current colleagues are optional. Though employment experience may be used to evaluate a candidate, it is not required.

Provisional and Undergraduate Senior Admits
Individuals may be admitted on a provisional status at the discretion of the admissions committee. If the terms of the provisional admittance are met, the student will be transferred to regular degree status. Students who do not meet the terms of the provisional admission are not eligible for admittance into the program. UCCS seniors who have satisfied the undergraduate residence requirements and who need no more than 6 semester hours to meet their requirements for an undergraduate degree may be admitted to the MBA program. They must meet regular admissions criteria and submit a completed application by the published deadline. They must complete their final undergraduate courses during their first semester as an MBA student.

Application Process and Deadlines

The application, GMAT or GRE (or GMAT waiver form), one official transcript (not student copies) from each post-secondary institution attended, a resume, a statement of interest, and the nonrefundable application fee should be submitted by the priority deadline. 

See: www.uccs.edu/mba for the online application or contact the Graduate School of Business Administration by phone at 1-800-990-8227, ext. 3408, or by email at cobgrad@uccs.edu.

Expected Software Skills

MBA students are expected to be proficient with word processing, spreadsheet and presentation programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.  If students are deficient in any of these skills, it is their responsibility to mitigate the deficiency before enrolling in the program.

Graduate School of Business Administration Academic Policies

Access to Graduate Courses
Students must be officially admitted to the MBA program in order to register for graduate level courses. Students who are officially admitted to other CU graduate programs may be eligible to register for MBA courses. All course prerequisites must be met. Interested students should contact the Graduate School of Business Administration for more information.

Course Load
The typical course load is 3-6 hours for a working graduate student and 9-12 hours for those attending school full-time during the fall and spring semesters. Students are limited to 12 credit hours for the fall and the spring semesters. Students are limited to 6 credit hours for the summer semester. Credit hours over these limits require that an academic petition be approved. Concurrent enrollment in both campus and online classes is subject to the same credit hour limits.

MBA Completion Timeframe
Candidates for the MBA degree are expected to complete the degree within five years. Students with extenuating circumstances may petition the Graduate School of Business Administration for an extension of up to one additional year (six years maximum).

Leave of Absence

Students who needs to take a leave of absence from the MBA program for longer than one semester must discuss their decision with the Graduate School of Business Administration Advising Office and complete the Request for Leave of Absence Form.  A leave of absence may occur for one year (3 continuous semesters including summer).  Students who do not return within a year, may need to reapply for admission to the MBA program.  A leave of absence does not extend the prescribed time limit (5 years) to complete the MBA degree requirements (see above: MBA Completion Timeframe).

MBA Standards of Performance

Course Repeat Policy
Any grade below C (2.0) is not a passing grade for graduate students. A student may repeat a course once for which he or she has received a grade below C. Both the original grade and the grade for the repeated course count in the computation of the grade point average.

Grade Point Average
No individual grade below a C will count towards degree requirements. To be in good standing, students must have an overall grade point average of no less than 3.0 for all degree program coursework attempted.

Probation and Suspension
The academic performance of each student will be reviewed at the end of each semester. Any student who has a cumulative grade point average less than 3.0 in graduate coursework will be placed on probation. In general, students will not be placed on probation until a minimum of nine semester hours has been attempted. After a student has been placed on probation, the student has a maximum of one calendar year to raise his or her grade point average to 3.0. Courses taken to raise the cumulative grade point average must be applicable to the degree, and must be taken in the three semesters (including summer) immediately following the semester in which the cumulative grade point average fell below 3.0. Failure to raise the cumulative grade point average to 3.0 in the time period outlined will result in immediate suspension. While on academic probation, failure to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress, (meaning the cumulative GPA must improve each semester that classes are taken), towards a degree may result in academic suspension. In the event a student attains probationary status more than one time, the same time limits shall apply. If a student’s cumulative GPA drops below a 2.0, they may be suspended immediately.  A suspended graduate student is eligible to petition for readmission after one calendar year.

Transfer Policy
A maximum of 6 credit hours of appropriate coursework from another AACSB accredited graduate program may be considered for transfer to the degree program. The grade received for a transfer class must be a “B” or higher. The class cannot have been used to fulfill requirements in another graduate program.  The class must have been taken no more than 5 years prior to the student’s projected graduation date at UCCS. 

