Academic Programs Catalog

The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) full-time, two-year degree program is designed to prepare students for management and leadership roles in global business organizations, from entry–level management positions to top executive roles.  Specifically, the program is designed to create an understanding of the strategic positioning of the firm, its value chain, and how business activities contribute to the firm's total performance; to develop critical leadership and business analysis skills; and to build a high level of competence across all business functions plus deep knowledge in at least one discipline to prepare the student for a successful career in business.

Full-time M.B.A. students must select a concentration from business analytics, finance, human resource and strategic management, marketing, or supply chain management. They have flexibility to choose preferred elective course work to support their career goals such as risk management, talent development, insights and analytics, product and services innovation, consulting, entrepreneurship, global business, leadership and strategy, and strategic performance management, or any of the approved concentrations. Courses for joint program degrees must be approved by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. Program. Courses from other colleges may also be used with the approval of the Director of the full-time M.B.A. Program.

Only Plan B (without thesis) is available to students who are enrolled in the M.B.A. degree programs.

For information about the Master of Business Administration degree program with a major in Integrative Management offered on weekends for fully-employed professionals, refer to the Master of Business Administration Degree:  Program in Integrative Management statement.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

The full-time M.B.A. program normally extends over 21 months and consists of two fall and spring semesters and an enrichment experience during the intervening summer. Applicants are admitted to the program for fall semester only. 

A strong education in any field is good preparation for graduate study in business administration. Prior academic work in business is helpful, but not required. Students with undergraduate degrees in the sciences, engineering, economics, and the liberal arts are encouraged to apply.  Two or more years of work experience after completing a bachelor's degree is strongly recommended.

To be considered for admission to the full-time M.B.A. program, an applicant must:

1. Submit to the Director of the full-time M.B.A. Program a completed full-time M.B.A. application packet that is available at www.mba.broad.msu.edu.
2. Take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and have the scores submitted to the Broad School. The test must be taken not more than five years prior to the submission of the application for admission to the program. Equivalents may be considered with the approval of the Director of Admissions.
3. Complete the required personal interview with a representative of the full-time M.B.A. Program Office.

Minimum standards for admission are:

1. A bachelor's degree from a recognized educational institution.
2. An academic record equivalent to at least 3.00 (B) in the last two years of undergraduate work.
3. Scores on the GMAT that reflect  a general aptitude for success in graduate study.
4. Personal attributes such as demonstrated management potential and maturity.
5. Personal qualifications of sound character, intellectual curiosity,  perseverance, and a drive to succeed.

Admission to the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum standards listed above does not guarantee admission. Although all of the above minimum standards must normally be met, the applicant's overall record is considered.

Each full-time M.B.A. student is required to have a personal laptop computer with a minimum configuration approved by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. Program.

Students who are admitted to the full-time M.B.A. program must participate in a non-credit orientation program designed to prepare students for success in the team-based management education program and curriculum.

Requirements for the Master of Business Administration Degree

1. Complete 61 credits including:
   1. All required core courses which include courses in the following functional and critical skill areas: accounting, business communication, career management, economics, finance, management, marketing, statistics, and supply chain management. 

      MBA	802	Financial Accounting and Reporting Strategy							1.5
      MBA	804	Applied Data Analysis for Managers							1.5
      MBA	808	Leadership and Teamwork							1
      MBA	812	Accounting for Decision-Making and Control							1.5
      MBA	814	Applied Economics							1.5
      MBA	816	Managerial Communication Strategy and Tactics							1.5
      MBA	817	Designing and Delivering Impactful Business Presentations							1.5
      MBA	820	Marketing Management							3
      MBA	821	Introduction to Supply Chain Management Concepts							3
      MBA	822	Corporate Investment Decisions							3
      MBA	823	Information Technology Strategy							1.5
      MBA	824	Managing the Workforce							1.5
      MBA	843	Career Management							1
      MBA	845	Integrative Action Projects							4
      MBA	846	Executive Lecture Series							1 to 2
      MBA	850	Strategic Management							1.5

