The M.B.A. programs require a minimum of 50 credit hours and are normally completed in two years of full-time study; however, students may take up to four (4) years of part-time study. Students must maintain a minimum grade-point average of 2.5 to stay in the program. The M.B.A. programs consist of Common Core Curriculum Courses, Elective Curriculum Courses, and Thesis Option Courses or Project Option courses which require to complete 14 credit hours (or units).

Program Description

WCU’s School of Business is focused on what our students can become by developing their skills in diverse areas of management rather than dwelling on the theories.  Our graduate program is training our students to become solution-centered, creative problem solvers, people-oriented and team players, and strong-willed business leaders; with compassion and empathy to prioritize the needs of the communities that they serve over profits.

The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) has two tracks: M.B.A. in Global Business and M.B.A. in Information Systems Management. Both programs are tailored to give our students more than just a degree but a transformation by immersing them in a multicultural learning environment and global approaches in management. We link our students to a network of international industries and organizations that can sharpen them as effective and efficient decision-makers, solution-centered and creative problem solvers, people-oriented and team players, and strong-willed business leaders.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the MBA in Global Business, students will be able to:

1. Business Knowledge: Graduates should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of core business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, human resources, strategy, and organizational behavior.
2. Strategic Thinking: Graduates should be able to analyze complex business situations, identify strategic opportunities and challenges, and develop effective strategies to achieve organizational goals.
3. Leadership and Management Skills: Graduates should possess the skills to effectively lead and manage individuals and teams, demonstrating strong communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
4. Ethical and Social Responsibility: Graduates should have an understanding of ethical principles and social responsibility in business. They should be able to make ethical decisions and consider the broader societal impact of business actions.
5. Global Perspective: Graduates should have an understanding of the global business environment and be able to navigate international markets, considering cultural, economic, and political factors in decision-making.
6. Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Graduates should have the ability to identify entrepreneurial opportunities, develop innovative solutions, and create and manage new ventures within existing organizations or as independent entrepreneurs.
7. Financial Analysis and Decision Making: Graduates should be able to analyze financial data, understand financial statements, evaluate investment opportunities, and make informed financial decisions to maximize shareholder value.
8. Effective Communication: Graduates should possess strong oral and written communication skills, enabling them to effectively communicate ideas, strategies, and recommendations to diverse stakeholders in a clear and persuasive manner.
9. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Graduates should be able to think critically, analyze complex business problems, and develop creative solutions using appropriate analytical tools and frameworks.
10. Teamwork and Collaboration: Graduates should be able to work effectively in team-based environments, demonstrating the ability to contribute, collaborate, and lead teams to achieve common goals.

Upon completion of the MBA in Information Systems Management, students will be able to:

1. Strategic IT Leadership: Graduates should be able to provide strategic leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of information technology systems to support organizational goals.
2. IT Governance and Compliance: Students should understand and be able to apply IT governance frameworks and compliance standards, ensuring that IT practices align with legal and regulatory requirements.
3. IT Project Management: Graduates should be proficient in managing IT projects, including scope definition, resource allocation, risk management, and project evaluation.
4. Business Process Integration: Students should be able to identify opportunities for using information systems to optimize business processes and improve efficiency.
5. Data Management and Analytics: Graduates should have the skills to manage and analyze data effectively, using it to make informed business decisions.
6. Information Security: Students should understand the principles of information security and be able to implement security measures to protect organizational data and systems.
7. IT Strategic Planning: Graduates should be able to develop and execute IT strategic plans that align with overall business objectives.
8. Change Management: Students should be prepared to manage the organizational changes that often accompany the implementation of new information systems.
9. Vendor and Contract Management: Graduates should understand how to select and manage IT vendors and contracts effectively.
10. Emerging Technologies: Students should stay updated with emerging technologies and their potential impact on business operations.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

