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WORDS FROM STUDENTS & FACULTY
“Getting an MBA was something that I always wanted to do. Now it's set me up for promotional advancement or a second career path.”
–Doug Hansen
USM MBA grad
View Video“It's a great opportunity for students who want to network. Having different careers and different companies because they talk about their business -- they talk about their positions. They share openly with others.”
–Elizabeth Garza-Lang
MBA Advisor & Faculty
“I learned from many different instructors with unique teaching styles and leadership techniques, which has helped me both professionally and personally.”
–Kenya Harp
USM MBA grad
View Video“It was very convenient... The location was excellent, and the accelerated courses made the pace just right for me.”
–Kristen Eismont
USM MBA grad
View Video“We have a small, very welcoming environment. Because classes are smaller, students get more individual attention, so they do well.”
–Pat Howard
Degree-Completion Advisor
View Video“Our staff is very focused on our students... They're great about figuring out what our students need.”
–Ron Logan
Business Dept. Chair
“The student-professor relationships are second to none. They do an excellent job instructing, and the class sizes are small so you get more out of it.”
–Wayne Hodges
USM MBA grad
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Overview
Curriculum- Course
Descriptions - Admission
Requirements - Graduation
Requirements
Faculty
FAQ's
Overview
The University of Saint Mary’s unrivaled MBA leads to hire opportunities and higher pay. In today’s business world, the MBA is rapidly becoming what the bachelor’s degree was a generation ago—a must-have for entry, advancement, and maximized earning potential.
In the University of Saint Mary accelerated Master of Business Administration program, you’ll learn business best from the best in the business. Our MBA faculty have decades of business expertise they will share with you in the classroom.
Choose from five accelerated MBA program concentrations:
- Health Care Management
- Finance
- Marketing and Advertising Management
- Human Resource Management
- General Management
Our MBA class sizes are small with an average of 8 to 10 students. You’ll network with fellow classmates from such Kansas City-area business heavyweights as Hallmark, Sprint, AT&T, Garmin, Cerner, General Electric, Daimler Chrysler, Providence Medical Center, and The Kansas City Star.
Flexible Scheduling
USM’s accelerated MBA Program is designed to meet the needs of busy individuals balancing work and family commitments.
We offer:
- Flexible course design
- Evening classes that meet one night a week
- Accelerated 8-week sessions
Terms begin six times a year in August, October, January, February, May, and June. You may start at any term.
And, you can complete your MBA in as little as one year.
Convenient Locations
The University of Saint Mary evening MBA program is available at the Overland Park Campus. You’ll park a few feet from the door in a well-lit, safe parking lot—and you’ll never pay a parking fee. You may also take MBA classes at our Kansas City, Kansas location at Providence Medical Center.
How You’ll Benefit
Our accelerated MBA will make you a better manager, leader, decision-maker, and problem-solver. Our program will let you:
- Expand your business knowledge and improve your managerial skills.
- Learn from professors with a powerful blend of academic knowledge and real-world business experience.
- Acquire a more diverse set of business skills to function effectively in your present position.
- Explore the moral and ethical responsibilities of business and how these commitments impact strategic as well as day-to-day decision making.
We recommend that you submit you application materials at least three weeks prior to the start of the term.
Apply Now! Request More Information
The University of Saint Mary has received specialized accreditation for its business and business-related programs (including the Master of Business Administration) through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), Olathe, Kansas.
Learn more about this specialized accreditation
Curriculum
The USM MBA program will make you an effective leader and manager. And, in keeping with our Catholic heritage, USM emphasizes the moral and ethical responsibilities of business and explores how they impact strategic—as well as day-to-day—decision making.
Chose from five concentrations to find the MBA that fits you best: Health Care Management, Finance, Marketing & Advertising Management, General Management, and Human Resources. Earn your MBA in as little as one year!
The USM MBA will teach you how to:
- Recognize critical, strategic, and organizational problems and make effective decisions to address them
- Evaluate and balance decisions based on competing demands within your business
- Understand the ethical and societal implications of business decisions and act accordingly
- Respond effectively to changing factors in the marketplace that affect the competitive position of your business
- Enhance your business’ strategic advantages
Flexible Scheduling
Classes are held Monday through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 9:50 p.m. Most classes meet once a week per term.