   2. A concentration in business analytics, finance, human resource and strategic management, marketing, or supply chain management (12 credits) or other approved concentration approved by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. program. Students may take two concentrations if their schedule permits.
   3. At least 3 credits of international business selected from courses approved by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. program.
2. Students may use remaining elective credits to design an academic program to support their professional goals using courses across the business college disciplines. Students may select electives outside the college with the approval of the Director of the full-time M.B.A. program. Exceptions must be approved by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. program.
3. Enrichment Experience
   Each student is required to participate in an enrichment experience approved by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. Program. Generally, the student participates in the enrichment experience during the summer between the first and second years of the program.  The enrichment experience may involve a domestic or international internship, intensive foreign language study, an international or domestic study trip, a field or consulting project, or an approved graduate assistantship.  Some of these options may involve additional costs to the student and may be able to accommodate only a limited number of students. 

Academic Standards

Students are expected to (1) maintain a minimum grade–point average of 3.00 each semester, (2) maintain a minimum cumulative grade–point average of 3.00, and (3) complete all courses listed on the Candidacy Form. A student's academic progress is monitored by the Director of the full-time M.B.A. Program. A policy statement containing additional information relative to academic standards is available from the Director.

A student who does not maintain a cumulative 3.00 grade–point average will be placed on final probation. Such a student will be given the next semester of enrollment to achieve a cumulative 3.00 grade–point average; otherwise, dismissal from the program will result.

Transfer Credits

For a student who is pursuing a full-time M.B.A. degree from MSU jointly with a Juris Doctor degree from the Michigan State University - College of Law, a maximum of 12 credits from the Michigan State University College of Law may be transferred to the full-time M.B.A. degree program.

For a student who is pursuing a full-time M.B.A. degree from MSU jointly with a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Michigan State University - College of Human Medicine, a maximum of 12 credits from the MSU College of Human Medicine may be transferred to the full-time M.B.A. degree program.

For a student who is pursuing a full-time M.B.A. degree from MSU jointly with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree from Michigan State University - College of Osteopathic Medicine, a maximum of 12 credits from the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine may be transferred to the full-time M.B.A. degree program.
 

The M.B.A. degree program with a major in integrative management extends over 20 months and consists of five semesters of course work. Included within these semesters are two residency sessions, with the majority of course work scheduled on alternating weekends, Friday evenings and Saturdays. Students are admitted to the program for fall semester only, and are required to complete the required courses in a defined sequence with the other members of their class cohort.

The program in integrative management is designed for professionals who meet the admission requirements and want to advance in their careers without interrupting their full–time employment to pursue graduate study.  The objective of the program is to prepare graduates to be successful organizational leaders who are able to make sound business decisions based on integrating information across the various business disciplines and to effectively manage businesses in an evolving global environment.  The integrative theme is carried out through the coordination of course modules, through in–depth analyses of organizations and by team efforts that require cross–functional perspectives and build on peer strengths.

In addition to the requirements of the university, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Business Administration Program in Integrative Management, an applicant must:

1. Be employed full–time in a managerial position and/or have demonstrated potential for career advancement and leadership in the public or private sector.
2. Be recommended for acceptance into the program by two or more professional colleagues.
3. Have a bachelor's degree from a recognized educational institution. The educational institution, academic program, and academic record are considered.
4. Have a general aptitude for graduate study or meet experiential or advanced degree requirements. Other relevant indicators of academic success and significant managerial experience may also be considered.
5. Have significant work experience that will enhance contributions to the team and the program. Have personal attributes such as demonstrated management potential and maturity, leadership qualities, intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and a drive to succeed.
6. Have personal attributes such as demonstrated management potential and maturity, leadership qualities, intellectual curiosity, perseverance, and a drive to succeed.
7. Successfully complete an interview where professional goals are articulated and how the program will contribute to personal success.

Admission to the program is competitive, and meeting the minimum standards listed above does not guarantee admission to the program.

