Admissions
Please refer to www.wilmu.edu/admission/mba_admission.aspx for general graduate admission information. For consideration and admission to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, applicants must satisfactorily submit and/or complete the following:
- A graduate application for admission accompanied by a non-refundable application fee.
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Applicants whose native language is not English or who have graduated from an institution where English is not the language of instruction should contact International Admissions or go to the University's website for admission requirements.
- A program planning conference meeting with a program chair or advisor to discuss admission, candidacy, and program requirements is highly recommended.
- Students must request official copies of their undergraduate transcript(s) at the time of their application submission.
MBA applicants should review the sections on "MBA Admission and Candidacy requirements," as well as "Advancement to Degree Candidacy," below.
All required application, transcripts, and candidacy documents should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.
Program Purpose
The MBA program is designed to prepare students for management and leadership positions in all types of business enterprises including health care organizations, financial institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. The program is designed with an emphasis on executive skills development, quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques, and the knowledge and professional capabilities necessary for the execution of complex managerial duties in today’s global business environment. Embedded in the MBA program is an appreciation for the role of business in a pluralistic society and the international community.
Program Competencies
In addition to the University graduate school graduation competencies, the following competencies apply to the MBA program:
- The student will demonstrate effective professional oral and written communication skills and techniques required of competent and successful business leaders and managers.
- The student will demonstrate effective information literacy and qualitative and quantitative critical thinking skills as they relate to the development of sound business tactics and strategy.
- The student will demonstrate current relevant disciplinary knowledge and competencies specific to the fields of finance, strategy, managerial accounting, marketing, and organizational behavior that impact the development of sound business tactics and strategy.
- The student will demonstrate the importance of ethical decision-making and ethical business practices aligned with the organization's goal and objectives.
Program Design
The philosophy of the Wilmington University MBA program is closely aligned with its instructional format. The program is organized through a series of coordinated accelerated 7-week courses and is scheduled to accommodate the needs of students who maintain full-time employment while pursuing their degree. While some course sequencing is necessary, the program is designed to permit students to complete degree requirements at their own pace. Classes are offered at the Wilson Graduate Center and are scheduled on weeknights and Saturdays. Classes are also offered at multiple satellite campuses and are scheduled primarily on weeknights. All of the MBA concentrations are available and can be completed fully online.
MBA Program Requirements
The MBA program requires the following undergraduate coursework:
1) Mathematics. Three credits in undergraduate mathematics with a grade of “C” or better at the level of college algebra, college mathematics, statistics, or higher (equivalent to Wilmington University MAT 110 or higher or a passing grade on the CLEP college algebra examination).
2) Economics. Three credits in undergraduate economics with a grade of “C” or better (equivalent to Wilmington University ECO 105 or a passing grade on the CLEP microeconomics or macroeconomics examination).
3) Accounting*. Three credits of undergraduate Accounting I with a grade of “C” or better (equivalent to Wilmington University BAC 101). Students may complete MBA 5850, Financial Accounting for MBAs, to meet this requirement. Students who wish to test out of the accounting pre-requisite can submit a passing grade on the CLEP Financial Accounting exam.
4) Finance. Three credits of undergraduate finance with a grade of “C” or better (equivalent to Wilmington University FIN 305). Students may complete MBA 5900, Principles of Finance, or FIN 305 to meet this requirement.
An on-campus (only) exam is available for students who wish to test out of this requirement. Students may ask for details.
Students who need to fulfill any of the prerequisite undergraduate course requirements may enroll in specially designed graduate courses or appropriate undergraduate courses that carry no credit toward the MBA degree.
Incoming MBA students are expected to have a basic proficiency in spreadsheet software applications and writing skills at a level necessary for success in graduate coursework. Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential shortcomings in these areas and corrective solutions during their program planning conference.
*See MBA: Accounting for specific undergraduate accounting pre-requisites for the Accounting concentration.
Registration
It is highly recommended that students take MBA 6000 as the first course in the MBA program.
Prior to registering for the second MBA course students should:
- Submit official transcript(s) from an accredited college, university, or other degree-granting institution verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree. Send official transcript(s) directly from the identified college or university to the Wilmington University Graduate Admissions office or email gradadmissions@wilmu.edu.