Terms begin in January, March, May, August, and October, and you can start at any term.
The MBA curriculum is sequenced to allow program completion in 24 months. Courses are taught year round on a regular rotation. Summer term courses, elective courses, and other selected courses may use alternative delivery methods.
Coursework
Core Courses:
- 701 — Organizational Management
- 704 — Marketing Management
- 708 — Human Resource Management
- 709 — Managerial Economics
- 711 — Managerial Accounting
- 712 — Managerial Finance
- 713 — Operations Management
- 714 — Global Management
- 795 — Business Policy and Ethics
The Finance Concentration requires you to choose three of the following courses:
- MGT 760 — Advanced Financial Topics
- MGT 765 — Current Financial Trends
- MGT 768 — Financial and Capital Issues
- MGT 769 — Financial Decisions
- MGT 784 — Money and Banking
The General Management Concentration requires any three of the following courses:
- MGT 731 — Management Information Systems
- MGT 738 — Advanced Marketing Concepts
- MGT 750 — Leadership
- MGT 751 — Project Management
- MGT 752 — Small Business Management
- MGT 772 — Competitive Decision-Making and Simulations
- Plus:
- Any Finance course
- Any Human Resource Management course
- Any Health Care Management course
- Any Marketing and Advertising course
The Health Care Management Concentration consists of the following three online courses:
- HCMGT 717 — Business Skills for Health Care Managers
- HCMGT 718 — Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care
- HCMGT 719 — Topics in Health Care Management
The Human Resources Concentration requires you to choose three of the following courses:
- MGT 724 — Legal and Ethical Environment of Business
- MGT 753 — Conflict Management and Negotiation
- MGT 757 — Training and Development
- MGT 762 — Work Styles and Generations in the Workplace
- MGT 774 — Organizational Change and Development
The Marketing & Advertising Management Concentration consists of the following three courses:
- MGT 747 — The Advertising Industry in the 21st Century
- MGT 748 — Buyer Behavior and Marketing Research
- MGT 749 — Advanced Marketing Strategy and Planning
Course Descriptions
All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted. View pop-up of the course rotation.
- MGT 701 Organizational Management
- MGT 704 Marketing Management
- MGT 708 Human Resource Management
- MGT 709 Managerial Economics
- MGT 711 Managerial Accounting
- MGT 712 Managerial Finance
- MGT 713 Operations Management
- MGT 714 Global Management
- MGT 724 Legal and Ethical Environments In Business
- MGT 731 Management Information Systems
- MGT 738 Advanced Marketing Concepts
- MGT 747 The Advertising Industry in the 21st Century
- MGT 748 Buyer Behavior and Marketing Research
- MGT 749 Advanced Marketing Strategy and Planning
- MGT 750 Leadership
- MGT 751 Project Management
- MGT 752 Small Business Management
- MGT 753 Conflict Management and Negotiation
- MGT 757 Training and Development
- MGT 760 Advanced Financial Topics
- MGT 762 Work Styles and Generations in the Workplace
- MGT 765 Current Financial Trends
- MGT 768 Financial and Capital Issues
- MGT 769 Financial Decisions
- MGT 774 Organizational Change and Development
- MGT 784 Money and Banking
- MGT 795 Business, Policy, and Ethics
- MGT 798 Special Topics
- HCMGT 417/717 Business Skills for the Health Care Manager
- HCMGT 418/718 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care
- HCMGT 419/719 Topics in Health Care Management
MGT 701 Organizational Management
Explores the role of the manager in organizational settings. In-depth focus and examination of social systems and their influence on the motivation of individuals, the effect on work outcomes, emergent leadership, and control of behavior in the work place. Also explores important concepts that help students understand and respond to the influences and forces affecting the behavior of individuals in the work place. Among the individual topics examined are (1) motivation, (2) self-concept, (3) interpersonal dynamics (4) conflict and resolution, (5) group dynamics, (6) leadership, and (7) change, as they arise and affect the behavior of people in the workplace. The course extensively utilizes case studies of people and groups in actual work situations to help students develop diagnostic and effective tools for exercising leadership and management.
