Business Administration (MBA) & Information Technology (MSIT) Dual

The accelerated MBA allows students from any major to use MBA classes towards upper-level undergraduate coursework. Students participating in the MBA Accelerated Pathway should meet the following qualifications:

• Must be a Commonwealth University student
• At least junior or senior Status
• Any Major
• 3.0 GPA or Above
• Complete the MBA Graduate Admissions Application
• If accepted, students will be enrolled as provisional admission.

Provisional admission: Students participating in the Accelerated MBA Pathway will need to maintain the following while participating in the program:

• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Graduate with an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Achieve a B+ or higher in MBA courses taken

Coursework Details

• Business Students: MBA graduate courses may be used in exchange for undergraduate courses within the Zeigler College of Business. Up to 4 MBA graduate courses can be applied to undergraduate courses with the approval of the advisor, department chair, program coordinator, and dean. These courses can be existing undergraduate business courses or electives. This assessment will be through a collaborative case-by-case process.
• Non-Business Students: With the permission of their advisor, department chair, MBA program coordinator, and business dean, majors outside of the Zeigler College of Business may enroll in up to 4 MBA graduate courses. These courses may be applied at the discretion of their program and college, for example, undergraduate electives.
• Performance: Students enrolling in the Accelerated MBA Pathway must meet the MBA program's expectations and complete the required courses that lead to the award of an MBA degree. If a student's cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 or a letter grade below B+ is received, an assessment will be conducted between the MBA Coordinator and advisor, potentially leading to the removal from the program.
• Students have an opportunity to take a second concentration and would require 9-credits for the chosen concentration.

The Fast-Track MBA program allows students to complete their MBA in three semesters, taking four courses in the fall, four courses in the spring, and four courses in the summer to complete their degree. Each semester includes a concentration course specific to the student’s chosen track.

Fall Semester

• MGMT 581 - Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 credits)
• ACCT 511 - Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
• INFT 520 - Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
• Concentration Course #1* (3 credits)

Spring Semester

• FIN 535 - Financial Management (3 credits)
• MGMT 584 - Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 credits)
• MKTG 510 - Marketing Foundation for the Digital Age (3 credits)
• Concentration Class #2* (3 credits)

Summer Semester

• LAW 550 - Law, Ethics, and Public Policy (3 credits)
• INFT 572 - Strategic Information and Technology Management (3 credits)
• MGMT 592 - MBA Practicum (3 credits)
• Concentration Class #3* (3 credits)

MBA 500 - Outcomes Assessment (N/C) - To be taken the student's final semester in the MBA program.

*Concentration Degree Requirements

The Professional MBA program allows students to complete their MBA at their own speed. It is recommended over the course of two years, with 6 credits taken each semester.

Year One

Fall Semester

• MGMT 581 - Principled Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development (3 credits)
• ACCT 511 - Financial and Managerial Accounting (3 credits)

Spring Semester

• FIN 535 - Financial Management (3 credits)
• MKT 510 - Marketing Foundations for the Digital Age (3 credits)

Summer Session

• LAWL 550 - Law Ethics and Public Policy (3 credits)
• INFT 572 - Strategic Information and Technology Management (3 credits)

Year Two

Fall Semester

• INFT 520 - Business Intelligence and Analytics (3 credits)
• Concentration Class #1* (3 credits)

Spring Semester

• MGMT 584 - Operations and Supply Chain Management (3 credits)
• Concentration Class #2* (3 credits)

Summer Semester

• MGMT 592 - MBA Practicum (3 credits)
• Concentration Class #3* (3 credits)

MBA 500 - Outcomes Assessment (N/C)

*Concentration Degree Requirements

Concentration Requirements (9 credits)

Accounting Concentration

Focuses on advanced accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, and auditing. It’s designed for those looking to delve deeper into the complexities of financial documentation and compliance.

• ACCT 525 - Data Analytics for Accounting
• ACCT 551 - International Accounting
• ACCT 552 - Controllership

Analytics Concentration

Analyzing data to drive business decisions is increasingly crucial. This concentration covers data mining, statistical analysis, and predictive modeling. It’s perfect for those interested in a career as a data scientist, business analyst, or any role requiring strong analytical skills.

