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The Master of Business Administration

The goal of the MBA program is to prepare its participants for challenging managerial positions in ever-changing international working environments. To accomplish this, the program provides its participants with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective managerial decision-making, the flexibility to pursue a general or moderately specialized business curriculum, and a basis for continued personal and professional growth. The program is designed for those with undergraduate degrees in any major.

Course Requirements for the Master's Degree: 30-33 units

Continuous enrollment is required. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework.  This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education.

Graduate Time Limit:

All requirements for the degree are to be completed within five years of the end of the semester of enrollment in the oldest course applied toward the degree. See Master's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements.

Prerequisites to Graduate Study in Business

Enrollment in graduate (600-level) MBA courses presupposes completion of the following courses with a C or higher:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Introductory study of the information system that measures, records, and communicates the economic activity of an entity, in monetary terms, to stakeholders outside of the organization. The study of assets, liabilities, owners' equity, revenues, expenses, gains, and losses as they relate to the preparation of financial statements communicating an entity's financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. 3 hours lecture. (000077)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201.
Introductory study of the process of identification, measurement, accumulation, summarization, preparation, interpretation, analysis, and communication of financial and non-financial information to assist managerial planning, controlling, and decision-making within an organization to assure appropriate use of and accountability for the organization's resources. Students study terminology, cost behavior, cost estimation, cost assignment, cost accounting systems, cost of quality, financial and operational budgeting, performance evaluation, profitability analysis, pricing methodologies, and short-term and long-term decision-making techniques. 3 hours lecture. (000078)
An introductory survey of microeconomic analysis. Analysis of individual economic units: household, firms, and markets. Analysis of individual decision making. Supply and demand analysis. Type of market organization: competition, oligopoly, and monopoly. Discussion of current problems. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (002638)
Prerequisites: ACCT 201, ECON 103.
An introduction to financial management, providing a background in the areas of financial institutions, the time value of money, analysis of financial statements, working capital management, financial structure of the firm, capital budgeting, and related tools of financial analysis. 3 hours lecture. (003729)
Prerequisites: Completion of ELM requirement.
Summary of numerical data, elementary probability, distributions, and introduction to statistical inference. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (005501)

OR (the following course may be substituted for the above)

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Completion of ELM requirement.
Descriptive statistics, sampling theory, statistical inference and tests of hypotheses, analysis of variance, chi-square tests, simple regression and correlation, and multiple regression and correlation. 1.5 hours lecture, 1.5 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (001042)
Nature and functions of marketing systems and marketing in the individual firm. Study of the marketing mix, marketing institutions, and the environments in which marketing decisions are made. 3 hours lecture. (005872)

The prerequisite courses can often be substituted with equivalent courses from other universities. For more information about substitutions, students should contact Business Student Advising or the Graduate Coordinator.

Students with a non-business baccalaureate are encouraged to consider pursuing an MBA.

Students without an undergraduate business degree have a choice to take the six prerequisites as campus-based courses, or can fulfill the ECON 103, FINA 307, MATH 105/108, and MKTG 305 requirements by enrolling in an approved, online, self-paced set of modules. Details about fulfilling these four prerequisite courses with the self-paced modules are available on the MBA Program website (http://www.csuchico.edu/mba) or by contacting Business Student Advising or the Graduate Coordinator.

Business Student Advising and the Graduate Coordinator will determine whether unmet prerequisites remain, and how to best fulfill the prerequisite requirements.

There are two basic ways to complete the prerequisites. Students who meet entrance requirements but lack the prerequisites may be admitted as "conditionally classified" in the MBA program while they take the necessary prerequisite courses. Alternatively, students may choose to complete most or all of the prerequisites, here or elsewhere, prior to admission to the program. Consult Business Student Advising or the Graduate Coordinator to determine which option will best meet your needs and which prerequisites you may have already completed.

Required Academic Leveling Courses

All admitted students are required to complete a series of academic leveling courses. The leveling courses ensure that students have the basic knowledge necessary prior to enrolling in 600-level courses. The academic leveling courses are fulfilled through a series of self-paced, online modules. Details about the academic leveling courses are available on the MBA Program website or from Business Student Advising.

