Skip to main content.
College of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog (2008-2009)
CGPS Catalog 2008-2009 Home > College of Graduate and Professional Studies Catalog (2008-2009) Home Page > Academic Programs > Master of Business Administration

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) provides a quality graduate program for experienced professionals who want to assume management and leadership positions in a variety of organizational settings. The program encompasses the knowledge and skills necessary for effectively managing both the technical and the human sides of organizations.

The curriculum consists of foundation courses, core courses, and concentration courses that combine business theory with current business practice. The foundation and core courses provide a common body of knowledge required for effective performance in today’s unpredictable global business environment. Complementing this common body of knowledge are 10 concentrations from which students can choose, depending on their professional interests: accounting, contracts and procurement management, general management, health care management, information security, management technology, organization and human resource development, project management, public administration, and risk management and insurance.

The program is particularly designed for those individuals whose job and family responsibilities require the flexibility to pursue the MBA on a parttime basis without interrupting their careers.

MBA Program Mission Statement

The University of Mary Washington’s MBA faculty seek to develop ethical, creative, and critically-thinking organizational leaders. This objective is accomplished through a curriculum that emphasizes applied learning, teamwork, adaptability, and the enhancement of existing knowledge and skills. To facilitate program success, faculty are committed to excellence and continuous improvement in all facets of teaching and learning.

Admission Requirements for the MBA Program

Admission to the MBA program is based upon a variety of factors: academic achievements, professional work experience, professional goals, and professional recommendations. The following are admission requirements for the MBA program:

  1. A completed application;
  2. An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university;
  3. Official transcripts of all completed undergraduate and graduate course work;
  4. A minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale during the last 60 credits of the baccalaureate program. Students whose undergraduate GPA is lower than 3.0 may be required to take the GMAT;
  5. A résumé outlining experiences and education including, preferably, at least two years of full-time professional or technical work experience;
  6. Two professional or academic recommendations;
  7. A statement of professional goals and how the MBA will help achieve them; and
  8. Demonstration of competency on the Test of English as a Foreign Language, as necessary, if the student’s native language is not English.

MBA Degree Requirements

Successful completion of all required foundation courses or their equivalents, core courses, and concentration courses with a cumulative gradepoint average of 3.0 or higher is required to meet degree requirements. All required course work must be completed within six years of matriculation into the program.

Foundation Course Waivers

The foundation course component is designed to provide the essential business knowledge and skills required for successful completion of the MBA program. The undergraduate foundation courses provide a non-business undergraduate student with a knowledge base comparable to that of a student with an undergraduate business degree. Some of the foundation courses may be waived through a variety of means:

  • Completion of comparable course work from a regionally-accredited college or university with a grade of B or higher within the last 10 years from date of admission to the MBA program.
  • Successfully passing an examination addressing the course content. A foundation course may be challenged by exam only one time, as follows:

    – CLEP Exam or
    – Faculty-developed exam, administered at the discretion of MBA faculty.

It is the responsibility of the MBA applicant to demonstrate why and how a foundation course should be waived.

Transfer Courses

Ordinarily, a maximum of six graduate credits can be transferred into the MBA program. To be accepted for transfer credit, courses must have been taken from a regionally-accredited institution within the last six years with a minimum grade of B and must directly relate to one of the MBA program courses. Transfer credit is not given for internship or practicum experiences.

Orientation Session

Prior to the start of every term, new students are expected to participate in the College’s orientation session. This session, offered through the Office of Advising Services, includes introductions of College staff, relevant University policies and procedures, and computer and library resources.

Requirements for Continuance in the MBA Program

All matriculated MBA students are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress in their graduate courses toward completion of the MBA program. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher is required for graduation from the program.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) each semester or session to remain in good academic standing. Any student whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 at the end of any term (fall, spring, or summer) will have the following term to correct the deficiency.

A student who earns three Cs (including C+ and C–) or one F in graduate courses in the program will automatically be dismissed from the program.

Students who voluntarily interrupt their enrollment for one to three semesters should refer to the Leave of Absence policy in the Academic Rules and Regulations section.

