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Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree Program

MBA Graduate Degree

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SBU's accredited traditional and online MBA programs have been established to enhance the professional and personal development of our students, and to provide the foundation necessary for occupational advancement. The course of study for the MBA includes knowledge and application skills in business in order to prepare students for leadership roles.

SBU's MBA degree is offered in two tracks:

  • Professional Track (online)
  • Residential Track (hybrid)

Concentrations may be added to your MBA degree and are available in the areas of:

  • Christian Ministry
  • Health Administration

SBU and the Robert W. Plaster College of Business provide an environment where students are encouraged to achieve success in their chosen fields; develop the ability to think coherently and creatively; and organize, analyze and communicate information in a faith-based setting.

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The Mission of the MBA Program at SBU

The mission of the Master of Business Administration program is to equip graduate students from a Christ-centered perspective, building on foundational business principles, with the interpersonal, critical thinking, and analytical skills to empower them to become servant leaders in a global society.

The MBA degree is offered through SBU's Robert W. Plaster College of Business. 

Learn More about Earning an MBA Degree and Apply

Wondering about which program track is right for you? How many years will it take to complete your degree? What skills are integral for success in an MBA program? What will your classes be like? What are the job prospects after obtaining your MBA? Our admissions counselors can help you answer all of these questions and more. Whether you’re a high school student looking to enter an accelerated program or looking for a postgraduate degree, SBU is happy to help you begin your journey towards your next academic achievement.

Graduate student applicants

If you are finishing or have completed an undergraduate degree and are ready to continue your education with an online MBA, visit the Graduate Studies in Business page to learn more about the application and admissions process, cost and financial aid, and more.

Working professionals are encouraged to apply to our professional track! Explore our online executive MBA today.

Application and Cost

High School students

The High School Early Acceptance Program (EAP) is a great opportunity for you to show your commitment to your future while being recognized for your outstanding achievements. The EAP is a prestigious group of SBU students who not only excel academically, but also have proven potential to serve as tomorrow's business leaders.

Students who are accepted into the Early Acceptance MBA program can complete an undergraduate degree and the graduate-level Master of Business Administration in as little as five years.

Early Acceptance Information

Talk to Admissions

To learn more about the MBA program and the admissions process, contact Nicki Harmon, associate director for graduate admissions, at (417) 328-1402 or nharmon@SBUniv.edu. 

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The SBU Advantage

SBU's MBA program has three distinctive components:

  • Intentionally faith-based
  • Leadership focus
  • Entrepreneurship emphasis

Faith Integration

SBU's College of Professional Programs and the Robert W. Plaster College of Business have a Psalm 15 initiative, which provides intentional integration of faith and academic discipline. Using Psalm 15 as a basis, the Colleges have identified eight character traits that should be the hallmark of the students and graduates. These character traits are emphasized in coursework and in a special lecture series. The highlighted character traits are: Integrity, Service, Respect, Charity, Faithfulness, Truthfulness, Humility and Perseverance.

Program tracks & Concentrations

Professional Track

Southwest Baptist University’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) Professional Track is designed for working professionals. We will assist you in meeting your career goals through a rigorous but rewarding academic experience — and through online MBA classes delivered in a format that is compatible with your work schedule.

  • 37 credit hours
  • Online program
  • Competency-based admissions

Residential track

SBU's MBA residential track is for the fifth year SBU student who wants a hybrid course offering with face-to-face class meetings. This track can be completed in a one-year or two-year schedule.

Christian Ministry Concentration

Add a concentration in Christian ministry to your MBA degree (professional or residential track). This is a great option for anyone interested in working in the nonprofit sector or who wants to expand their knowledge of ministry and Biblical studies.

Health Administration Concentration

An additional 12 credit hours of health administration courses can be added to either the professional or the residential tracks to complete a concentration in Health Administration. This concentration is for anyone who is working in management or aspires to work in management within the health care industry.

Full-Time Faculty

Troy Bethards

Dr. Troy Bethards, College Dean
Kristin Hamm, accounting faculty

Kristin Hamm, Instructor
Dr. Nathan Wright, assistant professor of business

Dr. Nathan Wright, Department Chair
Levi Bridge

Dr. Levi Bridge, MBA Director
David Liu, business faculty

Dr. David Liu, Associate Professor
John Zietlow

Dr. John Zietlow, Professor
Angela Brown-Peterson

Dr. Angela Brown-Peterson, Assistant Professor
Dr. Baochuan Lu, computer science faculty

Dr. Baochuan Lu, Associate Professor

SBU's rigorous academic preparation has helped prepare me for my past and current work roles. I've been successful in the challenges I've had at work because of the skills I developed from my academic coursework. I had amazing professors who challenged me and taught me more than a textbook ever could.

Rachel Greene '09, '10, Learning Consultant in Leadership Development for Cerner Corp.
Rachel Greene, MBA alum

Master of business administration courses

MBA CORE REQUIREMENTS (34 HOURS)

ACC 5113 Managerial Accounting 3
ECO 5043 Managerial Economics 3
MGT 5043 Organizational Behavior and Servant Leadership 3
MKT 5023 Marketing Management 3
FIN 5023 Financial Management 3
MGT 5111 History of Management Thought 1
CIS 5123 Management Information Systems and E-Commerce 3
MGT 5093 Organizational Strategy 3
MGT 5013 Managerial Communication 3
MGT 5063 Entrepreneurship 3
LDR 5063 Leadership Development 3
BUS 5043 Ethics and Critical Thinking in Business Administration 3
Total hours 34

Christian Ministry concentration additional Requirements (12 hours)

Pre-requisite:
BIB 2093 Methods of Biblical Interpretation or an equivalent course 3
12 hours chosen from the following:
MIN 5273 Conflict and Crisis in Ministry 3
MIN 5173 Disciple-Making in Context 3
MIN 5513 Local Church Counseling 3
MIN 5113 Preaching and Teaching the Bible 3
MIN 5163 Theology and Practice of the Local Church 3
Total hours .................................
 12

Health Administration concentration additional Requirements (12 hours)

HAD 5113 Advanced Health Care Leadership & Administration 3
Nine hours chosen from the following:
HAD 5123 Health Care Organizations 3
HAD 5153 Quality & Safety in Health Care 3
HAD 5073 Human Resource Management in Health Care 3
HAD 5093 Organizational Analysis and Innovation 3
Total hours .................................
 12

ADDITIONAL MBA REQUIREMENTS WHEN NO CONCENTRATION IS PURSUED

BUS 5053 Global Business Practice and Opportunity 3
Total hours .................................
 3

NOTE: This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

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MBA Course Listing