Graduate Internships
At the graduate level, internships are 1-3 credit hours, pass/fail only and may be used as business elective credit. Internships are approved through an application process, which can be obtained through the Internship and Career Placement Center. Students must apply prior to beginning their internship duties and should register for credit during the semester in which the internship is being completed. A maximum of 3 credit hours of internship may be applied to a graduate business degree.

Graduate Academic Advising
Each graduate student must meet with an MBA advisor during the student’s first term of attendance to prepare a degree plan. Online MBA students will have a degree plan emailed to them, which must be signed and returned to the MBA Office.  The foundation courses which the student must complete (if any), and the student’s area of emphasis will be discussed at that time.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation Audit
All students must contact the Graduate School of Business Administration for a complete academic evaluation DURING THE SEMESTER PRIOR TO THEIR FINAL SEMESTER. Failure to request an audit or failure to complete audit documents in a timely manner may delay a student’s graduation.

Commencement
Students seeking to participate in commencement and other academic ceremonies will need to complete ALL academic requirements in advance. Participation in academic ceremonies that recognize or honor students for the completion of an academic program or specific academic accomplishment is based on the understanding that all requirements have been completed. Every effort will be made to determine eligibility in advance, and only students who have met requirements will be permitted to participate.

 

 

MBA Foundation Requirements (9 hours)


The Graduate School of Business Administration provides the following series of business foundation courses as required background courses for the graduate study of business. These courses may be waived on a course-by-course basis with prior academic coursework or successful scores on designated achievement tests.

Foundation Course Information


These foundation classes are graduate level courses that - if required - are taken in addition to the 36 semester hours required for the MBA degree. Graduate students who are interested in waiving one or more of the MBA foundation courses based on related prior coursework must consult with a graduate advisor. Waivers of foundation courses are based on a number of criteria, including the age of the prior coursework, the grade earned, and other considerations determined by the faculty. Prior coursework must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution. Foundation course waivers are made at the discretion of the Graduate School of Business Administration and are recorded on the student’s degree plan.

MBA Degree Requirements (36 hours)


Credit Hours

In addition to any foundation courses which may be required (see previous section), students must complete a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework for the MBA degree. This coursework consists of 24 hours of core competency courses, and 12 hours of elective courses. With the 12 combined elective hours, students may choose to earn a general MBA or choose to concentrate in a functional or interdisciplinary area of emphasis as listed below.

Choice of Emphasis

Students may choose to complete an area of emphasis in Accounting, Finance, Health Care Administration, Innovation Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Project Management, or Service Management.

MBA Electives (12 hours)


Electives may be selected from any Area of Emphasis, providing prerequisites have been met.

MBA Areas of Emphasis Requirements


Students may choose to receive a general MBA or decide to specialize in a functional or interdisciplinary area of emphasis as listed below. Note: Health Care Administration and Project Management are only offered online.

Accounting MBA (On Campus) -12 hours


The accounting area of emphasis prepares students for accounting positions available in various industries and institutions. Students may either seek employment in the corporate or governmental arena or opt to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam if they have an interest in public accounting. Students who intend to earn the CPA certificate should refer to the State of Colorado Board of Accountancy website for detailed information and exam requirements.

Students who choose an emphasis in Accounting will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Accounting (ACCT) elective courses. Students who do not have an undergraduate accounting degree take an additional 15 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in accounting. A grade of C or higher must be earned in all coursework including undergraduate prerequisite classes.

Students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree also take:

Finance MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


All organizations, large and small, must effectively invest and manage their capital. The finance function is critical in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Job opportunities exist for finance graduates in almost all industries including the financial services industry and positions within the finance area of corporations. Finance graduates manage capital for large organizations and their independent business units as well as small organizations.

Students who choose an emphasis in Finance will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Finance (FNCE) elective courses, and 3 semester hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.

General MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


An MBA is a broad degree that prepares students for a variety of career paths from climbing the corporate ladder to launching an entrepreneurial venture to work in non-profit organizations. 