1. Management Consultant: Many MBA graduates pursue careers in management consulting, where they work with organizations to solve complex business problems and improve their performance.
2. Investment Banking: MBA graduates often find opportunities in investment banking, where they can work in areas such as corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, or private equity.
3. Marketing Manager: With an MBA, you can pursue a career in marketing management, where you develop and implement marketing strategies to promote products or services.
4. Financial Manager: MBA graduates with a focus on finance can work as financial managers, overseeing the financial health of an organization, managing investments, and making strategic financial decisions.
5. Operations Manager: Operations management roles are well-suited for MBA graduates with a focus on operations or supply chain management. They are responsible for optimizing business processes and ensuring efficient operations.
6. Entrepreneurship: Many MBA graduates choose to start their own businesses or join startups, leveraging their business knowledge and skills to create and manage successful ventures.
7. Product Manager: MBA graduates often find opportunities as product managers, responsible for developing and launching new products, conducting market research, and managing product lifecycles.
8. Human Resources Manager: MBA graduates interested in HR can pursue careers as human resources managers, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and organizational development.
9. Strategic Planner: MBA graduates with strong analytical and strategic thinking skills can work as strategic planners, helping organizations develop long-term plans and achieve their business objectives.
10. Non-profit Management: MBA graduates interested in the non-profit sector can work in management positions in non-profit organizations, focusing on areas such as fundraising, program development, and organizational management.
11. Chief Information Officer (CIO): As the top technology executive in an organization, CIOs are responsible for the overall technology strategy and implementation, ensuring that IT initiatives align with business goals.
12. IT Director/Manager: IT directors or managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization’s IT department, including managing staff, budgets, and IT projects.
13. IT Consultant: MBA graduates with expertise in information systems management can work for consulting firms, helping businesses optimize their IT strategies, systems, and processes.
14. Business Analyst: Business analysts bridge the gap between business needs and IT solutions, helping organizations identify and implement technology solutions that improve efficiency and competitiveness.
15. Project Manager: Project managers with a focus on information systems oversee IT projects from initiation to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
16. Data Analyst/Manager: With a strong foundation in data management and analytics, graduates can work as data analysts or managers, helping organizations derive insights from data.
17. Information Security Manager/Consultant: These professionals are responsible for safeguarding an organization’s data and systems from cyber threats. They develop and implement security strategies and policies.
18. Systems Analyst: Systems analysts evaluate an organization’s existing information systems and design improvements or new systems to meet business requirements.
19. Enterprise Architect: Enterprise architects design and oversee the implementation of an organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring that it supports long-term business goals.
20. Healthcare IT Manager: In the healthcare industry, these professionals manage and implement technology solutions to enhance patient care, data security, and compliance with healthcare regulations.
21. Supply Chain Manager: Graduates can work in supply chain management roles, where they leverage IT systems to optimize logistics, inventory management, and supply chain efficiency.
22. E-commerce Manager/Director: In the rapidly growing e-commerce sector, these professionals oversee online sales platforms, digital marketing, and customer experience.
23. IT Risk Manager: IT risk managers assess and mitigate technology-related risks, helping organizations maintain the security and integrity of their systems and data.
24. IT Auditor: IT auditors evaluate an organization’s information systems for compliance with regulations and industry standards, ensuring data integrity and security.
25. Data Scientist: With a strong background in data management and analytics, graduates can work as data scientists, leveraging data to make data-driven decisions.
26. Entrepreneur/Startup Founder: Some graduates may choose to start their own technology-focused businesses, leveraging their management and technical skills to develop innovative solutions.
27. Teaching/Research: For those interested in academia, an MBA with a focus on Information Systems Management can be a foundation for teaching or conducting research in business and technology-related fields.