• INFT 510 - Business Application Development, Programming, and Evaluation
• INFT 530 - Enterprise Architectures and Cybersecurity
• INFT 522 - Data Analytics for Business Strategy

Healthcare Management

Targets the unique challenges of the healthcare industry, including hospital administration, healthcare policies, and patient care management. It’s ideal for those aiming to hold leadership positions in hospitals, clinics, or healthcare organizations.

• INFT 568 - Healthcare Informatics
• INFT 577 - Healthcare Analytics
• Special Topics in Healthcare Management

Leadership and Human Resources

This concentration is about managing people and organizations effectively. It includes courses in leadership theory, organizational behavior, and strategic HR management, preparing graduates for roles in executive leadership and HR departments.

• MGMT 580 - Managing People in Organizations
• MGMT 593 - Strategic Management
• MGMT 583 - Human Resource Skills for Managers

Marketing Concentration

Focuses on understanding and leveraging consumer behavior, data analytics, and market research to create effective campaigns and strategies. It covers areas such as brand management, digital marketing, sales strategies, and product development.

• MKT 530 - Behavioral Insights
• MKT 551 - Marketing Management
• MKT 552 - Marketing Research and Analytics

Strategic Global Decisions Concentration

Designed for those looking to understand the complex dynamics of international business. It encompasses strategic planning, global supply chain management, international finance, and cross-cultural management.

• MGMT 582 - Global Business Management
• MGMT 590 - Managerial Decision-Making
• MGMT 593 - Strategic Management

Build Your Own Option*

This unique option allows you the flexibility to tailor your MBA experience by selecting courses that align with your personal and professional goals. It empowers you to diversify your skill-set across various disciplines, ideal for those seeking a broad knowledge base.

• Elective
• Elective
• Elective

*This option allows you to pursue the MBA without a concentration and the flexibility to choose your electives.

Degree Requirements Degree Works

Note: Degree requirements effective for enrolled students beginning Fall 2023. All enrolled students, including matriculating students prior to Fall 2023, can review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion with our degree audit and advisement tool, Degree Works.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the dual MBA/MSIT program will achieve the combined learning outcomes of both the Master of Business Administration and the Master of Science in Information Technology programs.

Upon completion of the dual degree, students will be able to:

MBA Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate leadership emergence through the development of critical characteristics and group collaboration toward shared goals.
2. Exhibit cultural literacy and act as agents of change in diverse cultural and organizational contexts.
3. Identify and pursue opportunities for business innovation and value creation.
4. Apply adaptable managerial techniques to solve complex problems effectively.
5. Utilize data and systems thinking to assess and resolve issues across functional areas of business.

MSIT Program Outcomes

1. Apply technology solutions to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
2. Implement IT best practices supported by industry metrics and principles.
3. Monitor and manage information systems to assure quality, security, and strategic value.
4. Develop management and communication skills for building and leading global IT project teams.

Program Admissions

There is a rolling admission process, so applications are accepted year-round. Students can be admitted to start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters. The program admits students based on an evaluation of past academic achievement, aptitude for advanced study, professional accomplishments, and motivation to succeed.

Complete applications include the following items:

• Official transcripts from an accredited academic institution indicating an earned baccalaureate degree.
• Official transcripts from all institutions where the applicant earned undergraduate or graduate college credit must be provided. Degrees earned from non-United States universities will be judged individually.
• Two letters of recommendation.
• A current resume.
• GMAT or GRE: Waivers are granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
• A statement of career goals.

International applicants whose native language is not English must provide official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score within the prior year as well as current evidence of financial capability. International applications must be complete at least four months prior to the start of the semester of application. A translation of transcripts to a GPA on a 4.0 scale is required.

• Q: Do I need a degree in business to be admitted?
  A: No! Whether you studied communications, psychology, education, or business — our MBA can enhance the skills you already have and prepare you for a leadership role in your field.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: Courses are offered 100% online. You can start in the Fall, Spring, or Summer semesters.
• Q: How long does it take to complete the program?
  A: You can choose to take courses on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time students may be able to finish the program in just one year; part-time students finish at their own pace.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT to gain admission?
  A: GRE and GMAT waivers are granted after evaluating an academic GPA above 2.5.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.