MGT 704 Marketing Management
Discusses management of the marketing function, including the application of marketing concepts for identifying, developing, and meeting customer needs. Development of marketing relationships to other corporate functions, such as production, finance, and human resource functions, is stressed.
MGT 708 Human Resource Management
Focuses on key issues involving Human Resources that every manager is likely to face—staffing, compensation, performance management, and employee voice—and it takes the perspective of the general manager as opposed to the HR Manager. Special emphasis is placed on how human resource decisions are influenced by forces internal and external to the firm, including business strategy, global competition, technological change, unionization, workforce characteristics, and government regulation.
MGT 709 Managerial Economics
Examines the microeconomic principles which describe how consumers and businesses make consumption and production decisions and how the interaction of supply and demand in goods, labor, and capital markets determine prices. Business strategies under different market structures are identified and the role of government in correcting market failure is discussed. The macroeconomics environment in which businesses operates is examined, as are the fiscal, monetary, and international trade policies of government. Cases will be discussed to show how economic principles can be applied to actual business situations. Prerequisite: Completion of on-line primer if required.
MGT 711 Managerial Accounting
The course is directed toward the users of accounting information and provides them with an understanding of the relevance of accounting information in marketing, production, systems design, engineering, management, and other non-accounting activities. Managerial applications—actual practices that illustrate conceptual ideas—are stressed. Topics covered include an overview of managerial accounting, cost methods and systems used, concepts and methods for managerial decision-making, managerial planning, control, and internal performance evaluation. Non-manufacturing applications are stressed. Special topics, such as fraud, and ethical issues related to a variety of matters are also included. Prerequisite: Completion of on-line primer if required.
MGT 712 Managerial Finance
Focuses on understanding the importance of the finance function to the organization and the role of the manager in the finance function. Topics include the financial environment, goals of the firm, working capital management, the time value of money, valuation of securities, and capital budgeting. Institutions and mechanisms related to the original and continuing short-term and long-term financial needs of the firm are included. Prerequisite: Completion of on-line primer if required, and MGT 711 Managerial Accounting.
MGT 713 Operations Management
Focuses on the managerial decisions required to effectively manage the production and/or operations components of a firm. Elements of this course examine the planning, coordination, and executing of activities that lead to the creation and distribution of goods or services by the firm. The course integrates the concepts from other fields including cost dynamics, task analyses, various quantitative methods and industrial engineering. Specific topics explored are capacity planning, task and work flow analysis, manpower management, quality, scheduling, production planning and control, inventory management and customer service and/or assurance. This course develops and explores the concept of trade off analysis and links it to manufacturing/operations strategy and to corporate strategy.
MGT 714 Global Management
Investigates the problems and managerial skills required to meet organizational needs as firms become engaged in global business activities. Introduces the cultural, social, political, legal, ethical, and economic environments in which international business is conducted and their impact on the firm’s structure, organization, and management processes. Strategy of international business, trade, theory, global marketing, global human resource management, and other topics are also discussed. Examines the various aspects of globalization and how America and American business are impacted. Students should appreciate the complexities and challenges facing multinational corporations (MNC) operating in the diverse world environment. The course extensively utilized case studies of people, companies and countries in actual situations to help student develop diagnostic and effective tools for exercising leadership and management responsibilities. Prerequisite: MGT 704 Marketing Management, MGT 708 Human Resource Management, MGT 709 Managerial Economics, MGT 712 Managerial Finance.
MGT 724 Legal and Ethical Environments in Business
Focuses on issues of concern in light of the law, administration of the law, and ethics. Issues include topics such as grievance and confidentiality, environmental regulation, internal financial controls, human rights, etc. These issues are examined in conjunction with managerial decision-making requirements. Application of theory is through case analysis. Elective.
MGT 731 Management Information Systems
Assessment of the relations of information processing systems in the organization. Focuses on methods of integrating systems into daily operations for analyzing and representing data in forms useful for decision-making affecting the future of the firm. Elective.