Prior to enrollment in the Master of Business Administration Program in Integrative Management, the student should have completed college-level courses in algebra and statistics and be proficient in word processing and spreadsheets.

Each student is required to have a laptop computer with a minimum configuration approved by the program office.

Requirements for the Master of Business Administration Degree in Integrative Management

The student must complete 45 credits from the following courses:

PIM	800	Managerial Skills				1 to 3
PIM	801	Organizational Analysis				1 to 3
PIM	802	Integrative Case Competition				1 to 3
PIM	803	Leadership Development				1 to 3
PIM	804	Strategic Vision				1 to 3
PIM	811	Financial Accounting Concepts				1 to 3
PIM	812	Managerial Accounting				1 to 3
PIM	813	Information Systems				1 to 3
PIM	814	Financial Statement Analysis				1 to 3
PIM	821	Managerial Economics				1 to 3
PIM	822	Macroeconomics for Managers				1 to 3
PIM	831	Legal Environment of Business				1 to 3
PIM	832	Entrepreneurship				1 to 3
PIM	841	Corporate Finance				1 to 3
PIM	842	Managerial Finance				1 to 3
PIM	845	Mergers, Acquisitions and Corporate Restructuring				1 to 3
PIM	850	Analysis and Decision Modeling				1 to 3
PIM	851	Business Analytics and Management Decision-Making				1 to 3
PIM	852	Negotiation				1 to 3
PIM	853	Human Resource Management				1 to 3
PIM	855	Strategic Management I				1 to 3
PIM	856	Strategic Management II				1 to 3
PIM	862	Customer and Competitor Analysis				1 to 3
PIM	863	Marketing Systems				1 to 3
PIM	870	Supply Chain Management				1 to 3
PIM	871	Innovation of Products and Services				1 to 3
PIM	872	International Strategies				1 to 3
PIM	873A	Current Business Issues: Finance				1 to 3
PIM	873F	Current Business Issues: Management				1 to 3
PIM	874	The Global Marketplace				1 to 3
PIM	875	Supply Chain Management II				1 to 3
PIM	876	Ethics in the Workplace				1 to 3
PIM	881	Leadership Communications				1 to 3
PIM	891	Special Topics in Business				1 to 3

Academic Standards

Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 in order to graduate from the program. Any cumulative grade-point average less than 3.00 will be consider probationary status. The number of individual courses with grades below 3.0 is limited to no more than three. Students on probation for two or more semesters may be dismissed from the program.

The Broad School offers Master of Science degree programs with majors in accounting, business data science analytics, business research, finance, foodservice business management, hospitality business management, marketing research, and supply chain management.

For information about the Master of Science degree program in accounting, refer to the Department of Accounting and Information Systems section.

For information about the Master of Science degree program in finance, refer to the Department of Finance section.

For information about the Master of Science degree program in foodservice business management or hospitality business management, refer to The School of Hospitality Business section.

For information about the Master of Science degree program in marketing research, refer to the Department of Marketing section.

For information about the Master of Science degree program in supply chain management, refer to the Department of Supply Chain Management section.

The Master of Science degree in Business Data Science and Analytics addresses the study, research, and application of analytics. Its focus is on business analytics, the use of data in various forms and often large sets to make optimal business decisions. This multidisciplinary program prepares analytics professionals for careers based in data information, collection, and analysis in many types of organizations and has broad appeal to a wide variety of academic and professional audiences.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, The Eli Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Science degree in Business Data Science and Analytics, an applicant must have:

1. a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution.
2. an academic record equivalent to at least 3.00 (B) in undergraduate course work.
3. completed, with a grade of 3.0 or higher, college-level courses in calculus and statistics.
4. experience in programming languages, such as Python, Java, HTML, C and C++, and statistical software tools.
5. strong scores on the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Examination) or extensive work experience.
6. working knowledge of personal computers including word processing, spreadsheets, networking, and database management systems.

