Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MBA is an integrated graduate program focused on leadership, innovation and sustainability. Students master essential technical skills through the Value Chain of Business courses and gain in-depth understanding of the global context of business in the Foundations of Competitiveness courses. In addition, students take a series of Applied Skills and Leadership courses that are integrated based on a set of managerial competencies, skills and perspectives. A highlight of the MBA program is the International Experience, which requires that all MBA students participate in either a 10-14 day study abroad program or a Portland Metro-based international business experience during their MBA experience.
The MBA is designed to accommodate students with business and non-business undergraduate degrees and is best suited for those who have gained at least two years of industry experience prior to their admission date.
Students may elect to complete the MBA program in either the full-time or part-time evening format. Students are expected to progress through the program with their assigned cohort and follow the schedule of core courses. Both full-time and part-time students may complete optional certificates or other elective courses which are primarily offered during the evenings or online.
The goal of the MBA program is to develop highly effective managers and leaders. Students develop expertise in the technical areas of business, managerial competencies, and the ability to integrate technical expertise with managerial competencies to become effective leaders in organizations. This program seeks to produce future business leaders with an innovative spirit and a commitment to social, economic and environmental stewardship. The core coursework in the MBA program is grouped into three segments for a total of 62 credits: Foundations of Competitiveness, The Value Chain of Business, Applied Skills and Leadership, along with an International Experience.
Foundations of Competitiveness (16 credits)
These courses provide the student with a deepened understanding of the global and competitive challenges facing businesses today.
Courses
The Value Chain of Business (24 credits)
The value chain segment builds an integrated foundation of coursework and provides in-depth knowledge in applied skills related to accounting, finance, management, marketing, and operations.
Courses
Applied Skills & Leadership (22 credits)
In the MBA program, student's leadership skills are assessed and developed through integrated leadership courses, continuous attention to managerial competencies, skills and perspectives, and one-on-one leadership coaching. Students apply the technical business skills and leadership competencies gained through the MBA program in an intensive immersion experience midway through the program, and in a team-based consulting project with a regional organization.
Courses
| BA 521 | Leadership Development and Assessment | 2 |
| BA 522 | Communications for Leaders | 1 |
| BA 523 | Executive Perspectives on Leadership | 1 |
| BA 524 | Leadership Immersion | 1 |
| BA 525 | Capstone Consulting Project | 4 |
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| BA 526 | MBA International Experience | 4 |
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| BA 527 | MBA Domestic Business Experience | 4 |
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| BA 528 | MBA Culture Module | 1 |
| BA 529 | Building Effective Teams | 1 |
| BA 530 | Thought Leadership | 1 |
| Fin 517 | Corporate Governance | 2 |
| Mgmt 516 | Project Management | 2 |
| Mgmt 517 | Negotiations for Managers | 2 |
Certificates: Optional
See the MBA website for certificate options.
Waiver Policy
Students may be eligible for waiver of some required courses in the MBA program. A waiver is based upon the student holding an undergraduate degree (earned within the previous seven years) or an active license in the specific discipline for which the waiver is sought. Specifically, the following courses may be considered for waiver: Actg 511, Actg 513, Fin 515, Fin 516, Fin 517, ISQA 511 and Mgmt 512. A student can waive a maximum of 13 credit hours from the courses above only, thus reducing the required number of hours in the degree program. Students must apply for waivers during the summer prior to entering the program.
Finance Option
The Finance option offered in conjunction with the MBA creates an opportunity to develop a concentrated skill set within the finance area. This option provides students the skills to understand complex financial issues as well as experience in the application of financial tools that facilitate problem solving. Students must choose electives from the approved Finance option elective list.
International Experience
A highlight of our program is the International Experience (IE) required for all MBA students. The primary goal of the IE is to provide a first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges of competing in a global marketplace. The IE is also designed to enhance cultural knowledge and enhance students’ global mindsets in order to gain a global perspective. The IE requires either a 10- to 14-day immersion in a foreign country (BA 526) or a locally-based domestic business experience (BA 527) which may be available to students who petition for an approved exception to the international travel requirement. Students must complete at least their first year of the MBA core curriculum before participating in the IE or the domestic business experience.
Shared Master's Credits
Admitted students in good standing may apply to use shared master's credits between the MBA and MS GSCM degrees. It is recommended that students apply two terms before graduation from the first program. For details contact the academic director.