MGT 738 Advanced Marketing Concepts
Provides an understanding of the role of marketing, including the planning processes and analytical tools and techniques used. Emphasizes the analytical and decision-making processes involved in formulating, implementing, and controlling a marketing program for a given product or market entry. Course includes such topics as customer, competitor, and environmental analysis, segmentation and target marketing, competitive positioning, and program implementation and control. Prerequisite: MGT 704 Marketing Management. Elective.
MGT 747 The Advertising Industry in the 21st Century
This course will address the complex management challenges involved with the key 21st Century issues in advertising including the new client service model, working with contract services, campaign planning, modern media and media planning, how to develop a “creative brief,” working with creative staff, and basic advertising production techniques. This is the basic course for success in the degree concentration. Prerequisite MGT 704 Marketing Management. Elective.
MGT 748 Buyer Behavior and Marketing Research
Understanding why and how a consumer decides to purchase a certain product, and what effect advertising has on the decision, is a key part of the marketing and advertising process. Insight into this process is garnered through the systematic collection of data through targeted marketing research. A comprehensive understanding of the consumer and consumer preferences can only be gained through the application of targeted consumer research. This course will explore both sides of the equation: what makes a consumer buy and how do we determine their buying style, likes and dislikes, and brand preference. Prerequisite: MGT 704 Marketing Management, MGT 747 The Advertising Industry in the 21st Century. Elective.
MGT 749 Advanced Marketing Strategy and Planning
The advertising plan is a critical part of the overall marketing plan for most products. Proper utilization of the “four Ps” of the marketing mix in the formulation of strategy will determine the future effectiveness of a campaign. This course deals with how integrated marketing communication, through targeted strategic planning, will help insure success of all of the key elements of an advertising campaign. This course will also cover the use of social media in the advertising process and how critical the message strategy, related to the creative execution, is to the overall success of the marketing and advertising effort. Prerequisite: MGT 704 Marketing Management, MGT 747 The Advertising Industry in the 21st Century, MGT 748 Buyer Behavior and Marketing Research. Elective.
MGT 750 Leadership
Focuses on the role of leaders in creating the vision necessary to change firm structures, motivate people, improve performance and position the company for the challenges of the future. The course will engage participants in identifying both good and poor leadership characteristics with an emphasis on cases, examples and relation to the participant’s experience. Participants will be challenged to access themselves as leaders and to identify traits necessary to improve their skills. Leadership will be analyzed and reflected through problems, observation, readings, case analysis, and examples from culture. Elective.
MGT 751 Project Management
Project management is the process and skill required to manage complex, non-routine, one-time undertakings. Project management is essential to the firm to fuel the process of change. In addition, project management contributes to the strategic goals of the organization by introducing incremental change to meet those goals while allowing the business to continue to serve clients. Important topics will include the process of selecting projects that best support organizational goals, and the technical and managerial processes to complete those goals. Specific skills required include work structuring, budgeting, resource allocation and performance measurement and control. The course will also explore the organizational and behavioral issues involved in managing projects. Elective.
MGT 752 Small Business Management
Upon successful completion, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of various management and entrepreneurial techniques vital to the small business operation. The student should be able to apply certain decision-making and problem solving skills toward the goal attainment of owning and operating a small business venture. The start-up and the continuous operation will be explored. Elective.
MGT 753 Conflict Management and Negotiation
This course is designed to explore the way that power is used in conflict situations. Students will explore ways to make conflict a creative rather than a negative experience. Methods of conflict resolution will be practiced through simulation of role playing, case analysis and resolution and assignments. This experience will give the students an insight into human behavior. It will allow the student to gain experience and confidence in negotiation, managing workplace conflict, leading group decision making and facilitating processes with teams and individuals. Conflict will be discussed, dissected, and analyzed in the micro (person to person) and macro (larger system) to develop a competency through knowledge, skill and attitude. Elective.