Admission to the program is selective and meeting the minimum standards does not guarantee admission. The applicant’s overall record is considered, including the student’s statement of objectives, recommendations, academic transcripts, and other documentation as required.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Business Data Science and Analytics

The Master of Science degree in Business Data Science and Analytics is available only under Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credits are required for the degree.

1.	Students must complete 30 credits from the following courses:
	CSE	881	Data Mining							3
	CSE	891	Selected Topics							3
	ITM	818	Data Management and Visualization in Analytics							3
	ITM	881	Network Analytics							3
	ITM	882	Analytics Practicum							3
		or
	ITM	893	Business Analytics Internship							3
	ITM	883	Business Analytics Problem Solving							2
	ITM	885	Machine Learning and Optimization in Analytics							3
	ITM	886	Communication Strategies for Analytics							1
	ITM	888	Capstone: Business Analytics							3
	STT	805	Statistical Modeling for Business Analytics							3
	Other courses may be used to fulfill this requirement with approval of the program director. Information Technology Management 818, 882, 888, and 893 are experiential analytics project courses which engage students in analytics project work in partnership with corporate and/or non-profit organizations.
2.	Completion of a final oral examination or evaluation.

The Master of Science degree with a major in Business Research provides a graduate-level degree for individuals with skills in research methods  and graduate-level course work in a business-related area.  The program is only available under Plan B (without thesis). The curriculum is flexible and allows students to choose courses that will meet their specific professional needs. Courses are offered in all of the major areas of the College of Business.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the Eli Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Applicants for admission must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution, a superior academic record, and very strong scores on either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Persons admitted must have the qualifications of perseverance and intellectual curiosity, and an interest in scholarly research. Evidence of these qualities is obtained from an appraisal of a statement of purpose submitted by the applicant and letters of recommendation.

Admissions decisions are made by a faculty committee in the department of the student’s major field of concentration and are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Business Research

The Master of Science degree in Business Research is available under Plan B (non-thesis). A total of 30 credits are required for the degree. The student’s program of study must be approved by the program director.

1. Complete at least 12 credits in 800-900 level courses in research methods such as statistics, econometrics, or other areas.
2. Complete at least 18 additional credits of 800-900 level courses, including at least 12 credits from courses offered by the College of Business.
3. Successfully complete a final examination or evaluation.

Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.0 in all graduate courses.

The Master of Science in Healthcare Management is designed to meet the needs of the healthcare industry and appeal to professionals in many different healthcare and healthcare-related organizations. Healthcare is a large and growing industry with its own set of regulatory and business challenges. The future of healthcare organizations will require professionals who are grounded in management principles, strategic thinking, and innovation.

The program develops depth and breadth in business principles and skills sets within the context of healthcare systems and management. Courses are designed to prepare students to advance to add value to their organizations and advance in their careers. The program emphasizes the changing nature of healthcare and the need for strategic management. The applied course work includes healthcare-specific courses in key business areas such as financial management, marketing, supply chain, and human resource management.

The curriculum also includes critical topics for healthcare management addressed within unique areas to healthcare such as: managing quality, risk, and performance management, healthcare systems and policy, healthcare technology and innovation, and managerial epidemiology. The capstone class integrates the various topics into a comprehensive framework that can be applied as a practicum, paper, or other approach.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management degree, an applicant must:

1. Be currently employed in the healthcare industry, including hospitals, pharmaceuticals, physician associations, surgical centers, medical suppliers, assisted care facilities, device manufacturers, insurance, consulting, or in public policy.
2. Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution.
3. Have a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.00 in the last two years of their program.
4. Have a high degree of potential for advancement to an organizational leadership role.
5. Have some background knowledge of and exposure to word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

International applicants are required to complete the TOEFL or IELTS with minimum scores set by Michigan State University and the program.

