Master of Business Administration

Improve your professional confidence, project management, critical thinking, and leadership when you earn your Master of Business Administration degree online from Ashford University.

Degree Focus
Your Master of Business Administration program offers graduate study of the functions and activities performed in profit-seeking as well as not-for-profit organizations. You will study with focus in areas such as operations, finance, marketing, accounting, and business strategy.

Career Opportunities
When you graduate with your MBA, you will be prepared for a career in which a broad background and general knowledge in the field of business are requirements. You will also have experience of advanced graduate work in critical areas. You may choose to enter or advance in one of the areas of business or industry for which your degree has prepared you, start your own businesses, or pursue careers with local, state, or federal government. You may also consider a career in the following industries: 

• For-profit businesses 
• Investment banking 
• Small business management 
• Government 
• Non-profit organizations

Special Terms and Conditions
Successful completion of the Master of Business Administration program is not intended to lead to certification. It is the student's responsibility to determine individual state licensure requirements. Ashford University does not represent that this degree program meets requirements for licensure in any state.

Specializations
Personalize your MBA degree with a specialization. Each specialization focuses on a unique element that will further enhance your skills and prepare you for a larger range of responsibility. Choose from the following specializations:

• Business Economics
• Entrepreneurship
• Environmental Management
• Finance
• Global Management
• Health Care Administration
• Human Resources Management
• Information Systems
• Marketing
• Organizational Leadership
• Project Management
• Public Administration
• Supply Chain Management

Business Economics (9 credits)

In a world where even local events have global impact, the study of business economics is crucial for future leaders. With your Business Economics specialization added to your MBA, you will develop the skills you need to formulate business strategies to meet the challenge of the markets.
The Business Economics specialization reinforces the natural relationship between economics and finance. You will study economic forces that impact business, from employment and inflation to monetary and fiscal policy.

Entrepreneurship (9 credits)

Are you ready and willing to take on new ventures in business? An entrepreneur assumes responsibility for the risks inherent in any new enterprise. With your Entrepreneurship Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will be armed with the tools you will need to manage risks while confronting businesses' biggest challenges.
The Entrepreneurship Specialization equips you to launch and foster new business enterprises or assume entrepreneurial leadership positions in existing organizations. You will increase interpersonal and management skills while developing a wide range of expertise in finance, accounting, economics, quality improvement, risk management, new capital generation, law, strategic planning, statistical reasoning, and organizational management.

Environmental Management (9 credits)

Integrate sustainable business strategies into your education. With your Environmental Management specialization added to your MBA, you will learn to meet the challenges of energy, economics, and the environment.
The Environmental Management specialization gives you the strategic planning tools to respond to the next-generation economy. You will study economic forces, business risk, and alternative sources of energy.

Finance (9 credits)

Deepen your expertise in business administration. With your Finance Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will delve into multiple aspects of investment, economics, and accounting at the corporate level.
The Finance Specialization strengthens your credentials to manage the financial health of a growing business while providing you with the knowledge and skills you need to survive in today's competitive economy.

Global Management (9 credits)

Diversify your repertoire of leadership skills. With your Global Management Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will develop a broad understanding of business and management across national and cultural boundaries.
The Global Management Specialization exposes you to leadership strategies from a socio-political context, while providing you with the insight you need to comprehend and compare a variety of management styles from around the world.

Health Care Administration (9 credits)

Give your career in health care a head start. With your Health Care Administration Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will enjoy the confidence that comes from a greater understanding of health policy, economics, and program implementation. 
The Health Care Administration Specialization prepares you to assume leadership and management positions in healthcare organizations. You will increase interpersonal and organizational skills while developing a wide range of expertise in accounting, quality assurance, risk management, health policy, law, strategic planning, statistical analysis, and organizational management.

Human Resources Management (9 credits)

Elevate your administration skills to new heights. With your Human Resources Management Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will cover training and development, compensation and benefits, and strategies in human resources management. 
The Human Resources Management Specialization is your opportunity to explore how the Human Resources function can thrive within organizations, while crafting a solid hiring strategy to recruit the best talent, as well as the ever-changing legal requirements that influence the HR decision-making process.

Information Systems (9 credits)

With your Information Systems Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will train to become an expert in today's information technology.
The Information Systems Specialization prepares you for a career in the information technology industry while you explore such topics as database management, essential business software, information processing, and systems development.