The General Business Area of Emphasis is intended for students who desire to customize their own MBA. It allows maximum flexibility by allowing students to choose any 6000-level business elective courses for their area of specialized study. This area works best if students have a general goal in mind when choosing course.

Students who choose a General MBA will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, and 12 hours of 6000-level business elective courses based on individual educational goals and interests.

Health Care Administration MBA (Online) - 12 hours


The many changes in government laws and regulations, technology, societal needs and insurance plans have created a large need for administrative and business education for health care professionals.

Students who choose an emphasis in Health Care Administration will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Health Care Administration elective courses.

Innovation Management MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


Innovation has become a critical driver of business success in today’s economy.  Innovation can be defined as successfully implementing a new idea in an organization. An innovation can be based on new technology, but it can also simply be a new way of doing something. Innovation can take place anywhere - in new startup firms, established corporations, or nonprofit organizations. Students completing the Innovation Management emphasis will learn how to manage the process of innovation to create value in their organizations through new products, new processes, or new business models.

Students who choose an emphasis in Innovation Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Innovation Management elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.

International Business MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


An MBA with emphasis in International Business will prepare students to excel in the emerging field of International Business. This field of study is becoming more relevant and important as the global economy expands. Various opportunities for study abroad exist for MBA students. These are coordinated through the business advising office. Students are encouraged to take a foreign language in order to strengthen this area of emphasis.

Students who choose an emphasis in International Business will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of International Business elective courses, and 3 semester hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours. 

Management MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


In today’s highly competitive global environment, a premium is placed on skilled managers who know how to motivate and lead people. This area of emphasis addresses these issues and other contemporary issues in management. Additionally, the changing roles of managers and leaders at management levels within the organization are explored. The Management emphasis also focuses on the development and maintenance of effective relationships between employers and employees.

Students who choose an emphasis in Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Management elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.

Marketing MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


An effective marketing program is necessary to the success of any business organization. Through the marketing efforts of a firm, products and services are designed and delivered that maximize customer satisfaction. Students choosing the marketing area of emphasis may find exciting careers in such diverse fields as product management, professional selling, customer support, advertising and marketing research. The marketing curriculum is designed to give the student hands on marketing experience through applied classes and projects.

Students who choose an emphasis in Marketing will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Marketing (MKTG) elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.

Operations Management MBA (On Campus) - 12 hours


Both tangible products and services require effective process technology management. In the past few decades, changes have revolutionized how products are manufactured. Quality management has become a major focus of most contemporary manufacturing organizations. Students completing this emphasis will be prepared to seek positions in manufacturing in virtually all industries.

Students who choose an emphasis in Operations Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Operations Management elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.

Project Management MBA (Online) - 12 hours


Companies are turning to a project structure to manage the increasingly complex, cross-functional tasks present in today’s business climate. As the number of both “successful” and “unsuccessful” projects continues to grow, the impact of project management on an organization is more visible. Students completing this area of emphasis can expect to master traditional project management skills and be prepared to manage in complex multiple project environments with a global reach.

Students who choose an emphasis in Project Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Project Management (OPTM) elective courses.

Service Management MBA (On Campus) - 12 hours


Service industries are expected to continue to grow at a rapid rate in the 21st century. The service management emphasis is taught in an interdisciplinary fashion which allows students to explore several different areas within the firm. This enables students to better understand how to manage a service organization properly.

Students who choose an emphasis in Service Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours in the required Services Management courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.

Graduate Certificates (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours


Graduate certificates are available to students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree (not necessarily in a business field) at a regionally accredited institution and have demonstrated their admissibility to the graduate certificate program. Certificates are also available to students with a graduate degree from any field. The application process will vary based on the student’s academic background. Students in the graduate certificate program are subject to the same Standards of Performance as all admitted Graduate students. The only exception is that certificate students may be placed on academic probation as soon as their cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 regardless of the amount of credit hours completed towards the certificate program.  For additional information or an application for the certificate program, please contact the Graduate Office, or see: www.uccs.edu/mba.

Graduate certificates consist of 12 hours of coursework beyond any prerequisites. Certificates are offered in accounting, finance, health care administration, innovation management, international business, management, marketing, operations management, project management, and service management. Certificates are available both on-campus and online, but all certificates may not be available in both formats.

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