For students without an undergraduate business degree, the leveling courses can simultaneously fulfill some of the prerequisite requirements and the academic leveling requirement.

Waiver of the academic leveling requirement

Students may waive the leveling requirement if they have completed all the required prerequisite courses within the prior two years and earned a C or higher in each course. Waiver of prerequisites and the leveling requirement is subject to approval by Business Student Advising or the Graduate Coordinator.

Prerequisites for Admission to Conditionally Classified Status:

1. Satisfactory grade point average as specified in Graduate and Postbaccalaureate Admission Requirements in the University Catalog.

2. Approval by the department and the Office of Graduate Studies.

The goal of the Graduate Admission Committee is to select candidates who will become effective managers in private and public organizations. Accordingly, applicants are evaluated on intellectual ability, demonstrated managerial ability and potential, and personal characteristics conducive to academic and professional success, such as maturity, motivation, interpersonal skills, leadership, and breadth of experience.

In its deliberations, the Admissions Committee looks for responsible academic performance, for good Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores, and for qualities of personal development which promise career success. Specifically, the Committee reviews:

  1. The motivation to pursue graduate study in business and the potential to achieve a management position as evidenced in a written statement of purpose;
  2. Collegiate-level scholastic achievements (the entire undergraduate record, with particular emphasis on junior and senior years, and graduate record, if any, is examined for content and course grades.);
  3. Aptitude for business graduate education, as indicated by scores on the GMAT or GRE;
  4. The personal characteristics of the candidate which are conducive to academic and professional success, such as maturity, motivation, interpersonal skills, leadership, and breadth of experience, as reported in the applicant's resume, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.

The Admission Committee will operate in a manner consistent with and supportive of the ideals and goals of equal access and equal opportunity.

Prerequisites for Admission to Classified Status:

Students must satisfy the prerequisites for graduate study in business identified above.

Advancement to Candidacy:

In addition to any requirements listed above:

1. Classified graduate standing and completion at the University of at least 9 units of the proposed graduate program.

2. Development of an approved program in consultation with Business Student Advising or the Graduate Coordinator.

Requirements for the Master of Business Administration:

Completion of all requirements as established by the College of Business Graduate Committee, the Graduate Coordinator, and the Office of Graduate Studies to include:

1. Completion of an approved program consisting of at least 30 units of course work.

  1. At least 24 units must be 600-level.
  2. At the discretion of the academic program, a maximum of 30 percent of the units counted toward the degree requirements may be special session credit earned in non-matriculated status combined with all transfer coursework. This applies to special session credit earned through Open University, or in courses offered for academic credit through Regional and Continuing Education. (Correspondence courses and UC Extension coursework are not acceptable for transfer).
  3. Not more than 9 units of Independent Study (697), Directed Internship (689), and Master's Thesis (699); not more than 6 units of Master's Thesis (699).

2. The culminating activity requirement for all MBA options is met by the successful completion of BADM 693 "Seminar in Strategic Management and Administrative Policy".

3. Approval by the College of Business Graduate Committee and the Graduate Coordinators Committee on behalf of the faculty of the University.