Marketing (9 credits)

Promote yourself and your education. With your Marketing Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will discover many of the strategies and ideas used by some of today's most successful marketing professionals.
The Marketing Specialization puts a twist on your business competency while expanding your experience with branding, research, and consumer behavior.

Organizational Leadership (9 credits)

Take your education to the next level with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. With your Organizational Leadership Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will be well prepared to lead today's organizations through changing times.
The Organizational Leadership Specialization amplifies your expertise in business and management while you explore leadership opportunities, organizational change, and how these will impact the future.

Project Management (9 credits)

Create ambitious goals and get results! With your Project Management Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will master the discipline of successfully completing the specific objectives of any large endeavor.
The Project Management Specialization builds upon your competency in project planning and risk management while developing a wide range of expertise in procurement, finance, and operations.

Public Administration (9 credits)

Explore your passion for public service. With your Public Administration Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will enhance the management skills you need to perform effectively within a public, government, or non-governmental organizations.
The Public Administration Specialization trains you to master the complexities of promoting civil society and social justice while developing a wide range of expertise in budgeting, human resources, quantitative methods, and public policy.

Supply Chain Management (9 credits)

Provide all the right goods at just the right time. With your Supply Chain Management Specialization added to your MBA degree from Ashford University, you will further develop your logistics management skills, including materials management, evaluation and measurement, as well as distribution and inventory systems.
The Supply Chain Management Specialization supplements your competency in business administration while providing more specifically focused training in operations, production and delivery methods, quantitative methods, logistics, strategic planning, and project management.

Courses are taught by graduate-degreed faculty with real-world experience in the fields they teach.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Master of Business Administration

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Master of Business Administration degree program will be able to:

• Solve managerial problems using critical thinking skills and quantitative analysis; 
• Evaluate the moral and ethical principles practiced in the organizational setting; 
• Analyze the use of managerial and leadership skills used to develop productive teams; 
• Evaluate the influence of internal and external forces within organizations; 
• Research business information to support the decision making process; 
• Assess internal and external communication practices used in business; and 
• Analyze business opportunities and challenges from a global perspective.

Program Requirements
To be awarded the Master of Business Administration degree, all students must complete 42* credits with a 3.00 minimum grade point average.

* Students will complete 36 credits if they have transferable undergraduate coursework in Economics, Finance, and Accounting that meets Ashford University^® criteria.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Must have a regionally or approved nationally accredited Bachelor's degree with minimum 2.0 GPA. 
• English Language Requirement

Technology Requirements

Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:

• Ability to access course and program material on the Internet; 
• Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and 
• Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements
The following minimum system configuration and software are required: 

•  Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher; 
• Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; 
• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users); 
• Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
• Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
• Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 
• Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
• Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Transfer up to 9 semester credits from a regionally or approved nationally accredited college or university.* Call now for more information at 866.711.1700.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 6 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $568 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date. 
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education. 
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify. 
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option. 
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Master of Business Administration

Expand your academic knowledge and develop professional competence in managing and influencing organizational effectiveness with your Master of Business Administration degree. You'll learn from highly educated and highly skilled faculty as all of the instructors have graduate degrees and real world experience in the fields they teach.

Your Master of Business Administration degree program consists of 14 courses, or 42 credits. The first nine are core courses, followed by three courses that correspond to the specialization of your choice.

Students who have successfully completed undergraduate coursework in statistics, business statistics, or quantitative methods with a grade of "C" or higher will be exempt from MAT 540 Statistical Concepts for Research.

Students who have earned a Bachelor's degree in Business, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, or Economics or have successfully completed undergraduate coursework in Accounting or Finance with a grade of "C" or higher will be exempt from BUS 591 Financial Accounting & Analysis.

Students who waive MAT 540 and BUS 591 are required to take 36 total program credits in order to meet graduation requirements.

Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.

Core Courses
Standard Program (no specialization)
Specializations: 

• Business Economics 
• Entrepreneurship 
• Environmental Management 
• Finance 
• Global Management 
• Health Care Administration 
• Human Resources Management 
• Information Systems 
• Marketing 
• Organizational Leadership 
• Project Management 
• Public Administration 
• Supply Chain Management

Core Courses

(33 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 600 Management Communications with Technology Tools
This course is designed to introduce the student to the Ashford University Graduate Business programs, with emphases upon conceptualizing communication and communication processes in the contexts of organizations and leadership. Emphasis will be on technology, theories and models, qualitative communication research methodologies, and research writing. Please note that BUS 600 is the first course taken in the MBA program once program prerequisites are met.

BUS 610 Organizational Behavior
This course investigates behavioral factors that affect modern organizations and their management. Topics include group and team dynamics, organizational structure, motivation, leadership, power, and change management.

BUS 620 Managerial Marketing
This course examines the marketing function, focusing on the managerial application of marketing tools and methodology. Emphasis is placed on marketing decisions associated with allocating organizational resources including: product development and design, pricing, promotional strategies, and distribution-based activities. Course coverage includes the marketing concept, buyer psychology, strategic planning and implementation of marketing plans.

BUS 670 Legal Environment
This course involves the study of the business law, its foundations and the role it plays in managing a business with a particular emphasis on the corporate form. Topics of relevance to be explored include the following core concepts: constitutional law case law, government regulation, ethics, contracts, anti-trust law, securities regulations, employment law, environmental law, and crimes and torts.

MAT 540 Statistical Concepts for Research*
This course demonstrates how to apply selected statistical techniques to a wide variety of problems and situations arising in the areas of business, economics, finance, management, social science, health, psychology, and education. Topics include graphical description of data; measures of location and dispersion; probability; discrete and continuous random variables; sampling distributions and estimation; confidence intervals and hypothesis tests; simple linear regression and correlation.

BUS 591 Financial Accounting & Analysis*
This course is a study of how the firm's management captures and uses financial information for reporting and analysis to both internal and external stakeholders. Various course topics include the accounting cycle, sources of the information contained in financial statements, time value of money, ratio analysis, the preparation and analysis of income statements, balance sheets, and statements of cash flows.

BUS 642 Business Research Methods & Tools
This course examines the use of quantitative techniques business decision-making. Using spreadsheet software, the course addresses managerial problem solving through the use descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and correlation and regression (single and multiple) analysis. This course also provides a graduate foundation for conducting business research. Topic coverage includes: research methodology, literature review, hypothesis generation, data collection and summary techniques. Additional coverage includes study of qualitative and quantitative data as well as reviewing conceptual versus empirical research studies.

BUS 630 Managerial Accounting
This course studies the role and major functions of the managerial accountant within the organization. Students of managerial accounting should not only be able to produce accounting information but also understand how managers are likely to use and react to that information. The goal of this course is to acquaint students of business with the fundamental tools of management accounting and to promote their understanding of the dramatic ways in which the field is changing. The emphasis through the text and course is on using account information to help manage an organization. Some topics covered in this course include: cost management, various budgeting theories and techniques, and decision making processes.

BUS 640 Managerial Economics
This course is designed to provide a solid foundation of economic understanding for use in managerial decision-making. The course offers an intuitive non-calculus based treatment of economic theory and analysis. A variety of examples are used to illustrate the application of managerial economics to diverse practical situations. The role that economic analysis plays in that process is emphasized throughout this course.

BUS 650 Managerial Finance
This course studies the role and major functions of corporate finance within the organization. Upon developing an understanding of the theoretical foundation of corporate finance, students will use financial tools in an applied case and problem format. Topics covered include: Net present value analysis (time value of money), risk assessment, security valuation, decisions on capital structure and allocation, and the weighted average cost of capital.

BUS 644 Operations Management
This course focuses on the principles associated with the effective design, implementation and management of organizational processes and systems. With an emphasis on efficiency, course coverage includes: systems design for products and services, inventory management systems, distribution and supply chain management. 

* This course may be waived, depending on the student's undergraduate coursework.

Standard Program

(no specialization, 9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 616 International Business
This course studies the major functional business areas in a global context. Taking into consideration socio-political structural differences, the multinational corporation is investigated with applications in management, finance, marketing and operations.

INF 620 Management of Information Systems
This course introduces the fundamentals of computer systems, the role of information processing in the business environment, and provides a basic overview of essential computer software. The course also provides an overview of systems development, operating systems and programming, database management, networking, and telecommunications all from a management perspective.

BUS 690 Business Strategy
This capstone course explores the formulation, implementation and evaluation/control of organizational strategic management. In the context of a globally competitive market, students will explore methods of directing an entire organization through applied case analysis. Topics include: analysis of competitive position, value creation, developing systems-wide goals and objectives, and the creation of a strategic plan. This course is cumulative in nature, integrating knowledge and information attained while completing the entire MBA curriculum. Additionally, the capstone project requires the generation and presentation of an industry analysis.

Specializations

You may choose one of the following specializations to add to your degree program:

Business Economics
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 668 Macroeconomics of Financial Markets
This course examines the monetary aspects of production, spending, borrowing, and lending decisions, organization, performance and scope of services provided by financial markets and institutions, and the powers of the Federal Reserve System to use monetary policy and limits to credit expansion. The regulatory and globalization aspects and relevance of market behavior to the financial system are also examined.

BUS 669 Managerial Economic Analysis
Managerial economics introduces the basic principles of economic analysis as applied to managerial decisions to determine how an organization can achieve its aims most efficiently. This course applies statistical and quantitative tools and the methodological approaches commonly used by economists to business problems as demand estimation, product pricing, profit maximizing level of output, cost minimizing level of input use, and forecasting.

BUS 689 Market Structure & Firm Strategy
This course focuses on the study of markets, laws, and government regulations used to smooth significant market imperfections, especially the problems caused by market structure and market power. The course further examines how firms formulate business strategies and activities to position themselves for profit advantage. This course is cumulative in nature, integrating knowledge and information attained while completing the entire MBA/Business Economics curriculum. In addition, the capstone project requires the generation and presentation of an industry economic analysis.

Entrepreneurship
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 604 New Business Venture Management
This course focuses on the important aspects of starting a new business enterprise with emphasis on the challenges faced by the entrepreneur in initiating a business venture and directing its early development. The course also addresses the process of forming business ventures, the identification and evaluation of new venture opportunities, and the development of appropriate entry strategies.

BUS 605 Venture Capital and Private Equity
This course will examine the role of finance and the formation of financial strategies needed to support each phase of the business start-up. Sources of equity and debt capital along with entry strategies such as franchising and acquisition are examined. Alternative working capital, capital structure, and investment strategies unique to the start-up are presented.

BUS 696 Strategic Thinking for Entrepreneurs
This course focuses on application of key strategic and managerial approaches necessary entrepreneurs to implement the strategy for a start up or business takeover enterprise. It examines and discusses how entrepreneurial firms develop and implement innovative business plans, create functional operations, and incorporate technology strategies. Emphasis is placed on the vision of the firm, the strategic planning process, and strategic management. The final component is the generation of a business plan as a capstone project.

Environmental Management
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 665 Environmental Law & Compliance
This course begins with an analysis of The Solid Waste Disposal Act/Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Further, it will familiarize students with an environmental manager's duties in permitting, reporting, record keeping and sampling. It emphasizes a systematic approach to identifying obligations with respect to regulated media and developing appropriate responses. Obligations under United States environmental laws, their relationship to state and local laws, and state and local obligations are considered as a model for analysis and response.

BUS 667 Energy, Environment & Economics
This course deals with the linkage of energy, environmental and economic issues. The impact of energy supply and end-use on human well-being and the ecosystem is covered. It also includes a comprehensive approach to the resolution of resource, technical, economic, strategic, environmental, socio- and geopolitical problems of the energy industries. In addition, pathways to a sustainable global energy system are presented.

BUS 688 Business Strategy: The Sustainable Enterprise
This course integrates environmental management issues with use of strategic planning tools for assessing and responding to the driving forces of the "next" economy: globalization, technology, demographics and the environment. The course examines the challenge of corporations competing in the global economy of the new millennium in such a way that will allow the planet to support them indefinitely. Emphasis is on the company's ability to build and sustain a competitive advantage utilizing traditional management concepts as well as new sustainability practices.

Finance
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 655 Financial Investment Management
The central focus of this course is to develop an understanding of how security markets function, factors that influence security valuation, differentiating between various investment types and understanding investment risk and return principles. This course covers security markets operations, investment information, portfolio asset allocation; financial environment analysis; and evaluation of equity and fixed income securities.

BUS 657 Corporate Managerial Finance
This course introduces the financial theory and practices firm managers use to attain their goal of maximizing corporate shareholder wealth. Topics covered are: analysis techniques of financial statement and cash flows; working capital management and financial forecasting; valuation methods for debt and equity capital; risk and rate of return theory; cost of capital, capital project budgeting decisions and cash flow estimation; optimal capital structure and dividend policy.

BUS 694 Finance Capstone Seminar
This course will cover advanced financial topics including: International financial management, corporate risk management, merger and acquisitions, portfolio management theory and real options.

Global Management
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 616 International Business
This course studies the major functional business areas in a global context. Taking into consideration socio-political structural differences, the multinational corporation is investigated with applications in management, finance, marketing and operations.

BUS 606 Global Comparative Management
This course reviews management systems within their political, social, and economic environments with a global perspective. This course also emphasizes the managerial processes in a global business environment and provides a strategic assessment of the fundamental issues involved in the management of multinational corporations. Topics include comparative studies of practices of management in foreign nations and examination of the influences of culture on business operations.

BUS 693 Global Business Strategy
This course builds on leadership, business, and management concepts while integrating a comprehensive look at strategic planning and management in a global environment. The course is designed to employ case analyses, critical assessments, global market evaluations, and a comprehensive strategic planning project to lead the student to fluency in the global strategic planning process.

Health Care Administration
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

MHA 601 Principles of Health Care Administration
The focus of this course is on the application of advanced organizational principles in complex health care environments. Organizational issues, administrative processes and applications are explored. The managerial perspectives of a mid-to senior healthcare administrator are emphasized.

MHA 626 Strategic Planning & Marketing in Health Care
This course focuses upon the visioning and modeling of services and programs, both anticipatory and responsive, utilizing market-driven information. Students integrate theories from economics, information management, finance and leadership, culminating in the generation of a comprehensive business plan.

MHA 690 Health Care Capstone
This course offers an opportunity for the integration of knowledge and skills developed within a culminating student project. The focus is on strategic and organizational issues unique to the health care environment. The student will present a comprehensive report at the end of the Capstone experience.

Human Resources Management
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 680 Training and Development
This course will allow the student to gain in-depth knowledge of training and performance development essential as a line manager or human resource specialist. Beginning with fundamental principles of performance, the course will focus on identifying critical factors in workplace performance and how to analyze the causes of performance problems. Additionally, this course will distinguish between training and development and will address their complimentary functions in the modern organization.

BUS 681 Compensation and Benefits
This course will allow the student to gain in-depth knowledge into compensation theories, policies, systems and practices with particular emphasis directed towards designing effective compensation programs.

BUS 692 Strategies in Human Resources Management
This course examines how to manage human resources effectively in the dynamic legal, social, and economic environment currently impacting organizations. This course will examine where human resources management is now and where it needs to be in the future of organizations. Students will learn how to develop alignment among vision, strategy, and values of organizations and the HR function. Emphasis is placed on integrating human resources management with the overall business strategy.

Information Systems
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

INF 620 Management of Information Systems
This course introduces the fundamentals of computer systems, the role of information processing in the business environment, and provides a basic overview of essential computer software. The course also provides an overview of systems development, operating systems and programming, database management, networking, and telecommunications all from a management perspective.

INF 630 Business Systems Analysis
This course addresses the many business systems issues unique to the information services function within organizations. Coverage includes information systems planning, managing the information infrastructure, justifying information technology investments, the costing of services and networks, evaluating information system performance, alternative information service delivery modes, managing distributed and end-user computing, project and operations management, systems security, and the management of information technology professionals.

INF 690 Information Systems Strategy
This course emphasizes the use of information technology to develop distinct competitive advantage in relations with competitors, customers, and suppliers, and with respect to products and services. Course participants examine strategies of actual companies and identify other strategies that can be deployed to gain competitive advantage in diverse settings. In addition, the course is cumulative in nature, integrating knowledge and information attained while completing the entire MBA curriculum. The capstone project requires generation and presentation of an organizational information systems strategic plan.

Marketing
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

MKT 625 Consumer Behavior
This course presents and analyzes the most critical issues of buyer behavior both for individual consumers and within the organizational environment. Priority is placed on the economic, psychometric, and sociometric factors that influence buyer behavior and the buyer decision process. Through analyzing and understanding buyer behavior, marketing managers can ultimately understand this process and actively influence strategic business decisions.

MKT 635 Marketing Research
This course is designed to integrate theory and practice and develop students' analytical skills in marketing research methodology. Students apply methods and techniques for the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of primary and secondary data toward the solution of current marketing problems.

BUS 695 Strategic Marketing
This course builds on the leadership, business, and management concepts contained in the MBA program while introducing the principles and tools for managers to apply in the development, implementation, and review of marketing strategy for organizations. Topics include internal and external environmental analysis; value, competition, and strategic choice; strategic positioning; and implementation and control issues. In addition, the capstone project requires the generation and presentation of strategic marketing plan.