Applicants to the program who do not meet the above requirements may provide further documentation of their aptitude by securing a strong score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Admission to the program is selective and meeting the minimum standards listed does not guarantee admission. The applicant's overall record is considered, including the student's statement of objectives, recommendations, academic transcripts, and other documentation as required.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management

The Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management degree is available only online and only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 42 credits are required for the degree. The degree consists of a business core (30 credits), a capstone (4 credits), and a concentration (8 credits) in Healthcare Leadership or Healthcare Compliance. Other courses as approved by the program director may be used to fulfill degree requirements.

1.	All of the following courses (34 credits):
	HCM	801	Critical Thinking and Innovation in Healthcare						2
	HCM	802	Cost Analysis in Healthcare						2
	HCM	804	Financial Management in Healthcare						2
	HCM	805	Quality, Risk, and Performance Management						2
	HCM	806	Healthcare Information Systems						2
	HCM	807	Law and Ethics in Healthcare						2
	HCM	808	Healthcare Systems and Economic Policy						2
	HCM	809	Organizational Behavior in Healthcare						2
	HCM	810	Human Resource Management in Healthcare						2
	HCM	811	Healthcare Strategic Management						2
	HCM	812	Supply Chain Management in Healthcare						2
	HCM	813	Healthcare Services Marketing						2
	HCM	814	Hospitality and the Patient Experience						2
	HCM	815	Managerial Epidemiology and Population Health						2
	HCM	816	Healthcare Management Capstone						4
	HCM	825	Analytics in Healthcare						2
2.	One of the following concentrations (8 credits):
	Healthcare Leadership
	HCM	817	Healthcare Leadership						2
	HCM	818	Strategic Decision Making						2
	HCM	819	Market Analysis and Planning						2
	HCM	820	Negotiations						2
	Healthcare Compliance
	HCM	821	Healthcare Regulations						2
	HCM	822	Healthcare Compliance						2
	HCM	823	Enterprise Risk Management						2
	HCM	824	Implementing Compliance Systems						2
3.	Completion of a final oral examination or evaluation.

Academic Standards

Students must achieve a minimum 2.00 grade in a course in order for that course to count toward the 42 credit degree requirement. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher in all graduate courses in order to graduate from the program.



 

The Master of Science degree in International Business is designed for recent graduates with non-business undergraduate degrees for whom international business knowledge will provide a strong combination of skills for future leadership roles in global organizations. The program provides a cross-functional international perspective across the major business disciplines: management, marketing, supply chain, finance, and accounting. It offers an educational experience that combines theory and experiential learning and is available only online. Students may email ibc@msu.edu for additional information.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and the Eli Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution.
2. Have a cumulative undergraduate academic record equivalent to a 3.0 or higher.
3. Complete the following prerequisite courses or equivalent prior to admission for students who have a non-business undergraduate degree:
   ACC    230    Survey of Accounting Concepts        3
   BUS    250    Business Communications: Oral and Written Skills    3

Admission to the program is selective. Meeting the minimum standards listed above does not guarantee admission to the program.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in International Business

The Master of Science degree in International Business is available only under Plan B (non-thesis) and is available only online. A total of 30 credits are required for the degree. 

Students must complete 30 credits from the following courses:

1.	International Core. All of the following courses (21 credits):
	ACC	801	International Accounting						3
	FI	802	International Finance						3
	MGT	854	Global Strategy						3
	MKT	815	Cross-Cultural Understanding						3
	MKT	842	International Marketing						3
	MKT	852	Global Value Chains						3
	MKT	860	Understanding and Assessing the Global Business Environment						3
2.	Complete one of the following, a project or study abroad experience (3 credits):
	MKT	882	International Business Field Study						3
	MKT	894	The Global Marketplace						3
3.	Two of the following courses (6 credits):
	MGT	858	Strategic Management						3
	MGT	873	Strategic Decision Making						3
	SCM	870	Introduction to Supply Chain Management						3
	SCM	873	Supply Chain Management: Sourcing, Operations and Distribution						3
4.	Completion of a final oral examination or evaluation.

