2022-2023 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Business Administration, MBA
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The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is devoted to the concepts, analytical tools, and communication skills required for competent and responsible management. The management of an enterprise is viewed in its entirety and within its social, political, and economic environment. The MBA provides a broad curriculum preparing you for several options in launching your career. All majors are welcome. The MBA program meets the needs of students with or without previous business education.
Two MBA Tracks
The College of Business offers two MBA tracks:
- MBA with an emphasis area (36 credit hours): Students may pursue a specialized MBA tailored for a specific career in mind. Those pursuing the MBA with an emphasis will complete 24 credits of core courses and 12 credits of specialized business electives.
- MBA without emphasis area (30 credit hours): Students pursuing the General MBA program will complete 24 credits of core courses and 6 credits of business electives.
Students wishing to change their MBA track should contact the Graduate School of Business Administration at GSBA@uccs.edu. Students changing from the General MBA track to an emphasis area will take additional coursework to fulfill the requirements of the emphasis area.
Students may later return to UCCS to obtain a Graduate Certificate in a specialized business area. Credits earned from the MBA are transferable to the Graduate Certificate.
Students admitted to the MBA program may be required to take up to 9 additional credits of foundation coursework to help develop competencies to be successful in the program. Foundation courses may be waived on prior academic work or through passing waiver examinations.
Campus and Online Options
The Graduate School of Business Administration offers an MBA program designed for working professionals that may be completed on campus, online, or through a combination of both methods. The program is designed for students to complete their degree full-time in as little as 18 months. Students pursuing the MBA part-time may complete the MBA in up to five (5) years but may petition for one additional year due to extenuating circumstances (maximum six (6) years). Students choose their pace of completing the program to meet their personal and professional goals. Students may begin the program in the fall, spring, or summer semesters. Earn your MBA with ultimate flexibility, around your schedule.
Your MBA, Your Schedule:
Extreme Flexibility: Take classes in the evening, online, or both.
- The Online MBA (8-week asynchronous model) is 100% online. Students may take one course at a time. Students may choose from 11 online emphasis areas or pursue the General MBA.
- The Campus MBA (16-week semester) is available 100% on campus. Campus courses are scheduled from 4:45 pm to 7:20 pm or 7:30 pm to 10:05 pm and meet once a week. Students may pursue the General option or choose from eight (8) campus emphasis areas. Students may also choose a fully online emphasis area.
MBA Graduate Admission
Admission Criteria
The Graduate School of Business Administration seeks to admit students who show a high likelihood of success in postgraduate business study. The following 3 basic indicators are used to evaluate candidates for admission:
PRIOR ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE: A 4-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent is a condition for application. The applicant’s complete academic record from all institutions attended is examined.
ADMISSION TEST: Applicants may submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). In some cases, the GMAT may be waived if the applicant has substantial business and/or military experience or holds an advanced degree (e.g. Master’s or higher). GMAT waiver eligibility options are posted on the website.
ADDITIONAL MBA APPLICATION MATERIALS: In addition to official transcripts from regionally accredited institutions attended, students must submit a goal statement, resume, and optional letters of recommendation. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS scores).
Provisional and Undergraduate Senior Admits
At the discretion of the admissions committee, an applicant not meeting the criteria for regular admission may be admitted as a provisional student. Students who are offered provisional admissions to the program will receive a letter from the College of Business outlining the conditions that must be met to become a regular degree-seeking student. When the student meets the conditions of their provisional admissions, the College of Business will reclassify the student’s status to be fully admitted to the program and inform the student in writing. Provisional students are subject to the same standards of performance required of regularly admitted students.
UCCS seniors who have satisfied the undergraduate residence requirements and need no more than nine (9) semester hours to meet their requirements for an undergraduate degree may be contingently admitted to the MBA program. They must meet regular admissions criteria, submit a completed application by the published deadline, and submit the “Undergraduate Senior Admit Eligibility’ form signed by their undergraduate advisor confirming the number of credits needed to complete the bachelor’s degree. Students may request the Undergraduate Senior Admit Eligibility form from the College of Business Advising Office by emailing GSBA@uccs.edu.