MBA Course Work

24 units required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Advanced course in external reporting problems in controversial areas. Application of accounting theory and the conceptual framework to the solution of emerging problems. 3 hours seminar. (000114)
A large variety of readings, cases, and written assignments are used to examine the role of leadership, global ethics, and corporate social responsibility in organizations, The course emphasizes the theoretical and practical application of leadership and decision-making models and their interaction with ethical and socially responsible outcomes. Effective leaders must communicate well. The course gives students the opportunity to improve their written and oral communication skills. This is a writing intensive course. Passing the course with a B- or higher fulfills the Graduate School's writing proficiency requirement. 3 hours seminar. Formerly BADM 647. (021186)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
An examination of applications and information system platforms designed to support and improve business decision making. Exposure to relevant quantitative methods and their potential business value, combined with hands-on use of current technology. Case studies requiring the development of clearly communicated recommendations supported by sound analysis. 3 hours seminar. (001081)
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
Survey of academic literature in managerial finance, with particular emphasis on recent developments in theory and application. 3 hours seminar. (003751)
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
Study of current theory and research in organizational behavior and organizational design, emphasizing managerial applications. Includes ethical, environmental, technological, and international considerations. 3 hours seminar. (005743)
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student.
A study of marketing concepts and strategies, such as demand analysis, product/market positioning, distribution, promotion, and pricing strategies. Emphasis on integrating such concepts and strategies into strategic marketing programs. 3 hours seminar. (015959)
This course provides overview of the operations management process. The operations management field includes the primary functions of business. These central functions of an organization are responsible for the creation and delivery of goods and services. This course will assist the student in developing both quantitative and qualitative skills to utilize current methodologies, systems, and technology to plan, execute, implement, and analyze performance of the organization and its resources. The topic area of quality management will be a significant segment of this course. 3 hours seminar. (007747)
Prerequisites: Classified MBA student.
A case-oriented, interdisciplinary capstone seminar. Emphasis is on the analysis of complex business problems via the integration of the subject matter of all previous program courses. Linking the firm's internal and external environments from the total-enterprise perspective of the general manager, this course undertakes a systematic inquiry into the strategic management and administrative business policy issues pertaining to the organization's performance and effectiveness. Capstone students will participate in project teams and undertake a comprehensive consulting experience with a client organization as an integral component of the course. 3 hours seminar. (001092)

BADM 693 is to be taken as part of the last 9 units, or during the last semester of the graduate program.

6 units selected from:

Any 400/500/600-level business courses. Courses in other colleges of the University may be substituted if approved by the Graduate Coordinator. Graduate Students enrolled in 400/500-level courses must earn a C- or higher for the course to count toward the degree.

The Option in Enterprise Information Systems

MBA students should declare the Enterprise Information System (EIS) option with Business Student Advising. Students that pursue this option must meet the MBA prerequisite requirements.

Students following this option abide by the same policies guiding the MBA degree. Advancement to Candidacy and the core required set of courses are the same as for the MBA degree. Students must complete the 24 units of required MBA courses. In addition to the 24 units of required MBA courses, students in the EIS option must complete an additional 9 units.

Prerequisites for admission to Classified Status:

The prerequisites for graduate study in business identified above, plus the following 2 courses:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Study of fundamental database design principles and techniques, including data modeling with Entity-Relationship diagrams and normalization. Study of SQL (Structured Query Language) database management systems capabilities. Study of the relational data model and relational operations. Study of database security mechanisms. Introduction to PL/SQL. Application of concepts and techniques to practical business scenarios. 3 hours lecture. (005814)
SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: BSIS 105 or CSCI 101; MINS 235 (may be taken concurrently).
This course introduces students to the concept of information systems as the application of technical resources to support organizational processes. Given this foundation, students build an integrative, process-oriented understanding of information systems and their deployment, management, and use within distributed and global organizations. Projects focus on introductory enterprise systems, client-server database systems management, corporate data networking, and advanced Web programming. For this course students are expected to have demonstrated proficiency in the use of microcomputers and office automation software, including word processing, spreadsheets, and desktop databases. A proficiency exam is given during the first week of each semester, and students are encouraged to take this exam in advance of the semester they intend to enroll in the class. 3 hours lecture. (001331)

Requirements for the MBA with an Option in Enterprise Information Systems

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: MINS 235. Open only to BADM, BSIS and MBA majors
Advanced instruction of business intelligence and data warehousing. The course covers business intelligence functionality with an emphasis on data warehouse design and development. Students demonstrate a working knowledge of business intelligence and data warehouse design development and performance management via hands on assignments and a culminating project. 3 hours lecture. (020585)
Prerequisites: BADM 610 or OSCM 607, Classified MBA student.
The analysis of the information requirements of an organization, including the strategic use of information systems, current information technology, future technology directions, the role of data base management systems and data communication systems in modern organizations, and the analysis and design of information systems. Uses SAP R/3. 3 hours lecture. (000117)