 

MBA in Global Business Curriculum

Core Curriculum Courses (Required): 28 units

MBACC 500   Operations Management and Supply Chain (4 units)

MBACC 511   Product Research, Development, and Innovation (4 units)

MBACC 512   Risk and Crisis Management (4 units)

MBACC 513   Behavioral Economics, Market, and Policies (4 units)

MBACC 514   Principles of Financial Accounting (4 units)

MBACC 515   Applied Business Statistics (4 units)

MBACC 516   Competing in the Global Business Environment (4 units)

Elective Curriculum Courses (28 units): only 8 units required

MBAEC 517   The Power of Corporate Social Responsibility (4 units)

MBAEC 518   Public Finance and Policy (4 units)

MBAEC 519   Economics of Diversity and Discrimination (4 units)

MBAEC 520   Leading People and Organizations (4 units)

MBAEC 521   Social Media and Digital Marketing (4 units)

MBAEC 522   Management Communication: Speaking and Writing (4 units)

MBAEC 523   Economic Globalization (4 units)

Exit Option for Graduation Requirements (EOR): 14 units required

MBAEOR 524      Research and Writing: Qualitative Research (4)

MBAEOR 525      Research and Writing: Quantitative Research & Statistics (4)

MBAEOR 526      Thesis | Capstone Project (6)

MBA in Global Business Course Description

Core Curriculum Courses

MBACC 500   Operations Management and Supply Chain (4 units)

Operations Management and Supply Chain is a course that focuses on the principles and practices of managing the processes and systems that transform inputs into finished goods and services. The course covers a wide range of topics, including production planning and scheduling, quality management, inventory control, capacity planning, and supply chain management.

The main goal of the course is to help students understand how to design, manage, and improve operations in order to create value for customers and achieve organizational objectives. This involves balancing efficiency and effectiveness, managing resources, and coordinating activities across different functions and partners. 

MBACC 511   Product Research, Development, and Innovation (4 units)

Product Research, Development, and Innovation is a class that focuses on the processes and techniques involved in creating new products or services, and bringing them to market successfully. The course covers a range of topics related to innovation management, including product design, research and development, prototyping, testing, launch, and commercialization.

The main goal of the course is to teach students how to develop and implement effective innovation strategies that can drive business growth and competitiveness. This involves understanding customer needs and preferences, identifying market opportunities, and generating and evaluating ideas for new products or services. 

MBACC 512   Risk and Crisis Management (4 units)

Risk and Crisis Management is a class that focuses on identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks and crises that organizations may face. The course covers a wide range of topics related to risk management, including risk assessment, risk mitigation strategies, crisis communication, crisis response, and business continuity planning.

The main goal of the course is to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of the different types of risks that organizations face, and how to effectively manage them. This involves identifying and analyzing potential risks, implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies, and developing effective crisis response plans in the event of a crisis.

MBACC 513   Behavioral Economics, Market, and Policies (4 units)

Behavioral Economics, Markets, and Policies is a class that explores the intersection between economics, psychology, and public policy. The course focuses on how individuals make decisions and how these decisions impact market outcomes, with a particular emphasis on the role of behavioral biases and heuristics.

The main goal of the course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of how behavioral economics can be used to design more effective policies and regulations. This involves examining the ways in which behavioral biases can lead to market failures and exploring how policy interventions can be designed to mitigate these failures.

MBACC 514   Principles of Financial Accounting (4 units)

Principles of Financial Accounting is a class that introduces students to the fundamentals of financial accounting. The course covers a range of topics related to financial accounting, including the accounting cycle, financial statements, accounting principles, and the interpretation of financial data.

In addition to learning about the basic principles and practices of financial accounting, students may also explore emerging issues and challenges in the field, such as the impact of technology on accounting processes and the role of accounting in sustainable business practices. The course may involve a combination of lectures, class discussions, and hands-on exercises to help students further advance their accounting skills and knowledge.

MBACC 515   Applied Business Statistics (4 units)

The course covers a range of topics related to business statistics, including probability theory, statistical inference, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and data visualization. The main goal of the course is to help students develop a solid understanding of statistical concepts and methods, and how they can be applied in a business context. This involves learning how to collect, organize, and analyze data, as well as how to interpret statistical results and draw meaningful conclusions.

In addition, students may also be introduced to the latest statistical software and programming languages used in the field, such as R or Python. And by the end of the course, students should be able to use statistical methods to inform business decision-making and solve complex business problems.

MBACC 516   Competing in the Global Business Environment (4 units)

Competing in the Global Business Environment is a class that explores the challenges and opportunities of doing business in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world. The course covers a range of topics related to global business, including international trade, global supply chains, cultural differences, and global marketing.