Academic Standards

Students who are enrolled in the Master of Science degree in International Business are expected to maintain: (1) a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 each semester, (2) a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0, and (3) complete all courses listed on the candidacy form.

A student who does not maintain a 3.0 grade-point average will be placed on probation. Such a student will be given the next semester of enrollment to achieve a cumulative 3.0 grade-point average; otherwise, dismissal from the program will result.

 

The global business world is highly competitive, driven by economics, technology, and innovation, and change is constant. In many fields, the career assumptions of the past will not be valid for occupations of the future. Increasingly, fast-paced decisions must be made by professionals in many roles who can work across company divisions and take into account many different perspectives. It is important to develop professionals from many field who have an integrative view of business and can provide insightful business perspectives.

The Master of Science Degree in Management Studies offers a broad range of business disciplines directed at early-career professionals. Essential business knowledge and skill sets are represented in accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain, and management. The program features courses in teamwork and leadership, persuasive communication, analytics for decision-making, and project management principles. Meeting at the crossroads between undergraduate degree completion and career, it combines classroom and online learning with work experience, providing a unique on-the-job platform directed at early career professionals in collaboration with the employing organization. The program culminates with a management project class that brings together the various business topics into a comprehensive framework that can be applied as a practicum, paper, or other approach based in the company environment.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

To be admitted to the Master of Science degree in Management Studies degree, an applicant must:

1. Have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized educational institution. If a candidate applies within 15 credits of graduation for an undergraduate degree, the bachelor’s degree is waived if the applicant has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 in the last two years of undergraduate work.
2. Have a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of 3.00 in the last two years of their program.

International applicants are required to complete the TOEFL or IELTS with minimum scores set by Michigan State University and the program.

Applicants to the program who do not meet the above requirements may provide further documentation of their aptitude by securing a strong score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Michigan State University graduates with a cumulative grade-point average of 3.25 or higher are not required to complete the GMAT or GRE. Waivers of this requirement are only considered for students that have graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree.

Admission to the program is selective and meeting the minimum standards listed does not guarantee admission. The applicant's overall record is considered, including the student's statement of objectives, recommendations, academic transcripts, and other documentation as required.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Management Studies

The Master of Science degree in Management Studies degree is available only under Plan B (without thesis). A total of 30 credits are required for the degree. Other courses as approved by the program director may be used to fulfill degree requirements.

1.	All of the following courses (30 credits):
	ACC	822	Information Systems Project Management						2
	FI	801	Managerial Finance						2
	MBA	804	Applied Data Analysis for Managers						2
	MBA	812	Accounting for Decision Making and Control						2
	MBA	814	Applied Economics						2
	MBA	821	Introduction to Supply Chain Management Concepts						2
	MBA	823	Information Technology Strategy						2
	MGT	805	Special Topics in Management						2
	MGT	824	Developing Managerial Skills						2
	MGT	840	Leadership and Team Management						2
	MGT	850	Competitive and Business Strategy						2
	MGT	873	Strategic Decision Making						2
	MGT	881	Creating an Ethical Organization						2
	MGT	888	Communication Strategies for Business						2
	MKT	805	Marketing Management						2
2.	Completion of a final oral examination or evaluation.

Academic Standards

Students must achieve a minimum 2.0 grade in a course in order for that course to count toward the 30 credit degree requirement. Students must maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 or higher in all graduate courses in order to graduate from the program.




 

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in business administration is earned primarily by prospective college or university teachers and research personnel. This program provides an opportunity for developing a high degree of specialization in one of the following major fields of concentration:  accounting, information technology management, finance, logistics, marketing,  organizational behavior–human resource management,  operations and sourcing management, and strategic management.

A guidance committee assists the doctoral student in planning a rigorous program of multidisciplinary study. Graduates are expected to be capable of specialized and innovative research.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university, students must meet the requirements specified below.