Undergraduate senior admits must complete their final undergraduate courses during their first semester as an MBA student. Students may be limited to one or two graduate courses contingent on the number of hours needed to complete the bachelor’s degree.
Application Process and Deadlines
The UCCS online application, official GMAT or GRE scores, one official transcript (not student copies) from each post-secondary institution attended, a resume, a goal statement, and the nonrefundable application fee should be submitted by the priority deadline. The criteria for GMAT waiver are outlined on the UCCS online application. Additional fees may apply.
Visit: www.uccs.edu/mba for the online application and additional information for international applicants.
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Foundation Requirements
The Graduate School of Business Administration provides the following series of business foundation courses as required background courses for the graduate study of business. These courses may be waived on a course-by-course basis with prior academic coursework (subject to a certain age and grade requirements) or through successful scores on designated DSST or internal exams.
Foundation Course Information
These foundation classes are graduate-level courses that - if required - are taken in addition to the 36 semester hours required for the MBA degree. Graduate students who are interested in waiving one or more of the MBA foundation courses based on related prior coursework must consult with a graduate advisor in the College of Business. Waivers of foundation courses are based on a number of criteria, including the age of the prior coursework, the grade earned, and other considerations determined by the faculty. Prior coursework must have been completed at a regionally accredited institution. Foundation course waivers are made at the discretion of the Graduate School of Business Administration and are recorded on the student’s degree audit.
Students requiring one or more of the foundation courses may also elect to take a waiver examination. Admitted students may request an outline, cost and other information on the internal waivers by emailing gsba@uccs.edu.
Students must earn a C grade or better in the foundation courses. As of Fall 2019, the grades for the foundation courses will not be included in the computation of the overall MBA GPA in the student’s degree audit.
MBA Degree Requirements
Credit Hours:
To earn the Masters of Business Administration (MBA) there are two options:
- A General MBA (30 credits)
- A Specialized MBA (36 credits)
The General MBA without emphasis requires 30 credit hours for completion. The General MBA course work consists of:
- 24 hours of core competency courses
- 6 credit hours of business coursework 6000 level or above
The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialized area of emphasis consists of 36 credit hours of graduate (6000-level) coursework in the College of Business. The specialized MBA course work consists of:
- 24 hours of core competency courses
- 12 credit hours of specialized business elective courses (determined by the area of emphasis/specialty)
Please note that students may be required to take up to three foundation courses (up to 9 credits) to help develop competencies to be successful in the MBA program.
Choice of Emphasis:
Students may choose to complete an area of emphasis in Accounting, Cybersecurity Management, Finance, Health Care Administration, Innovation Management, International Business, Management, Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain Management, Project Management, Service Management, or Sport Management.
MBA Launch Course:
STRT 6000 is the launch course for the MBA program. Students are required to register for STRT 6000 in their first semester of study or after the completion of their foundation courses. STRT 6000 may be taken concurrently with other 6000 level courses in the first semester. Students requiring permission to register for this class should contact the College of Business Graduate Advising Office at gsba@uccs.edu. MBA Core Requirements (24 hours)
Core courses make up the heart of the MBA Program and cover areas that are directly applicable in today’s business world. The concepts in the following courses are critical problem solving and decision-making skills that will define and shape your Master of Business Administration degree. All students complete the 8 core courses as part of their MBA degree.
General MBA (6 credit hours)
The General MBA track is intended for students who need total flexibility in their MBA program.
Students choosing a General MBA will take 24 credit hours of MBA core courses, and 6 hours of 6000-level business courses based on individual educational goals and interests for a total of 30 credits.
A student may choose to enroll in the General MBA initially and then switch to an emphasis area before completing the program.