The main goal of the course is to help students understand the complexities of global business and develop strategies for success in a global context. This involves learning how to analyze and navigate cultural differences, manage global teams, and identify and capitalize on emerging market opportunities. 

Elective Curriculum Courses

MBAEC 517   The Power of Corporate Social Responsibility (4 units)

The main goal of the course is to help students develop a deep understanding of the power of CSR and how it can be used to create value for both society and businesses. This involves learning about the various dimensions of CSR, such as environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical practices, and examining case studies and best practices from leading companies.

MBAEC 518   Public Finance and Policy (4 units)

The main goal of the course is to help students understand the role of government in shaping the economy and how government policies can influence economic outcomes. This involves learning about the theoretical frameworks and practical tools of public finance and policy, as well as examining case studies and real-world examples of government interventions.

MBAEC 519   Economics of Diversity and Discrimination (4 units)

This class will cover the economics of gender, race, and discrimination guided by economic theory and empirical evidence. Topics on gender will include workplace discrimination, policies to promote gender equality, the historical evolution of economic gender roles in the US, and initiatives to promote women’s empowerment in developing countries. Topics on race will include an overview of historical economic exclusion and its consequences, the empirical measurement of discrimination, models of discrimination and their shortcomings, and how understanding hidden biases and historical barriers can increase firms’ equity and performance.

MBAEC 520   Leading People and Organizations (4 units)

The main goal of the course is to help students develop their leadership abilities by learning about the key concepts and practices of effective leadership. This involves exploring various leadership models and frameworks, examining case studies of successful leaders, and engaging in practical exercises and simulations designed to develop leadership skills.

MBAEC 521   social media and Digital Marketing (4 units)

The main goal of the course is to help students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to create and execute effective digital marketing campaigns in various contexts. This involves learning about the latest trends and best practices in social media marketing, as well as understanding how to measure the success of digital marketing campaigns and use data to inform future strategies

MBAEC 522   Management Communication: Speaking and Writing (4 units)

The main goal of the course is to help students develop their ability to communicate effectively in various professional settings, such as business meetings, presentations, and written communications. This involves learning how to organize and structure a presentation or document, as well as how to deliver a message in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.

MBAEC 523   Economic Globalization (4 units)

This course is intended to deepen understanding of the history, evolution, governance, and the current state of economic globalization, i.e., the cross-border movement of goods, services, money, and people. Through this prism, the course provides an insight into economic crises and how to tackle such crises through the use of fiscal and monetary policy as well as economic development. International financial institutions, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), are examined given their importance to these issues. The course also integrates dueling economic ideas that have aimed to govern economic globalization and its repercussions in its analysis of the evolution of economic globalization and its governance.

Exit Option for Graduation Requirements

MBAEOR 524      Research and Writing: Qualitative Research (4 units)

The course covers a range of topics related to qualitative research methods, including the philosophy of science, research design, data collection techniques, and data analysis. Students will learn how to design and conduct qualitative research studies using a variety of methods, such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.

The main goal of the course is to help students develop the skills necessary to conduct high-quality qualitative research studies. This involves learning how to design research studies that are appropriate for the research questions, select appropriate data collection methods, and analyze qualitative data using appropriate techniques.

MBAEOR 525      Research and Writing: Quantitative Research & Statistics (4 units)

The course covers a range of topics related to qualitative research methods, including the philosophy of science, research design, data collection techniques, and data analysis. Students will learn how to design and conduct qualitative research studies using a variety of methods, such as interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.

The main goal of the course is to help students develop the skills necessary to conduct high-quality qualitative research studies. This involves learning how to design research studies that are appropriate for the research questions, select appropriate data collection methods, and analyze qualitative data using appropriate techniques.

MBAEOR 526      Thesis | Capstone Project (6 units)

A Thesis or Capstone Project class is typically a culminating course that requires students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their academic program to complete an independent research project.

The expectations for a thesis or Capstone Project class are designed to challenge students to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained throughout their academic program to a real-world research project. It is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to think critically, analyze data, and communicate effectively.