Readmission to the MBA Program

Students who have not attended the University for three consecutive semesters must apply for readmission through the Office of Admissions. Students who are readmitted are subject to the degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission. When a student is readmitted, the six-year limit from time of first admission is still in effect. Academic work that was completed more than six years before the date at which the MBA is awarded may not be used to satisfy the degree requirements. If a student needs additional time to complete the degree, the student must apply in writing to the program director for an extension. Such requests must be received at least one month prior to the end of the student’s original six-year time limit.

A student who has been dismissed from the program may apply for readmission after a lapse of three semesters. Applicants for readmission must meet current minimum admission requirements. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed.

MBA Course Requirements (37-67 credits)

Foundation Courses for Concentrations, Except Accounting and Public Administration (1-25 credits)

ACCT 201 Accounting for Managers (3 credits)
BPST 314 Business Legal Environment (3 credits)
BPST 316 Statistics for Managers (3 credits)
LRSP 306 Economics for Business (3 credits)
LRSP 311 The Management Process (3 credits)
LRSP 331 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
LRSP 400 Introduction to the MBA Program (1 credit)
LRSP 412 Marketing for Managers (3 credits)
LRSP 433 Production/Operations Management (3 credits)

Foundation Courses for Accounting Concentration (1-34 credits)

ACCT 201 Accounting for Managers (3 credits)
ACCT 301 Intermediate Accounting I (3 credits)
ACCT 302 Intermediate Accounting II (3 credits)
ACCT 303 Business Law for Accountants (3 credits)
ACCT 305 Intermediate Accounting III (3 credits)
BPST 316 Statistics for Managers (3 credits)
LRSP 306 Economics for Business (3 credits)
LRSP 311 The Management Process (3 credits)
LRSP 331 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
LRSP 400 Introduction to the MBA Program (1 credit)
LRSP 412 Marketing for Managers (3 credits)
LRSP 433 Production/Operations Management (3 credits)

Foundation Courses for Public Administration Concentration (1-25 credits)

ACCT 201 Accounting for Managers (3 credits)
BPST 314 Business Legal Environment (3 credits)
BPST 316 Statistics for Managers (3 credits)
LRSP 305 Public Sector Management (3 credits)
LRSP 306 Economics for Business (3 credits)
LRSP 331 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
LRSP 400 Introduction to the MBA Program (1 credit)
LRSP 412 Marketing for Managers (3 credits)
LRSP 433 Production/Operations Management (3 credits)

Note: Students admitted fall 2007 or later must complete all foundation courses before enrolling in graduate courses, with the exception of MBUS 501A and MMIS 500. Any student who earns a grade below C in a foundation course taken at the University must retake the course and earn a C or higher.

Note: After admission to the MBA program, CLEP and DANTES exams may not be used to satisfy MBA foundation course requirements without prior approval of the program director. Students who complete a post-baccalaureate or graduate business certificate and are later admitted to the MBA program must complete any remaining foundation courses prior to taking additional graduatelevel courses.

Core Courses (24 credits)

MBUS 501A Organization Theory and Design (3 credits)
MBUS 502 Financial Decision Making for Managers* (3 credits)
MBUS 523 Marketing Strategy (3 credits)
MBUS 525 Visionary Leadership (3 credits)
MBUS 529 Quantitative Business Modeling (3 credits)
MBUS 548 Managerial Economics (3 credits)
MBUS 595 Strategic Management (3 credits)
MMIS 500 Management Information Systems (3 credits)

*Students enrolled in the Public Administration concentration will take MBUS 518 Budgeting and Finance in the Public Sector in place of MBUS 502.

MBA Concentrations

Note: A matriculated MBA student can obtain multiple concentrations if the requisite course work in each concentration is successfully completed. No more than one course will be allowed to overlap concentrations. Completion of more than one MBA concentration will not result in the awarding of more than one degree. Attaining an additional concentration after graduation requires the completion of a minimum of 12 additional credits.

Accounting (12 credits)

The Accounting concentration prepares individuals to assume greater responsibility in the management of organizations and their accounting functions. Persons applying to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) examination in Virginia must possess at least 120 semester credits, including a baccalaureate or higher degree conferred by a regionally-accredited college or university, or an approved equivalent. Such individuals must complete at least 150 semester credits in order to obtain a CPA license in Virginia, including a minimum of 24 credits in accounting and 18 credits in business other than accounting.