MGT 757 Training and Development
This course is intended to provide a comprehensive review of concepts and techniques as they relate to Training and Development functions in an organization. Concepts include Needs Assessment, Learning Theories and Program Design, Training Methods and Evaluation, E-Learning, and Employee Development. Prerequisite MGT 708 Human Resource Management. Elective.
MGT 760 Advanced Financial Topics
This course offers the opportunity to focus on other financial issues facing managers in an increasingly savvy marketplace. The course combines discussion, extensive reading and lecture with several projects suited to demonstrate mastery of the topics included in the course. Prerequisite MGT 712 Managerial Finance, MGT 768.Financial and Capital Issues. Elective.
MGT 762 Work Styles and Generations in the Workplace
There are three parts to this class, all with an emphasis on developing better leadership, interpersonal skills, and human relations skills while working with managers, peers, and/or subordinates; 1) Learning about generations in the workplace, 2) Emotional intelligence, and 3) Work/learning styles. Elective.
MGT 765 Current Financial Trends
This course will cover the spectacular 2008 financial meltdown that, according to some, took this nation to the brink of repeating the Great Depression. An examination of what led up to the financial crisis including discussions about the mortgage industry and changes in financial markets. A review of the policy changes that have been or are likely to be enacted in response to this crisis will be made. Prerequisite: MGT 712 Managerial Finance.
MGT 768 Financial and Capital Issues
Integrates capital structure and corporate financial decisions with corporate strategy. Broad topics include financial markets and instruments, valuing financial assets, valuing real assets, capital structure, incentives, information and corporate control and risk management. Within these broad topics, subtopics include the allocation of capital for real investment, financing the firm, knowing whether and how to hedge risk, and allocating funds for financial investments. Prerequisite: MGT 712 Managerial Finance. Elective.
MGT 769 Financial Decisions
This course focuses on the application of graduate level financial concepts through case studies to solve financial problems. The course will emphasize additional funds needed, future growth, appropriate capital structure, cash flow issues and others. Prerequisite MGT 712 Managerial Finance, MGT 768 Financial and Capital Issues. Elective.
MGT 774 Organizational Change and Development
The primary focus of this course is organizational development, the management discipline aimed at improving organizational effectiveness. Students will study organizational change including the concept of planning change. The student will discover the basic roles and styles of the OD practitioner, resistance to organizational change and how to overcome it. Elective.
MGT 784 Money and Banking
This course will examine the roles of Money, Financial Markets, and Banking in the U.S. financial and economic systems. Attention will also be given to the regulatory framework governing commercial banking and the role of central banks in influencing monetary expansion including monetary tools at their disposal. The course will also include an abbreviated look at the economic crisis facing the United States that being in 2008. Prerequisite: MGT 712 Managerial Finance. Elective.
MGT 795 Business, Policy, and Ethics
An integrated examination of business management focusing on the application, analysis and synthesis of business and management problems and issues at the executive level. Develops a perspective of the organization as a whole adapting to its internal and external (primarily competitive and market) environments. The course explores the means by which overall direction and strategy of the organization is established and implemented. Explicit examination is given to the responsibilities, skills and perspectives required of executives in the organization. The course also examines ethical and corporate social responsibility issues and the trade-offs that must be assessed and made between these issues and other strategic requirements. Most students will submit the required final assessment during this course. This course is the capstone course of the MBA program and is recommended to be taken at the end of your program.
MGT 798 Special Topics
A didactic course that addresses a current topic.
HCMGT 417/717 Business Skills for the Health Care Manager
Introduces the student to the key concepts of management including organizing, planning, directing human resources, and controlling systems to obtain desired results. Topics include budgeting, human resources administration, the use of technology in management, the role of strategic management in leading organizational growth and development. Elective.
HCMGT 418/718 Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care
Introduces the major ethical theories and principles needed to evaluate current legal and ethical issues. Students explore nursing and health care issues such as patient rights, withdrawing life support, promoting client autonomy, business ethics and the legal responsibilities of health care organizations. Students evaluate varied perspectives and develop a reasoned analysis of current topics. Elective.