The business administration programs to which the requirements that are referenced in the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Business Administration statement apply are listed below by the units that administer them:

Department of Accounting and Information Systems
    Accounting
    Information Technology Management
Department of Finance 
    Finance
Department of Management
    Organizational Behavior—Human Resource Management
    Strategic Management
Department of Marketing
    Marketing
Department of Supply Chain Management
    Logistics 
    Operations and Sourcing Management

Admission

Applicants for admission must possess a bachelor's degree from a recognized educational institution, a superior academic record, and very strong scores on either the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Persons admitted must have the qualifications of perseverance and intellectual curiosity, and an interest in scholarly research. Evidence of these qualities is obtained from an appraisal of a statement of purpose submitted by the applicant and letters of recommendation.

Admissions decisions are made by a faculty committee in the department of the student's major field of concentration and are reviewed by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Business Administration

The following degree requirements are applicable to all doctoral students in business administration. Students should contact individual departments concerning any additional requirements they may impose.  The general requirements are:

1. Complete a major field and one minor field of study. A major field consists of a minimum of three courses totaling at least 12 credits; a minor field consists of a minimum of three courses totaling at least 9 credits. Specific major and minor fields may require additional courses and credits.
2. Know and be able to apply concepts, tools, and techniques of business practice. A student who enters the doctoral program without having earned a business degree from an institution accredited by the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business should develop a broad understanding of the functional areas of business: Accounting, Finance, Management, Supply Chain Management, and Marketing. Such background, if necessary, would be provided by undergraduate or master's level course work as specified by the student’s program guidance committee.
3. Achieve competence in economic and/or behavioral analysis by completing graduate level course work in these areas.  Specific requirements are established by the student’s major department.
4. Complete a minimum of four graduate–level courses totaling at least 12 credits in research related areas.  The areas chosen are expected to be relevant to the student's dissertation research and in subsequent professional endeavors.
5. Pass a written comprehensive examination in the major field and successfully complete the requirements for the minor field, which may also include a written comprehensive examination.  At the option of the student's major department, an oral component may be added to the major comprehensive examination.  The student's major field advisor must certify to the Doctoral Programs Office that the student has met the requirements for taking a particular written comprehensive examination before the student will be permitted to sit for that examination.
6. Defend a dissertation proposal orally in an open meeting.  Because the purpose of this requirement is to provide faculty input for the dissertation research, it should be satisfied before the majority of the research effort is undertaken.  A successful defense of the dissertation proposal is achieved when three–fourths of the student's dissertation committee, including the chairperson, approves the defense.  The guidance committee will report to the Doctoral Programs Office the successful completion of this requirement.
   
   All of the members of the student's guidance committee should be in attendance at the defense of the dissertation proposal.  The date, time, and place for the defense of the dissertation proposal will be announced to the Broad School faculty ten days in advance of the event.
   
   With the exception of doctoral dissertation research credits, all course work listed on the student's approved guidance committee report must be completed with grades reported before the student will be permitted to defend the dissertation proposal.
7. Complete a doctoral dissertation judged to be a satisfactory contribution to knowledge by the student's guidance committee and successfully defend the dissertation in an open meeting.

Academic Standards

A record of performance and action consistent with high professional standards is required of every degree candidate.

To be in good standing, a doctoral student must attain at least a 3.25 cumulative grade–point average by the end of the second semester of full–time enrollment and thereafter or, on the initiative of the department of the student's major field of concentration and with the approval of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, the student will be dismissed from the doctoral program.

A comprehensive appraisal of each doctoral student's performance is made annually by a review committee composed of faculty members in the department of the student's major field of concentration. The formal review must include the following areas:  performance in course work and on comprehensive examinations, performance in teaching and/or other duties that might be required of a graduate assistant, participation in department colloquia, and progress toward the completion of degree requirements. As a result of the review and based upon college and department standards, one of the following actions will be taken:  (1) the student will remain on regular status in the doctoral program, (2) the student will be placed on probationary status that is conditioned on specific improvements in performance, or (3) the student will be dismissed from the doctoral program. Copies of the results of the yearly appraisal will be provided to the student, the student's major field advisor, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.