Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Program Overview

The Bluefield State University Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, housed in the W. Paul Cole, Jr. College of Business, is designed to give students a solid theoretical base for understanding modern business and managerial principles, and to equip them with advanced strategies, tools and techniques needed to facilitate the implementation of these principles.  The program has an emphasis in organizational development and is designed to strengthen the managerial and leadership capabilities of managers operating within all sectors of the economy.  The program is designed for both business and non-business majors, with non-business majors needing to complete required foundational courses. The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours and is offered in a hybrid/online format that caters to the needs of working professionals.  The courses are offered in an accelerated, eight-week format, enabling full-time students to complete the program within one calendar year.

 

Programmatic Outcomes

The W. Paul Cole, Jr. College of Business at Bluefield State University is fully committed to enhancing the knowledge and skills needed to manage and lead organizations in all sectors of our dynamic economy.  Graduates of the MBA program (Organizational Development emphasis) will:  

1.  Acquire the skills needed to motivate employees, build effective work teams, and create innovative and effective organizational change.
2. Develop the analytical and technical knowledge and skills needed to lead 21st century workplaces.
3. Integrate theories and concepts from various business and economics disciplines to enhance managerial and strategic decision making and performance.
4. Demonstrate effective professional communication and presentation skills, both verbally and in written form.
5. Understand and appreciate the dynamic global environment that is characterized by diversity in cultures, values, customs, perspectives, and business practices.
6. Understand the crucial role that legal and ethical responsibilities play in meeting the strategic objectives of organizations and their leaders.

 

Admissions and Performance Standards

The Bluefield State University Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is open to both business and non-business majors. To be considered for acceptance applicants meet one of the following options:

• Hold a baccalaureate degree in business administration from a regionally accredited college or university with a minimum of 2.75 Grade Point Average (GPA); however, applicants with GPAs below 2.75 will be considered for admission if their academic performance during their final 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework demonstrates the potential to be successful in the graduate program.

• Students entering the MBA program holding non-business majors can be admitted conditionally and must satisfy the foundational prerequisites in the areas of management, marketing, accounting, economics, business statistics, and financial management. Once foundational course are completed the student will be fully admitted into the MBA program.

• Students may satisfy the foundational prerequisites by one or more of the following:

1. completing the appropriate College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or equivalent exam.

2. demonstrating equivalent academic preparation

3. receiving waivers of prerequisite courses based on extensive, professional documented work experience (minimum of 3 years) in the course areas

4. complete the courses with grade of “c” or better

• Students must complete all courses with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. If a student receives a grade lower than a C, he or she will be required to retake the course and pass it with a grade of C or higher.

Transfer of Credits Information:

• Students transferring to Bluefield State University from another MBA accredited program may request to have a maximum of six (6) credits transferred. In order to be considered, the course description(s) and course objective(s) must be comparable to the MBA courses offered at Bluefield State University. 

• Transcripts, course descriptions/course objectives and test scores will be reviewed by the MBA Director on an individual basis, who will determine the appropriateness of the transfer course(s). Only courses with a grade of a “B” or above are considered for transfer credit.

Career Opportunities:

Students graduating from the MBA program will have a wide range of employment opportunities, both in West Virginia and throughout the world.  Since the MBA degree is pursued by many individuals who majored in non-business fields as undergraduates, the graduates of this program will find employment opportunities in many diverse fields and industries such as:

• Accounting

• Financial services

• Human Resource management

• Public Relations

• Retailing

• Marketing Management

• Information Technology

• Consulting

• Government

• Not-For-Profit Sector

• Education

 

Admission Procedure and Personal Statement Information:

• Complete the MBA admission application

• Submit 2 letters of recommendation (It is recommended that the letters of recommendation be written by current or former faculty and/or business professionals who have prior work-related experience with the applicant.)

• Provide a Statement of Purpose 1-2 pages in length (double spaced), in which you discuss your career goals and specify reasons why you want to pursue an MBA.

• Request official transcripts from all undergraduate institutions and graduate institutions if applicable be sent to the admission department at the University.  

• Click on the following link to visit the MBA web page to complete Admission Requirements:

https://bluefieldstate.edu/academics/degrees/master-business-administration-mba/standards#appReq    

Program Delivery

The Bluefield State University MBA program will be delivered in a compressed format that will enable students who enter the program with all foundational prerequisites to complete the program within a calendar year.  Part-time students will find degree planning and completion to be convenient and efficient as the annual three-semester cycle will be repeated each year.  Classes will be offered in eight-week sessions (two sessions during the fall and spring semesters, one during the summer), with two courses offered during each session.  The courses will be offered in an online/hybrid format.  In the case of hybrid courses, students will have the option of attending some class sessions “in seat” if desired.  However, it is important to note that students will be able to complete all degree requirements completely online if they elect not to come to campus.

 

Note: 9 credit hours is considered full time.

 

The Bluefield State University MBA Curriculum (Organizational Development Emphasis) is as follows: