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Apr 16, 2024
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2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Business Administration (M.B.A.)
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Admissions Information
Each applicant is expected to have satisfactorily completed the foundation requirements for study in the Beacom School of Business (click on above link).
33-51 CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED
Applicants who enter the program with all 500-level foundation coursework or equivalent courses completed (18 credit hours for the general M.B.A.) will be given “advanced standing” and will only need to complete the 33 credit hours of advanced course work [M.B.A. (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis)]. An applicant who has not completed any business coursework will have up to 51-credit hours to complete (general M.B.A.). Completion of 18 foundational coursework or the equivalent is required for full admission to the M.B.A. program. Applicants who have completed some of the foundations coursework, either at USD or as part of their undergraduate program, will have an individualized program outlining their requirements for program completion. Challenge exams are available.
The Master of Business Administration, General Business is designed to develop current and future leaders for business, industry, and government while giving students the flexibility to elect courses to best enhance their career path. The program emphasizes decision making, problem solving, understanding the role of business in society, developing leadership ability and social responsibility, analytical and critical thinking skills, and preparing students for executive-level responsibility.
This general M.B.A. does not require a specialization. The following optional specializations are available.
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M.B.A., Foundation Courses: 0-18 credit hours
M.B.A., Plan A (thesis): Total 33 credit hours
- Business Core 27 credit hours
- Thesis 6 credit hours or 3 credit hours plus business-related supporting courses 3 credit hours
M.B.A., Plan B (non-thesis): Total 33 credit hours
- Business Core 27 credit hours
- Business-related supporting courses 6 credit hours
Note
With approval of the M.B.A. Program Coordinator, electives may be chosen from any courses offered for graduate credit by the University. Electives taken within the Beacom School of Business do not require approval. Students may not take a 500-level course as an elective if the student has completed the course at the 400-level.
Business Administration Core Coursework: 27 credit hours
M.B.A. General Program Thesis or Electives: 6 credit hours
- Business-related supporting courses 6 credit hours OR
- Thesis 6 credit hours OR
- 3 credit hours plus business-related supporting courses 3 credit hours
Online Master of Business Administration Program:
An online, part-time M.B.A. program is offered to serve the needs of working professionals unable to take face-to-face courses. Online courses are scheduled so students can complete the program in as little as two years (after completing foundation courses or their equivalents). The program is enhanced by a rich, five-day residency experience which takes place each spring and summer in Sioux Falls, SD. Students may select in which semester they complete the residency portion of the program. The online program is comparable to the face-to-face program; admissions and graduation requirements are identical and courses in each modality are taught by the same graduate-level faculty.
Hybrid Master of Business Administration Program:
A part-time M.B.A. program is offered to students who wish to combine face-to-face courses, online courses, and hybrid courses. The part-time program can be completed in as little as two years (after completing foundations courses or their equivalents). The part-time program is comparable to the face-to-face program; admissions and graduation requirements are identical, and courses in each modality are taught by the same graduate-level faculty.
Joint M.B.A./J.D.
It is possible to concurrently pursue an M.B.A. in the Beacom School of Business and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in the USD School of Law. Nine credits of 700- level M.B.A. coursework may be counted toward the J.D. degree (if both degrees are pursued concurrently). Additionally, nine hours of law coursework may be counted toward the M.B.A. degree. For further information on this joint program, contact both the USD School of Law and the M.B.A. Program Coordinator.
Required Courses for Joint M.B.A./J.D. 33 credit hours
B.B.A. / M.B.A. Fast-Track Option
Beacom School of Business undergraduate majors meeting requirements for entry into the M.B.A. program may opt to complete both the B.B.A. and M.B.A. concurrently. Students who pursue this fast-track option will be awarded their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, upon completion of the two programs. Permission to be awarded the undergraduate degree prior to the completion of the graduate degree is available.
Students may apply for admission to the M.B.A. program using the standard graduate application process after completing 75 credit hours. Applicants for the B.B.A./M.B.A. program are required to submit only two letters of recommendation. Students applying to the B.B.A./M.B.A. program are not required to provide a GMAT exam score for application to the fast-track program if they meet all of the following criteria: cumulative GPA of 3.25 and major GPA of 3.25. Applicants who do not meet the above criteria are required to provide a GMAT exam score, which will be evaluated along with all application materials in a manner consistent with applications to the M.B.A. program.
The fast-track option will confer special student status to those admitted, who will then be eligible to take 700-level courses in the graduate program of study and apply for graduate assistantships. Students must complete the requirements of the B.B.A. program in accordance with the undergraduate catalog and the requirements for the M.B.A. program in accordance with the graduate catalog. All prerequisites for courses in the M.B.A. program apply to students in the B.B.A./M.B.A. program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Goal #1: Our graduates will demonstrate knowledge of the basic business disciplines and strategic integration in business in a global environment.
Objectives:
- Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of core concepts in business disciplines.
- Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of strategic integration in a global environment.
GOAL #2: Our graduates will employ analytical and critical thinking skills to make business decisions in a dynamic environment.
Objectives:
- Graduates will employ analytical skills to perform systematic business analysis, identify problems, and suggest solutions.
- Graduates will employ critical thinking skills to analyze/identify the impact of the business environment on business decisions.
GOAL #3: Our graduates will communicate effectively and professionally.
Objectives:
- Graduates will demonstrate strong oral presentation skills.
- Graduates will be able to create professional quality business documents.
GOAL #4: Our graduates will recognize the importance of ethics and social responsibility in business.
Objectives:
- Graduates will demonstrate the ability to apply ethical principles in identifying and resolving business dilemmas.
- Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of social responsibility in business.
Courses or Programs Leading to Professional Licensure or Certification
The University of South Dakota as of July 1, 2020, cannot confirm whether any particular course or program meets educational prerequisites for professional licensure or certification in states other than South Dakota. If you are planning to apply for licensure/certification in a state other than South Dakota after completion of your program, contact the academic department offering your major or CDE at 605.658.6152 or by email at cde@usd.edu. USD is working to comply with these requirements and will provide up-to-date information as it becomes available.
If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference the State Authorization webpage below.
Information about State Authorization & Professional Licensure
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