Bernadine Dykes, MBA Program Director
Halpin-Harrison Hall, Room 137, (540) 665-4572, bdykes@su.edu

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, the 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 may be 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 Master of Business Administration degree. In addition, the applicant must submit a detailed resume.

As soon as the graduate application and all required documents have been received, the director of the MBA program may contact you to arrange an interview, if necessary. The MBA Director will make a definitive recommendation on admission. The Director indicates which foundational courses are required, as well as which graduate courses, if any, may be accepted in transfer. The decision of the director is communicated to the applicant by the Office of Admissions.

Transfer Credit

A maximum of six credit hours may be transferred for credit from another institution. Transfer credit will be awarded only when all of the following conditions are met:

• The course is a graduate course at an AACSB International-accredited institution.
• If taken prior to admission to the School of Business, the course was taken within three years of admission.
• The student earned a minimum grade of “B-” in the course.
• The course is compatible with the MBA program at Shenandoah University. The student shall be responsible for providing a detailed description of each course (i.e., syllabus or catalog entry). The final determination of the transfer of credit at the time of admission will be made by the MBA Director.

Current students must obtain prior approval from the MBA Director to complete courses at other institutions; such approval for MBA core courses is to be given only in extenuating circumstances.

Degree Requirements

The following requirements must be met for the Master of Business Administration degree:

Successfully complete the outlined program (36 credit hours excluding any required foundation courses) 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 the 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 submitted online through Hornet Hub and must be submitted by the application deadline.

Course Load

Upon enrolling in the MBA program, 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 the permission of the Director of the MBA program.

Schedule of Classes

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. A part-time student generally attends classes two nights per week, while full-time students attend three or four nights per week.

In addition, the MBA program is offered in a weekend format. This is a 16-month program consisting of nine credit hours per academic term, not including any required foundational courses. Classes meet on alternating weekends from 6 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and from 8:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

The entire MBA program with foundation courses consists of 48 credit hours. For students with the appropriate undergraduate preparation, the foundational courses may be waived. The remaining 36 credits are required. The waiving of foundation courses is determined by the MBA Director of the School of Business. Students can ask to place out of a foundation course by providing evidence of successful completion (grade of “C” or better) of appropriate undergraduate coursework in the subject area within the previous 10 years or passing a placement exam. Requests to take a placement exam are made to the director of the MBA program.

Technology Requirements

All MBA students are required to have a laptop computer meeting the following minimum requirements:

• A working camera, microphone, and Internet connective capability that allows it to be used effectively during class
• Sufficient capability to allow students to effectively participate in interactive video sessions
• Free from serious disabilities, such as very limited battery life, or inability to run recently released common software

All MBA students are required to have access to a broadband Internet connection that is sufficient to allow them to participate in required elements of their instructional program. These elements include interactive video sessions and interaction with websites necessary to complete their program coursework.