HCMGT 419/719 Topics in Health Care Management
Focuses on the professional, socio-cultural, economic, and political forces exerting pressure on the current health care system. Emphasis is placed on current issues in health care such as growing demand, the increased use of technology, the changing role of government, and the shortage of trained professionals in many health care fields. Elective.
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Those without a business background must complete the prerequisites noted below
- Completed application and $25 application fee
- Official transcripts from the school where you completed your bachelor’s degree
- Minimum grade point average of 2.75 (on a scale of 4.0). For certain lower GPAs, admission on a probationary status may be approved by the business department chair
- An interview with the associate director of the MBA program
Prerequisites
For students not having an academic business background, there are as many as three online prerequisite courses required:
- MGT 734 Financial Accounting Primer
- MGT 726 Finance Primer
- MGT 737 Managerial Economics Primer
Primer courses are available at Thompson South-Western Publishing at www.mbaprimer.com. Students will need to complete the primer course on a self-directed basis prior to taking the relevant class and will be required to send a formal notice of completion to the business coordinator.
Transferring Credits
You can request to transfer up to nine graduate credit hours (three courses), provided they are substantially equivalent to USM graduate courses. The university reserves the right to determine if the courses are substantially equivalent. Credit hours for MGT 795, Business Policy and Ethics, may not be transferred into the program.
Graduation Requirements
At USM, you have your choice of five concentrations in our MBA program: Health Care Management, Finance, Marketing & Advertising Management, General Management, and Human Resources. You can earn your MBA in as little as one year.
Key features
- 36 credit hours to complete degree, consisting of 9 core courses (27 hours) and 9 credit hours of electives
- All courses are three credit hours, unless otherwise noted
- The MBA curriculum is sequenced to allow program completion in 24 months. Courses are taught year round on a regular rotation. Summer term courses, elective courses, and other selected courses may use alternative delivery methods.
- The MBA program can be completed in two years if you’re taking one class per term during each of the two annual summer terms, Summer I and Summer II. The MBA program can be completed in one year if you chose to take two classes per term during the summer sessions.
Faculty
Program Advisor
(913) 319-3011
Garza-LangE@stmary.edu
B.S.B.A., Rockhurst University; M.S. Kansas State University
Elizabeth Garza-Lang teaches a variety of courses in both the MBA and degree-completion programs. She’s associate director of business programs and an assistant professor. Elizabeth has over 20 years of real-world experience with for-profit and non-profit organizations including the Kansas City, Mo., School District, Saint Luke’s Hospital, and DCI Management.
Rich Cofer, Jr., Business
B.S., Rockhurst University; M.B.A.., University of Missouri-Kansas City
James Cox, Business
B.A., University of Missouri — Kansas City; M.A. University of Kansas., M.B.A.,
University of Saint Mary
Edward D. Culliton, Business
B.A., University of Northern Iowa; Executive M.B.A., Benedictine University
Leo Dela Pasion, Business
B.S., University of Kansas; M.B.A., Baker University
Tracie Folscroft, Business
B.S., Kansas State University; M.B.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Melody Freeman, Business
B.S., University of Saint Mary; M.B.A., University of Saint Mary
Kiva Gates, Business
B.A., Howard University; M.B.A. University of Missouri-Kansas City
Kevin Growney, Jr., Business
B.S., University of Kansas; M.B.A, Indiana University
Richard Gunter, Business
B.S.B.A., Central Michigan University; M.B.A., Mid-American Nazarene
University
Geoffrey Heathcock, Business
B.A., California State University; M.B.A., Golden Gate University
Robert F. Higney Jr., Business
B.S., Rockhurst University; M.B.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Shawn Kane, Business
B.S., Kansas State University; M.B.A., University of Phoenix
Donald Lennard, Business
B.S., Truman State University; M.B.A., Avila University
Leonard W. Little, Business
B.S., University of Missouri-Kansas City; M.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City
Bruce McFarland, Business
B.S., Culver-Stockton College; M.A., Central Michigan University; M.B.A., University of Saint Mary
Patrick Smith, Business
B.A., Rockhurst University; M.B.A., Drury College; J.D., University of Missouri-
Kansas City
Dan Speir, Business
B.A., University of Missouri-Kansas City; M.A., University of Missouri-
Kansas City; J.D. University of Missouri-Kansas City
John Swainston, Business
B.A., California State University East Bay; M.B.A., Webster University
Winifred L. Williams, Business
B.S., Auburn University; M.A., Auburn University; Ph.D., Capella University
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I start the program?