- Meet with a program Chair for a program planning conference if not completed earlier. Official transcript(s) should be on file prior to the conference. Students may bring unofficial transcript(s) to this meeting if official transcript(s) are not yet on file.
Advancement to Degree Candidacy
Students who have met the MBA admission requirements are advanced to degree candidacy after completing four courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0, provided they have met the following requirements:
- Official undergraduate transcript(s) are on file with the Graduate Admissions office.
- Successfully completed MBA 6000 as one of the first four courses in the program.
- Fulfilled all of the undergraduate pre-requisite coursework listed in the section above.
Students who have not completed all of the above requirements prior to completing 12 graduate credits will not advance to candidacy status. Students who do not meet the candidacy requirement will be unable to register for additional classes until they meet with a program Chair and agree on a plan of action ensuring student’s successful completion of the MBA candidacy requirements.
MBA Concentrations
In addition to the traditional MBA program above, students may elect to concentrate in a particular area of study. The following concentrations are offered:
Accounting*
Business Analytics
Business Communication
Business Technology Management
Finance
Health Care Administration
Homeland Security
Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems
Marketing Management
Nonprofit Management
Organizational Leadership
Sustainability
Each of the above MBA program concentrations require twelve 3-credit graduate courses consisting of the seven course MBA common core and five courses in the declared MBA concentration.
*The MBA with a concentration in Accounting requires a six course, 18-credit hour common core. Advanced Managerial Accounting MAC 7200 is taken within the 18-credit hour Accounting concentration.
The Wilmington University MBA Program
The MBA program is based upon the belief that students must understand the complex relationships of the various organizational functions of economics, finance, marketing, operations, and management on a global basis. The program consists of twelve 3-credit hour courses divided into a seven course common core and a five course concentration. The MBA core is required of all students and provides an in-depth and integrated exposure to the fields of economics, finance, accounting, management, leadership, quantitative methods, and business strategy.
The MBA Common Core:
MBA Without a Concentration
In addition to the MBA core, students complete the following courses:
Two electives
Graduate level electives include: any HCA, MBA (except 5850 or 5900), MGT, MHS, MHR, MIS, MOL, MPA, or IST.
Graduate-level courses taken to meet program admission pre-requisites are not applied towards the 36 credit-hour requirement for MBA degree completion.
MBA with a Concentration in Accounting
In addition to the MBA admission and candidacy requirements listed above, the MBA Accounting concentration has the prerequisite completion of 12 credit hours of undergraduate Accounting: Accounting I & II (equivalent to W.U. BAC101 and BAC102) and Intermediate Accounting I & II (equivalent to W.U. BAC201 and BAC202). Students may complete MAC 5000 and MAC 5010 to meet the Accounting I & II requirement and complete MAC 5100 and MAC 5110 to meet the Intermediate Accounting I & II requirement.
To fulfill the requirements for the MBA with a concentration in Accounting, students must complete an 18-credit hour Business Management core and an 18-credit hour concentration in Accounting.
Courses
| MBA 6000 | Organizational Behavior and Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| MBA 6350 | Survey of Data Analytics | 3 |
| MBA 7250 | Financial Analysis | 3 |
| MBA 7600 | Global Marketing Management | 3 |
| MBA 8800 | Business Strategy | 3 |
| MIS 7000 | IT in Business | 3 |
| MAC 7100 | Financial Accounting Theory, Policy, and Research | 3 |
| MAC 7200 | Advanced Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| MAC 7300 | Issues in Auditing and Assurance Services | 3 |
| MAC 7400 | Fraud Prevention and Forensic Accounting | 3 |
| MAC 7500 | Federal Taxation, Policy, and Research | 3 |
| MAC 7600 | International Accounting and Taxation | 3 |
MBA Core 18 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Business Analytics
Business Analytics (BA) refers to using statistical and other analytical tools to leverage data to measure performance, improve business processes, and optimize business decision-making. BA can be applied to an organization as a whole, or to specific projects, processes, or products. BA knowledge and skills are increasingly in demand by potential employers of our graduates.