MBA Areas of Emphasis Requirements (12 credit hours)
Students may choose to pursue an MBA with one or more emphasis areas. An emphasis will provide extensive knowledge in a particular field. Students pursuing an emphasis area will acquire applicable skills toward a specific job or industry that fulfills student’s career-focused goals.
Students choosing the MBA with an emphasis area will take 24 credit hours of MBA core courses, and 12 hours of 6000-level specialized business elective courses for a total of 36 credits.
Students may pursue more than one emphasis area. Contact the Graduate School of Business Administration at GSBA@uccs.edu to add additional emphasis areas to your degree plan.
Accounting MBA (On Campus) -12 hours
The accounting area of emphasis prepares students for accounting positions available in various industries and institutions. Students may either seek employment in the corporate or governmental arena or opt to sit for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam if they have an interest in public accounting. Students who intend to earn the CPA certificate should refer to the State of Colorado Board of Accountancy website for detailed information and exam requirements.
Students who choose an emphasis in Accounting will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Accounting (ACCT) elective courses. Students who do not have an undergraduate accounting degree take an additional 15 semester hours of undergraduate coursework in accounting. A grade of C or higher must be earned in all coursework including undergraduate prerequisite classes.
Students with an undergraduate degree in accounting:
Students with a non-accounting undergraduate degree also take:
Cybersecurity Management MBA (Online) - 12 hours
The Cybersecurity Management emphasis provides professionals with foundations in the fundamental business disciplines along with a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity concepts and technologies. Data breaches and cyber threats create significant risks for organizations dependent on sensitive information. This area of emphasis will enhance students’ understanding of complexities involved with the adoption of security technologies, achieving regulatory compliance, and implementing cybersecurity programs to mitigate risks and secure information assets. Overall, the program will enable professionals to effectively govern cybersecurity in an organization.
Students who choose an emphasis in Cybersecurity Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Cybersecurity Management elective courses.
Finance MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours
All organizations, large and small, must effectively invest and manage their capital. The finance function is critical in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Job opportunities exist for finance graduates in almost all industries including the financial services industry and positions within the finance area of corporations. Finance graduates manage capital for large organizations and their independent business units as well as small organizations.
Students who choose an emphasis in Finance will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Finance (FNCE) elective courses, and 3 semester hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
Health Care Administration MBA (Online) - 12 hours
The many changes in government laws and regulations, technology, societal needs and insurance plans have created a large need for administrative and business education for health care professionals.
Students who choose an emphasis in Health Care Administration will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Health Care Administration elective courses.
Innovation Management MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours
Innovation has become a critical driver of business success in today’s economy. Innovation can be defined as successfully implementing a new idea in an organization. An innovation can be based on new technology, but it can also simply be a new way of doing something. Innovation can take place anywhere - in new startup firms, established corporations, or nonprofit organizations. Students completing the Innovation Management emphasis will learn how to manage the process of innovation to create value in their organizations through new products, new processes, or new business models.
Students who choose an emphasis in Innovation Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Innovation Management elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
International Business MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours
An MBA with emphasis in International Business will prepare students to excel in the emerging field of International Business. This field of study is becoming more relevant and important as the global economy expands. Various opportunities for study abroad exist for MBA students. These are coordinated through the business advising office. Students are encouraged to take a foreign language to strengthen this area of emphasis.
Students who choose an emphasis in International Business will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of International Business elective courses, and 3 semester hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
Management MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours
In today’s highly competitive global environment, a premium is placed on skilled managers who know how to motivate and lead people. This area of emphasis addresses these issues and other contemporary issues in management. Additionally, the changing roles of managers and leaders at management levels within the organization are explored. The Management emphasis also focuses on the development and maintenance of effective relationships between employers and employees.
Students who choose an emphasis in Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Management elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
Marketing MBA (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours
An effective marketing program is necessary to the success of any business organization. Through the marketing efforts of a firm, products and services are designed and delivered that maximize customer satisfaction. Students choosing the marketing area of emphasis may find exciting careers in such diverse fields as product management, professional selling, customer support, advertising and marketing research. The marketing curriculum is designed to give the student hands on marketing experience through applied classes and projects.