3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: BSIS 301 or MINS 301.
Application of Project Management (PM) concepts and tools to systems projects. Students work in teams and apply PM concepts to projects and actual problems in organizations. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (001334)
Prerequisites: MINS 235.
This course focuses on advanced system support issues related to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system that is used in global organizations. Students learn how to provide basic systems administration support of the operating system, database, and application system software levels within a large ERP system used to support a global organization with multiple companies. Concepts, issues, current trends, decision making, and trouble shooting are addressed through a multi-layered view of the system. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. (005835)
Prerequisite: MINS 522.
This course focuses on advanced system support issues related to an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) environment that is used to support global organizations. Students learn how to provide advanced systems administration support of the operating system, database, and application system software levels within a large ERP system as well as the many add-ons and enhancements that these systems currently utilize. Concepts, issues, current trends, decision making, evaluation of extensions and trouble shooting are addressed through a multilayered view of the system. 1 hour discussion, 4 hours activity. (021052)
Prerequisites: MINS 235.
Study of the tasks and responsibilities of the database administrator, including configuring memory and disk space, establishing security, providing for backup and recovery, performance monitoring and tuning, and setting up client-server network capabilities. Study of advanced database design principles and techniques. Study of advanced SQL (Structured Query Language) and database management system capabilities. Application of concepts and techniques to practical database system administration environments in business. 3 hours discussion. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (005833)
Corequisite: MINS 346.
This course covers a broad range of information security topics. The course theme is the protection of information resources from disruption, destruction, or disaster as well as unauthorized access. The course covers controls designed to (1) protect information assets, (2) detect the loss of information, and (3) correct information loss situations. Students study the use of authentication and authorization systems, firewalls, encryption systems, redundant disk arrays, and other tools designed to prevent loss of information. Students also study intrusion detection systems, file-fingerprinting tools as well as other methods and controls designed to detect information loss. Finally, students study backup strategies and controls designed to ensure the recovery of lost information. Single-site redundancy as well as the use of backup data centers and redundant communications systems are studied to address the protection of user access to information resources. Risk assessments, security policies, and formal controls processes are used to apply the information learned in the course to real world scenarios. 3 hours lecture. (005832)
Prerequisites: BSIS 301, MINS 235, MINS 346.
This course provides students with an introduction to and hands-on or simulated interaction with state of the art enterprise storage strategies and systems. This course provides a background in hardware, standards and protocols used in direct attached, network attached and fibre channel data storage. The course also covers backup and recovery, business continuity and disaster recovery strategies as required by and appropriate to business. Finally, the course covers security provisions for the stored data and management issues in the data center. 3 hours discussion. (021014)
Applied understanding of contemporary E-Commerce and use of cloud-based technology infrastructure (specifically: Amazon Web Services (AWS)). Basics of web-stacks: cloud concepts; and E-Commerce conventions. The focus of the course is the practical development of a responsive E-Commerce website. Applied use of multiple cloud-based technologies; including: cloud-servers, storage, and databases; user identify; monitoring and logging; cloud infrastructure configuration management. This course also address rudiments of online payment systems as well as Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing, and web analytics. 3 hours lecture. (005834)
Prerequisites: Department permission.
This course is for special topics offered for 1.0-3.0 units. Typically the topic is offered on a one-time-only basis and may vary from term to term and be different for different sections. See the Class Schedule for the specific topic being offered. (020124)
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Study of policy, control, and decision-making in selected organizations, arranged and supervised by a member of the graduate faculty in close working relationship with the management of an organization. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005845)
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-4.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (005850)

The Option in Project Management

MBA students should declare the project management option with Business Student Advising. Students with an undergraduate project management emphasis should not enroll in this option. Students that pursue this option must meet the MBA prerequisite requirements.

Students following this option abide by the same policies guiding the MBA degree. Advancement to Candidacy and the core required set of courses are the same as for the MBA degree. Students must complete the 24 units of required MBA courses. In addition to the 24 units of required MBA courses, students in the project management option must complete an additional 9 units.