Students who intend to sit for the CPA exam outside Virginia should consult with officials in those jurisdictions for specific requirements.

Required Courses* (12 credits to be selected)

ACCT 560 Auditing (3 credits)
ACCT 561 Advanced Accounting (3 credits)
ACCT 562 Income Tax Procedure (3 credits)
ACCT 563 Corporation and Partnership Tax (3 credits)
ACCT 564 Accounting Information Systems (3 credits)
ACCT 565 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting (3 credits)

*Students must complete 12 credits to fulfill the Accounting concentration requirement. Students who successfully complete (with a B or higher) ACCT 460, ACCT 461, or ACCT 465, or their equivalents, do not take the equivalent graduate course. However, they must take additional ACCT or MBUS courses to complete the 12-credit requirement of the concentration. The courses are chosen in consultation with the students’ advisors and approved by the program director.

Note: A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting (30 credits) is available to those whose positions require the knowledge and skills provided by the concentration, but who do not wish to pursue the MBA. Information can be found in the Business and Information Science Certificates section.

Contracts and Procurement Management (12 credits)

The Contracts and Procurement Management concentration provides contracting and procurement professionals in industry and in federal, state, and local governments with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advance to positions of increasing responsibility. This concentration also enables professionals to enter the growing field of contracts and procurement management, to be more effective leaders by understanding these processes and their organizational impact, and to meet the credit hours now required by the federal government for its contracting officials.

Required Courses (9 credits)

MBUS 532 Federal Procurement Policy and Practices (3 credits)
MBUS 534 Pricing Contracts (3 credits)
MBUS 535 Negotiation and Persuasion (3 credits)
Elective Course (3 credits to be selected)
MBUS 516 Project Management (3 credits)
MBUS 533 Contract Performance and Evaluation (3 credits)
MBUS 537 Contracting for Managers (3 credits)

Note: A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Contracts and Procurement Management (24 credits) is available to those whose positions require the knowledge and skills provided by the concentration, but who do not wish to pursue the MBA. Information can be found in the Business and Information Science Certificates section.

General Management (12 credits)

The General Management concentration is attractive to those who seek the traditional MBA. This concentration offers a solid professional core in the functional areas of business, enriched with leading-edge courses applicable to many business and nonbusiness environments.

Required Courses (12 credits to be selected)

MBUS 512 Organizational Research and Assessment (3 credits)
MBUS 516 Project Management (3 credits)
MBUS 517 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
MBUS 521 Human Resource Management and Development (3 credits)
MBUS 524 Learning Organizations and Knowledge Management (3 credits)
MBUS 526 Organizational Change and Transformation (3 credits)
MBUS 535 Negotiation and Persuasion (3 credits)
MBUS 537 Contracting for Managers (3 credits)

Health Care Management (12 credits)

The Health Care Management concentration provides the knowledge and competencies required for management positions in organizations operating in the health care sector. Integration of the systemic view of health care environments into the decision-making process prepares students to become mid- and senior-level health executives who are equipped to make complex business decisions in the dynamic environment of health care organizations. The MBA provides the analytic tools of business and the concentration provides a contextual understanding of how the business process may be applied in the health care environment.

Required Courses (12 credits)

MBUS 566 The U.S. Health Care System (3 credits)
MBUS 567 Health Care Economics (3 credits)
MBUS 568 Health Care Accounting and Financial Management (3 credits)
MBUS 569 Health Care Policy and Legislation (3 credits)

Note: A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Health Care Management (24 credits) is available to those whose positions require the knowledge and skills provided by the concentration, but who do not wish to pursue the MBA. Information can be found in the Business and Information Science Certificates section.

Information Security (12 credits)

The Information Security concentration provides an understanding of the fundamental technologies and principles of information security. Through an agreement between the University of Mary Washington (UMW) and the University of Virginia’s (U.Va.) School of Continuing and Professional Studies at the Northern Virginia Center, UMW MBA students can complete 12 credits from U.Va. in Information Security course work and transfer these credits to UMW to satisfy the requirements for this concentration. The U.Va. courses are offered in a combination of online and traditional formats.