Students who choose an emphasis in Marketing will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Marketing (MKTG) elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
Operations & Supply Chain Management MBA (Online) - 12 hours
The Operations & Supply Chain Management emphasis area prepares students for managerial positions that design, manage and improve the business processes for manufacturing, services and public organizations. Graduates of the Operation & Supply Chain Management emphasis are equipped with skill sets for such positions as: Business Process Analyst, Strategic Procurement, Supply Chain Manager, Process Manager, Logistics Specialist, Quality Manager.
Students who choose an emphasis in Operations & Supply Chain Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Operations & Supply Chain Management elective courses, and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level elective courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
Project Management MBA (Online) - 12 hours
The Project Management emphasis area prepares students to manage organizations which rely on projects for the achievement of goals. The courses focus on approaches that improve project performance from the perspective of project team members, project managers, or functional managers who rely on projects for implementing new practices and addressing organizational change. Graduates of the Project Management emphasis can pursue opportunities as project managers, project support managers, or traditional management careers as projects touch many aspects of organizational initiatives.
Students who choose an emphasis in Project Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, 9 semester hours of Project Management (OPTM) elective courses and 3 hours of MBA 6000-level electives courses for a total of 12 combined elective hours.
Service Management MBA (On Campus) - 12 hours
The Service Management emphasis area prepares students for leadership and management careers in hospitality, financial, medical as well as other services areas. This emphasis area takes a multi-disciplinary approach integrating service operations, human resource management, marketing, and strategy.
Students who choose an emphasis in Service Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses, and 12 semester hours in the required Services Management courses as listed below.
Sport Management MBA (Online) - 12 hours
The Sport Management emphasis provides professionals with a strong business core focusing on leadership, strategic management, finance, and accounting together with a critical emphasis core addressing sport governance, sport development, sport marketing, revenue generation in sport, innovative organization behavior, sport law, and the ethical challenges in sport. The emphasis classes have been designed intentionally so that they are directly relevant to professionals who currently work in or have aspirations to work in Olympic and International Sport, professional sport, interscholastic and collegiate athletics, and youth sport and recreation. Ultimately, the aim of the program is to equip professionals with the key managerial tools that will enhance their ability to seek entry into or promotion within the sport industry.
Students who choose an emphasis in Sport Management will take 24 semester hours of MBA core courses and 12 semester hours of Sport Management elective courses including:
Accelerated Master’s Program (AMP)
Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication and Information Design (BA TCID) to the Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The College of Business offers a unique opportunity for highly qualified undergraduate students in the Bachelor of Arts in Technical Communication and Information Design (TCID) to pursue the Master of Business Administration (MBA) through an accelerated master’s partnership.
Up to nine (9), graduate credit hours earned in the College of Business while enrolled in the BA TCID can be counted toward the fulfillment of requirements for both programs reducing the time for earning both degrees to five years in most cases.
The accelerated TCID/MBA assumes students will pursue the General MBA track. Time to complete the MBA program may increase if an emphasis area is selected. Students may elect to take MBA courses online or on campus.
General Requirements
- Completion of the requirements for the TCID program.
- Completion of a minimum of 30 credit hours of 6000 level graduate-level coursework in the College of Business with a grade point average of a B (3.0) or better.
Intent Application:
Students who have met with their TCID advisor who meet the requirements for the AMP will complete the Intent Application as soon as possible. The Intent Application form allows the university to know that the student intends to participate in the Accelerated Masters Program. The approval of the intent application also allows the student to begin taking required business courses for both programs. In the senior year, the student will apply to the MBA; admission into the MBA program allows students to begin taking graduate-level courses.
Dual Counting Courses:
Once you are admitted to the MBA program, you are allowed to take your dual counting courses. Students will need to contact the College of Business graduate office at GSBA@uccs.edu for advising and to receive a permission number to register for the business graduate courses. Students will complete STRT 6000 and two additional MBA core courses as part of the undergraduate degree.