Requirements for the MBA with an Option in Project Management

2 courses required:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisite: Classified MBA status.
A comprehensive, in-depth, and hands-on approach to learning about managing teams and projects. Students learn how to efficiently and effectively initiate, plan, execute, and monitor projects. This course includes the coverage of the nine project management body of knowledge areas required for professional certification by the Project Management Institute. Students are required to use information technology, spreadsheets, and project management software. 3 hours seminar. (021080)
Prerequisite: Classified MBA student or faculty permission
This course highlights the theoretical and practical application of teamwork, negotiation, and conflict resolution models and their interface with ethical and socially responsible outcomes. Effective leaders must develop strong teams, negotiate well, and have the capability to resolve conflict in the organization. To this end, a variety of readings, case studies, and personal assessment are used to survey the tools essential for successful negotiation and conflict resolution. 3 hours seminar. (021402)

3 units selected from:

SUBJ NUM Title Sustainable Units Semester Offered Course Flags
Prerequisites: BADM 610 or OSCM 607, Classified MBA student.
The analysis of the information requirements of an organization, including the strategic use of information systems, current information technology, future technology directions, the role of data base management systems and data communication systems in modern organizations, and the analysis and design of information systems. Uses SAP R/3. 3 hours lecture. (000117)
Prerequisites: Junior standing, completion of the BADM lower division core, or faculty permission.
This course offers students training in the use of System Dynamics for managing people in business settings. Students develop computer simulation models that allow them to test alternative management policies. 3 hours lecture. (020495)
Prerequisite: BSIS 444 or MGMT 444.
For students who wish to gain experiential learning in Project Management, this course enables students to prepare for the Professional Certification Examination, Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), as well as participate in an experiential learning project. The Project Management Institute will charge an additional fee to register for the professional certification examination. For programs offered by the Department of Management , this course may be applied only once for 3 units. 3 hours lecture. (020580)
This course is an internship offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. Study of policy, control, and decision-making in selected organizations, arranged and supervised by a member of the graduate faculty in close working relationship with the management of an organization. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (005751)
This course is a graduate-level independent study offered for 1.0-4.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (005756)
Prerequisites: OSCM 306 or faculty permission.
This course is also offered as SMFG 451.
The study and application of the quality management process in both the manufacturing and service sectors of the economy. Topics include process analysis and improvement, statistical process control, cost of quality, quality measurement, and quality in the global marketplace. 3 hours lecture. (005784)
Prerequisites: OSCM 306 or faculty permission.
This course is also offered as OSCM 451.
The study and application of the quality management process in both the manufacturing and service sectors of the economy. Topics include process analysis and improvement, statistical process control, cost of quality, quality measurement, and quality in the global marketplace. 3 hours lecture. (005784)
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
This course familiarizes students with techniques for managing technical projects while they design, plan, and implement a manufacturing project through the mock-up stage. Students work in groups on projects of mutual interest to gain experience in planning and updating schedules. Students learn to define requirements, estimate and manage resources, and structure decisions and trade-offs. Discussion includes global project management and supply chain responsibility. Emphasis is placed on group dynamics in communication and problem solving. 3 hours lecture. (005291)

Graduate Requirement in Writing Proficiency:

Writing proficiency is a graduation requirement.

All MBA students will be required to demonstrate their writing competency. Writing proficiency for the MBA must be demonstrated through successful completion of BADM 647.

Graduate Grading Requirements:

All courses in the major (with the exceptions of Independent Study - 697, Comprehensive Examination - 696, Master's Project - 699P, and Master's Thesis - 699T) must be taken for a letter grade, except those courses specified by the department as ABC/No Credit (400/500-level courses), AB/No Credit (600-level courses), or Credit/No Credit grading only. A maximum of 10 units combined of ABC/No Credit, AB/No Credit, and Credit/No Credit grades may be used on the approved program (including 697, 696, 699P, 699T and courses outside the major). While grading standards are determined by individual programs and instructors, it is also the policy of the University that unsatisfactory grades may be given when work fails to reflect achievement of the high standards, including high writing standards, expected of students pursuing graduate study.

Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average in each of the following three categories: all course work taken at any accredited institution subsequent to admission to the master's program; all course work taken at CSU, Chico subsequent to admission to the program; and all courses on the approved master's degree program.

Students whose grade point average falls below 3.0 will be put on academic probation and after one additional semester without improvement may be disqualified from the program.

Graduate Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory each semester for all MBA students. Consult the Business Student Advising office or the Graduate Coordinator in the College of Business for specifics.

Catalog Cycle:18