- How long does it take to complete the degree?
- How long before starting the program do I need to apply?
- If I didn’t allow 4-6 weeks to complete the application process, can I still start the program?
- It has been more than 10 years since I last went to school. Do you think that I can still do the work?
- My GPA from college was not very good. Can I still be admitted to this program?
- I understand the cost per credit hour, but how do I get my books and how much are they going to cost?
- Once I have been accepted, what do I need to do next?
- What is a pre-assignment?
- Who can I talk to about the specifics of the MBA program?
When can I start the MBA program?
Students typically start in August and January, but it is possible to begin with terms starting in October, February, May, or June.
How long does it take to complete the degree?
The MBA program can be completed in two years if students take one class per term during each of the two annual summer terms, Summer I and Summer II. The MBA program can be completed in one year if the student chooses to take two classes per term during the summer sessions.
How long before starting the program should I apply?
It is recommended that you start the process 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the desired term. Generally, the most time intensive part of the application process is receiving transcripts from all colleges or universities you attended. Please allow up to three weeks for USM to receive the transcripts from the time you submit your request. You must also fill out an application form. Additionally, if you need financial aid, allow 2-4 weeks for that process to be completed. You also need to order your books online, and complete the pre-assignment before the first night of classes. It is recommended that you start the process 4-6 weeks prior to the start of your desired term.
If I didn’t allow 4-6 weeks to complete the application process, can I still start the program?
It depends. It is possible to be conditionally admitted or to get enrolled in the next term, but you may not qualify for financial aid. If you are paying the tuition yourself or if you receive tuition reimbursement from your employer and they have no restrictions about your “student status” (be sure to verify their policy with them), then you get in the class. Otherwise, we recommend that you talk to us to see if there is another way to meet the transcript requirement temporarily, until the certified transcript arrives.
It has been more than 10 years since I last went to school. Do you think that I can still do the work?
If you could do it then, we would expect that you can still do it now. However, it is possible that your study skills may have deteriorated a bit since you were last in college. So, at least in the beginning, it might be necessary for you to devote more time than you used to for class preparation, projects, and homework. While the last minute is frequently a strong motivator, the depth and complexity of graduate level assignments and the nature of group work reduces the effectiveness of undergraduate procrastination.
My GPA from college was not very good. Can I still be admitted to this program?
If your GPA is 2.75 or higher, you are eligible to be admitted as a regular student. If your GPA is a 2.0 through 2.74, then you may be admitted as a student on probation status. Consultation with the associate director of the MBA program and the approval of the chairman of the business department is required. Removal of the probationary status requires that you receive at least a B in your first two three-hour classes.
I understand the cost per credit hour, but how do I get my books and how much are they going to cost?
Generally, books cost $75-$100 per term. The university has arranged for you to order your books through our online bookstore. You can then proceed to select your class electronically (make sure that the letters after the course number are exact matches) and proceed to the checkout. Students say that it generally takes two or three days to receive the books. MBS Direct will buy back most textbooks at the end of the semester and provide a return shipping label to send the books back.
Once I have been accepted, what do I need to do next?
- Call and arrange to meet with your academic advisor to select appropriate classes
- Visit the Overland Park Campus to complete a registration form and work with the admissions counselor on your financial aid
- Order your books from mbsDirect.net
- Obtain and complete your pre-assignment from eSpire on our website
- Come to class on the appropriate night.
What is a pre-assignment?
Since most classes are delivered on an accelerated 8-week basis, it is necessary to come to the first class prepared to participate in the discussion, having read and completed the designated chapters, problems, or other assignments.
Who can I talk to about the specifics of the MBA program?
Elizabeth Garza-Lang
Associate Director of Business Programs
(913) 319-3011
Garza-LangE@stmary.edu