Admissions to the MBA:
Students applying to the MBA must meet the Admissions requirements set by the MBA program. Refer to the application checklist for the steps in applying and for the GMAT/GRE waiver criteria.
Foundation Courses:
Foundation courses help develop competencies to be successful in the MBA program. These foundation courses will be taken at the undergraduate level as part of the TCID requirements. If fulfilled, the foundation courses will be waived upon admission to the MBA (subject to a certain age and grade requirements).
MBA Curriculum:
Refer to the Masters of Business Administration section of this catalog for specific course requirements.
During the MBA:
Students will enter the MBA with the graduate-level courses taken in the BA TCID program and will complete the remaining requirements for the MBA.
Policies and Procedures:
Refer to the College of Business section of this academic catalog for the policies and procedures relevant to the MBA program.
Graduate Certificates (On Campus and Online) - 12 hours
The world of business is constantly evolving. Individuals frequently find themselves in new positions that require new skills to stay competitive as working professionals. Whether you already have a master’s degree and want to deepen your knowledge to apply to your job today or you are interested in just taking courses in a focused, relevant industry area, the Graduate Certificate program offered by the Graduate School of Business Administration UCCS may be the perfect solution for you.
All business certificates are designed to work well as stand-alone programs, with the ability to stack up to 12 credits toward the MBA Program (contingent on grades and time limitations). The curriculum can be completed in two years or less. Students may accelerate their completion time by taking a mix of campus and online classes. Online courses are asynchronous, allowing students to ‘attend’ class when it is convenient, as long as deadlines are met. Graduate business certificate courses are taught by full-time, doctoral qualified faculty at UCCS.
Graduate Certificate Admissions
Graduate certificates are available to students who have completed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (any field) at a regionally accredited institution and have demonstrated their admissibility to the graduate certificate program. A minimum of a 3.0 undergraduate GPA is required. To apply to a College of Business Graduate Certificate, submit the following:
- Online application
- $60 application fee
- Current resume
- Official transcripts from every institution attended
The application process may vary based on the student’s academic background. For additional information, contact the College of Business Graduate Office at 719-255-3408 or refer to the Graduate Certificate website: www.uccs.edu/mba.
Policies and Procedures
Standards of Performance
Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA once admitted to the certificate program. Students falling below a 3.0 GPA will be placed on academic probation regardless of the number of credit hours completed towards the certificate program. Students falling below a 2.0 GPA will be automatically suspended.
Time Frame for Completion
Students have 3 years from the time of admission to complete the graduate certificate. Students not meeting this time frame should contact the College of Business Graduate Office.
Internships
Internships are not available for students pursuing the College of Business Graduate Certificates.
Grade Expectations
Graduate certificates consist of 12 credit hours (4 classes) of coursework beyond any prerequisites. Although a grade of C or better is required in each course, students are required to have an overall grade point average of 3.0 or better to earn the certificate.
Transfer Credits
Students may transfer up to 3 credits from a regionally accredited institution to the Graduate Certificate if approved by the department.
Earned Certificate
Students completing the requirements for a College of Business Certificate should contact the Graduate Advising Office at GSBA@uccs.edu. Completion of a College of Business graduate certificate will be noted officially on students’ transcripts.
Graduate Certificate Options
Students may pursue more than one College of Business graduate certificate. Contact the Graduate Advising office at GSBA@uccs.edu to further discuss your options and to add another certificate track to the degree audit. Certificates are offered in the following areas:
- Accounting (Campus)
- Cybersecurity Management (Online)
- Finance (Campus and Online)
- Health Care Administration (Online)
- Innovation Management (Campus and Online)
- International Business (Campus and Online)
- Management (Campus and Online)
- Marketing (Campus and Online)
- Operations & Supply Chain Management (Online)
- Project Management (Online)
- Service Management (Campus)
- Sport Management (Online)
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