Michael Magro, MBA Program Director
Halpin-Harrison Hall, Room 211; (540) 535-3537; mmagro@su.edu
The MBA Essentials Certificate is a 15 credit-hour program designed for individuals who possess an undergraduate degree and are seeking further training in business but are unable to commit to the completion of a full MBA. The program is constructed so that its coursework will be useful to any student who may later decide to complete his/her MBA. The coursework for the MBA Essentials Certificate consists of the MBA Foundation courses ACCT 501 , FIN 502 , ECN 501 , MKT 502 , QM 502 and QM 504 as well as BUS 509 Business Applications , in which the principles introduced in the MBA Foundation courses are further developed, applied and integrated using the case study method. Admission to this program involves the same process and requirements as admission to the MBA program. BUS 509 Business Applications and at least 6 credit hours of the foundations courses must be completed at the Byrd School of Business with the student maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and receiving a grade of “C” or lower in no more than one course.
Specialized Admissions Requirements
The certificate is available to all graduate students from Shenandoah University. It is also available to the general public, in which case a bachelor’s degree is required. Institution requirements can be found below.
Admission Process
The minimum requirement for admission to the MBA program at Shenandoah University is a bachelor’s degree in any field of study from a regionally or, in the case of international students, nationally accredited institution. Students applying from non-accredited institutions will be required to demonstrate that their academic preparation is equivalent to that obtained from an accredited institution. Other factors involved in the admission decision include one’s professional attainment, potential for growth and cumulative grade point average in undergraduate and graduate studies.
Deadlines for applications are as follows. In order to be fully considered, applicants are strongly encouraged to supply all required documents to the admissions office by the designated deadlines:
- Fall admission: May 1st (International Applicants – April 15th)
- Spring admission: November 1st (International Applicants – October 15th)
- Summer admission: March 1st (International Applicants – February 15th)
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to submit a completed Graduate Application for Admission with the required $30 fee.
International students are required to submit the International Application for Admission with the required $30 fee.
Applicants are required to provide official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended.
Applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation from former professors or business colleagues who can attest to the applicant’s ability to successfully pursue graduate study in business administration.
Applicants are required to provide a brief narrative (2 or 3 pages) of one’s career, professional development and professional goals as they relate to the completion of the MBA Essentials Certificate. In addition, the applicant must submit a detailed resume.
As soon as the graduate application and all required documents have been received, an interview with the director of the MBA program is arranged, after which the Graduate Admissions Committee of the Harry F. Byrd, Jr. School of Business makes the definitive recommendation on admission. The committee indicates which graduate courses, if any, may be accepted in transfer. The decision of the committee is communicated to the applicant by the Office of Admissions.
Degree Requirements
The following requirements must be met for the MBA Essentials Certificate:
- Successfully complete the outlined program (15 credit hours) as identified by the student’s advisor. Not more than six credit hours of coursework graded “C” may be included in the outlined program.
- Attain at least a 3.0 grade point average in total work attempted in the MBA program. A student who receives a grade of “F” may be dismissed from the program.
- Complete all degree requirements within five calendar years of initial registration of the outlined program. Students who take more than two years to complete the program and have had graduate credit transferred from another institution may have that transfer credit removed if it falls outside of the five-year time frame for the completion of the degree.
Graduation
The graduation application can be obtained online and must be completed by the application deadline.
Course Load
Upon enrolling in the MBA Essentials Certificate, the student meets with his/her student advisor to develop a plan of study for the completion of the degree program. Part-time students normally take six credit hours per academic term, while full-time students take nine credit hours. Other course options will be considered; however, any variation from the stated program will require permission of the director of the MBA program.
Schedule of Classes
Six credits of foundations are offered in the fall and spring terms. Evening classes are held four nights a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. or 6:30 to 9 p.m. The academic year consists of two semesters and a summer session. All 12 foundation credits are offered online in the summer semester.
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