Organizational Leadership
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 660 Contemporary Issues in Organizational Leadership
This course provides an in-depth examination of the multi-faceted concept of leadership studies by presenting the student with the vocabulary, concepts, theories, and applicable research that are fundamental to the understanding of leadership. The course will examine contemporary and historical leadership issues unique to women and minority leaders, the moral and ethical responsibility of leadership, and leadership in a variety of contexts. Leadership as a social and political influence process will be examined.

BUS 661 Leading Organizational Change
This course will blend theories of leadership with concepts and models of organizational change. The change process consists of a series of steps that focuses on vision, implementation, change agents and other internal and external components. This course provides insight into types of changes impacting organizations and possible strategies to effectively address those changes.

BUS 691 Strategies in Organizational Leadership
This course builds on the leadership, business, and management concepts contained in the MBA program. It provides the student with the opportunity to synthesize all prior learning in leadership and related coursework and experiences, both personal and professional. It will allow the student to expand their thinking and explore the arena of leadership and how it will impact the future of the individual, the organization, and the world in which we live.

Project Management
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 611 Project Planning and Management
This course introduces students to the art and science of project management as applied to different types of project situations. Topics such as project life-cycle management, project organizations and leadership, project team building, RFPs, proposals and contracts, techniques for project scope definition, work definition, estimating, scheduling, risk management, control and closeout, the project management methodology, and PM software are covered.

BUS 612 Advanced Project Procurement
This course emphasizes a hands-on approach to using project management knowledge areas to facilitate scheduling, estimating, tracking and controlling the schedule and costs of the project. A project baseline will be set so that actual schedule and cost variances can be compared to the project baseline and corrective actions can be developed to address the variances. In this course students will learn about the legal, ethical, and fiscal considerations in procurement and contracts. Students will examine ways of identifying, evaluating and mitigating risk in scheduling, cost control, contracting and procurement.

BUS 697 Project Management Strategy
This course focuses on application of managerial approaches necessary to align significant projects with organizational strategy. It examines and discusses how firms determine business benefits and project feasibility, report progress, and measure project quality while communicating with key organizational stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on Earned Value Management techniques and achieving project progress and technical performance of the project.

Public Administration
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

PPA 601 Foundations of Public Administration
This course examines the theory and practice of public administration, its legal and constitutional foundation and the role of the public administrator in public policy. The context of the course discussions are based on the current issues facing public agency administrators.

PPA 603 Government Budgeting
This is a comprehensive, straightforward examination of government budgeting. Topics deal with include the advantages and disadvantages of various approaches to revenue projection, the collection and review of departmental proposals, the development of capital budgeting policy and other budgeting tasks. Also addressed are budget implementation, accounting and financial reporting. A variety of methods for maintaining budgetary balance, preventing overspending and dealing with contingencies are presented and discussed.

PPA 699 Public Policy Development
This capstone course is an examination of influences affecting policy development and decision making in the urban political arena. It also covers policy management, policy execution, establishing and measuring criteria for policy success, and effective communication throughout the public policy process. This course is cumulative in nature, integrating knowledge and information attained while completing the entire MPA curriculum. In addition, this course requires the generation and presentation of an analysis of a community development project.

Supply Chain Management
(9 credits, each course is 3 credits.)

BUS 631 Integrated Supply Chain Management
Study and analysis of supply chain management for products/services and the dynamic interaction of companies within an integrated supply chain. Topics include factors guiding companies' supply chain development and management; Technology as a supply chain tool; Positioning of a company in terms of its role as a valuable member of the supply chain; and, performance measures used across the supply chain.

BUS 632 Advanced Logistics
This course provides an overview of current logistics and distribution practices intended to advance current knowledge. Students should gain an understanding of the significant components of logistics management and the dynamics of what is considered best practice. Focuses on the complexities associated with the integrated flow of raw materials, in-process goods, finished goods, and information from point-of-origin through the production process to the end consumer.

BUS 698 Supply Chain Strategic Management
This covers addresses the strategic implications of sourcing and supplier relationships in the context of supply chain management. Critical elements including identifying and selecting suppliers, negotiating contract terms and conditions, implementing contracts, and measuring performance in the context of the organization's strategic plans are covered. Practical examples of sourcing excellence are provided.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

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