Courses
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Business Communication
Communications plays an integral role in every type of organization in today's global business environment. A concentration in Business Communication offers students a practical, hands-on approach to a variety of effective and strategic communications options, distribution techniques, and analytical reporting disciplines. Companies of every size and kind are seeking knowledgeable professionals in advertising, public relations, journalism, digital media, and crisis communications. Many business communications professionals are also responsible for developing organizational brands, from messaging and positioning the overall company image to communicating differentiated product features and benefits in highly competitive and dynamic environments. This concentration prepares students to identify various types of target audiences and use appropriate technology within relevant formats to craft compelling, results-oriented communications.
Courses
MBA Core 21 Credits
Total of core and concentration credits is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Business Technology Management
This MBA program concentration provides instruction in a growing cross-disciplinary area of business: the intersection of business processes, data analysis, and the technology applications that support these integrated business processes.
Courses
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Finance
This concentration lets students exercise decision making skills in the area of financial management to meet business strategy.
Courses
Select five of the following six courses:
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Health Care Administration
This concentration provides instruction in the changing environment of Health Care. Students will demonstrate knowledge of a variety of healthcare issues including health policy, insurance, demand for services, and legal and ethical issues in today's global environment.
Courses
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Homeland Security
Issues involving homeland security have become a priority at all levels of the corporate world. Business professionals need to know the problems involved and be prepared to adapt to the ever changing landscapes in homeland security in order to maintain a safe and secure work environment.
Courses
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Human Resource Management
This MBA program concentration equips individuals with the essential competencies necessary to lead and develop the human capital of organizations. The MBA blends the strategic business acumen with the human resources skills necessary for the business executives of today and tomorrow. The MBA in Human Resources is an ideal degree for human resource professionals seeking to diversify their portfolio of competencies to advance their career, profession, and organizations.
Courses
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Management Information Systems
This MIS concentration provides students with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed in today's technological world. Students will possess a working command of current informational practices that can immediately be applied in business, educational, and governmental organizations.
Courses
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Marketing Management
This concentration teaches students how to demonstrate knowledge of management issues affecting marketing in global environments confronting U.S. organizations today as well as formulate business strategies in order to meet sales, marketing, and customer service needs.
Courses
In addition to the MBA core, students complete the following courses:
| MBA 7603 | Market Research and Consumer Behavior | 3 |
| MBA 7606 | Business to Business and Business to Government Marketing | 3 |
| MBA 7608 | Integrated Marketing Communications | 3 |
| MBA 7615 | Marketing Analytics | 3 |
One of the following three courses:
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Nonprofit Management
Nonprofit agencies play an increasingly important role in providing a wide range of client-based services in today’s economy. This new concentration will provide nonprofit agencies with a source of potential leaders exposed to critical nonprofit business functions including leadership, administrative governance, and fundraising. This degree program combines a seven course common core with a five course concentration that provides cross-disciplinary exposure to instruction from the Colleges of Business (COB) and Social & Behavioral Sciences (COSBS).
Courses
Choose one of two elective options:
*Electives: Any MBA (except 5000-level courses), MGT, MOL, or AHS.
MHR 6503 "Law, Regulation, and the Workplace" is a recommended elective.
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership
This concentration provides students the opportunity to research, assess, and understand various aspects of Organizational Leadership. It is important for today's leaders to develop/improve skills and capabilities to manage organizations in a rapidly changing global environment.
Courses
Select one of the following three courses:
| MHR 6503 | Law, Regulation and the Workplace | 3 |
| MOL 6600 | Legal and Ethical Aspects of Organizations | 3 |
| MPA 6503 | Administrative Law | 3 |
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.
MBA with a Concentration in Sustainability
This MBA concentration provides students with comprehensive exposure to business sustainability principles that are essential in supporting and aligned with organizational strategy and tactics.
Courses
Students are recommended to take an MBA course in analytics, marketing, finance (excluding
MBA 5900), or leadership for their open elective.
MBA Core 21 credits
Total of core and concentration courses is 12 courses or 36 credits.