Management Technology (12 credits)

The Management Technology concentration is appropriate for both information technology and business professionals who want to deepen their technical knowledge and develop their management skills. The concentration provides an in-depth knowledge in the functional areas of business and applicable management technology from both operational and strategic
perspectives.

Required Courses (12 credits to be selected)

MBUS 550 Computer-Based Decision Support Systems (3 credits)
MBUS 554 Management Risk Analysis with Computer Simulations (3 credits)
MBUS 555 Knowledge Management Systems (3 credits)
MMIS 505 Information Systems Analysis and Design (3 credits)
MMIS 510 Information Security Management (3 credits)
MMIS 515 Information Technology Project Management (3 credits)
MMIS 531 Managing and Leading the Information Technology Workforce (3 credits)
MMIS 532 Enterprising Information Systems (3 credits)
MMIS 533 Management of Information Technology Outsourcing (3 credits)
MMIS 534 Business Database Systems (3 credits)
MMIS 535 Strategic Management of Information Systems and Innovation (3 credits)

Organization and Human Resource Development (12 credits)

The Organization and Human Resource Development concentration is particularly appropriate for those interested in developing competencies in organizational change and learning organizations, or developing skills as a trainer.

Required Courses (12 credits to be selected)

MBUS 517 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
MBUS 521 Human Resource Management and Development (3 credits)
MBUS 524 Learning Organizations and Knowledge Management (3 credits)
MBUS 526 Organizational Change and Transformation (3 credits)
MBUS 531 Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Training Programs (3 credits)
MBUS 535 Negotiation and Persuasion (3 credits)

Project Management (12 credits)

The Project Management concentration provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of each stage of a business project. The concentration studies the conceptualization, planning, scheduling, evaluation, risk analysis, and control of a business project, and other key areas such as total quality management and leadership for projects. This concentration applies to an
array of business professionals, particularly project managers, supervisors, general and marketing managers, and other practitioners seeking to learn more about project management.

Required Courses (12 credits to be selected)

MBUS 516 Project Management (3 credits)
MBUS 526 Organizational Change and Transformation (3 credits)
MBUS 537 Contracting for Managers (3 credits)
MBUS 539 Project Evaluation (3 credits)
MBUS 546 Risk Management for Project Managers (3 credits)
MBUS 547 Quality Management for Projects (3 credits)

Note: A Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Project Management (24 credits) is available to those whose positions require the knowledge and skills provided by the concentration, but who do not wish to pursue the MBA. Information can be found in the Business and Information Science Certificates section.

Public Administration (12 credits)

The concentration in Public Administration is designed to provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for successful careers in public and nonprofit administration.

Required Courses (6 credits)

MBUS 527 Legal and Regulatory Environment of Public Administration (3 credits)
MBUS 584 Policy Development, Analysis, and Implementation (3 credits)

Elective Courses (6 credits to be selected)

ACCT 565 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting (3 credits)
MBUS 516 Project Management (3 credits)
MBUS 517 Organizational Behavior (3 credits)
MBUS 526 Organizational Change and Transformation (3 credits)
MBUS 528 Personnel Administration in the Public Sector (3 credits)
MBUS 535 Negotiation and Persuasion (3 credits)
MBUS 537 Contracting for Managers (3 credits)
MBUS 542 Intergovernmental Relations (3 credits)

Risk Management and Insurance (12 credits)

The Risk Management and Insurance concentration is designed for professionals in the insurance industry who have earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation or plan to do so and wish to also earn an MBA. This concentration requires a CPCU designation with a minimum of 12 CPCU credits recommended by the American Council
on Education (ACE) for graduate-level credit. In cases where the CPCU designation does not include 12 ACE-approved graduate credits, students may earn the remaining graduate credits to meet concentration requirements by taking MBA courses approved by the MBA program director either at 70the College or at another institution, or by taking additional CPCU courses approved by the MBA program director that carry ACE-recommended graduate level credit. More information on the CPCU designation can be obtained at www.aicpcu.org.