Part-time & Graduate Enrollment Services
Business Administration–Traditional MBA
Program overview
The master of business administration degree provides students with the capabilities for strategic and critical thinking needed for effective leadership in a global economy where creative management of both people and technology is vital. The curriculum begins with a solid grounding in the functional areas of business and combines that foundation with the flexibility that allows students to specialize in one or two areas of expertise. In the classroom, students learn the latest theories and concepts, and how they can be immediately applied to solve problems in the workplace.
The MBA program requires 49 semester credit hours and consists of 17 courses, nine of which are devoted to core functional areas and eight available in concentration areas and as electives.
Curriculum
MBA degree (traditional), typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT-601 | Foundations of Business Ethics | 1 |
| MGMT-740 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership | 3 |
| ACCT-603 | Accounting for Decision Makers | 3 |
| MKTG-761 | Marketing Concepts and Commercialization | 3 |
| ESCB-705 | Economics and Decision Modeling | 3 |
| FINC-721 | Financial Analysis for Managers | 3 |
| DECS-743 | Operations and Supply Chain Management | 3 |
| MGMT-735 | Management of Innovation in Products and Services | 3 |
| MGMT-759 | Competitive Strategy | 3 |
| MBA Electives | 24 | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 49 | |
Concentrations
Students must select at least one area of concentration. A concentration is a sequence of three to four courses in a specialized area of business, giving students in-depth knowledge in a particular field. Concentrations are available both through the Saunders College and from departments within RIT's other colleges.
Accounting
Designed for students planning to enter corporate accounting, this concentration is also an excellent complement to a concentration in finance or management information systems.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| ACCT-704 | Corporate Financial Reporting I | 3 |
| ACCT-705 | Corporate Financial Reporting II | 3 |
| Choose one or two MBA accounting electives | 3-6 | |
Digital marketing
One of the most significant forces to affect marketing since the emergence of mass media, the Internet has introduced a global electronic marketplace that has caused a dramatic shift in standard business practices. Digital marketing has given rise to an enormous need to understand the implications of these shifts for strategic initiatives in marketing and advertising.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MKTG-772 | Internet Marketing: Strategy and Tactics | 3 |
| Choose two or three MBA courses in marketing with permission of a Saunders College graduate adviser. | 6-9 | |
Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurship concentration is designed to enable students to recognize and commercialize attractive business opportunities—either by new independent ventures or by established firms seeking growth or rejuvenation. It involves integrating all functions of business (marketing, innovation, finance, accounting, etc.) within one coordinated value-creating initiative.
The concentration requires an applied entrepreneurial learning experience that may be satisfied through either the Field Experience in Business Consulting (MGMT-753) course or an approved commercialization project. These projects may involve students developing their own businesses or working with RIT incubator companies, local start-up firms, or RIT multidisciplinary commercialization projects.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT-720 | Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation | 3 |
| MGMT-753 | Field Experience in Business Consulting | 3 |
| MKTG-776 | Product and Brand Management | 3 |
| Choose one from the following, if this is your primary concentration: | 3 | |
| ACCT-709 | Basic Taxation | |
| MGMT-742 | Technology Management | |
| FINC-722 | Financial Management II | |
| MKTG-763 | Buyer Behavior | |
| MKTG-772 | Internet Marketing: Strategy and Tactics | |
| BLEG-730 | Business Legal Concepts | |
Environmentally sustainable management
With a goal of familiarizing students with environmentally sustainable business practices, this concentration is attractive to those with an overall interest in understanding how firms can manage social and political demands for more environmentally sustainable products and operations. It may be of particular interest to those students in industries with a significant environmental impact such as the automotive, chemical, energy, transportation, or agricultural industries, where environmental issues are central to operational and strategic decision making.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT-745 | Social and Political Environment of Business | 3 |
| MGMT-710 | Managing for Environmental Sustainability | 3 |
| Choose one from the following: | 3-6 | |
| ISEE-785 | Fundamentals of Sustainable Engineering | |
| ISEE-791 | Lifecycle Assessment/Costing | |
| ESHS-720 | Environmental Health and Safety Management | |
| ESHS-750 | ESH and FM Project Management | |
| ESHS-765 | Product Stewardship | |
| PUBL-630 | Energy Policy | |
Finance
This concentration is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge in finance and allow students to choose courses appropriate for a career in investments or corporate finance. Students interested in investments will acquire advanced skills in securities evaluation and portfolio management. Those interested in corporate finance will acquire advanced skills in budgeting, planning, global financing and operations, and corporate risk management.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| FINC-725 | Securities and Investment Analysis | 3 |
| Choose any two or three MBA finance electives | 6-9 | |
International business
This concentration prepares graduates for today's global business environment. Regardless of size, nearly all enterprises operate globally: sourcing, producing, researching, and marketing worldwide. Suppliers and competitors are not only across the street, they are around the globe. Balancing the needs of local, regional, and national communities--and the benefits attained from global competition and cooperation--requires an understanding of the international dimensions of business. Managers and professionals must be able to think, market, negotiate, and make decisions designed for the diversity, complexity, and dynamism that are the hallmarks of global business.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| INTB-710 | Global Business Opportunities and Threats | 3 |
| Choose two or three from the following: | 6-9 | |
| INTB-780 | Global Issues and Strategies | |
| INTB-758 | Seminar in Global Business* | |
| INTB-730 | Cross-cultural Management | |
| FINC-760 | Finance in a Global Environment | |
| INTB-750 | Global Marketing Management | |
* Topics may vary.
Management and leadership
Managers need to combine effective leadership with analytical reasoning. The management and leadership concentration provides students with the leadership skills needed to be successful managers in business, nonprofit, and public organizations. Students develop the essential analytical and decision-making skills for today's rapidly changing world. They learn why change is difficult, when to initiate change, and how to introduce and manage change in the workplace. These courses also prepare students for the demands of managing people and projects.
| Course | Qtr. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT-741 | Managing Organizational Change | 3 |
| Choose two or three from the following: | 6-9 | |
| MGMT-720 | Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation | |
| MGMT-742 | Technology Management | |
| MGMT-745 | Social and Political Environment of Business | |
| MGMT-750 | Human Resource Management | |
| MGMT-755 | Negotiations | |
| MGMT-756 | Power and Influence | |
| MGMT-758 | Seminar in Management* | |
| MGMT-763 | Behavioral Skills for Managers and Professionals | |
| MGMT-775 | Business Ethics | |
| BLEG-745 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology Intensive Environments | |
| INTB-730 | Cross-cultural Management | |
* Topics may vary.
Management information systems
This concentration enhances students' understanding of modern information systems. It was designed for students who may not have a background in computers or information systems.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGIS-720 | Information Systems Design | 3 |
| Choose two or three from the following: | 6-9 | |
| MGIS-725 | Data Management and Analytics | |
| MGIS-730 | Information Technology Project Management | |
| MGIS-755 | Information Technology Strategy and Management | |
| MGIS-760 | Integrated Business Systems | |
| MGIS-761 | Business Process Analysis and Workflow Design | |
Marketing
The overall process of entering markets, creating value for customers, and developing profit for the firm are the fundamental challenges for today's marketing manager. Effective marketing must consider the target audience, along with the changing business environment and competitive pressures of technological and global challenges. These marketing basics apply to governmental agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and profit-making firms.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MKTG-762 | Advanced Marketing Management | 3 |
| MKTG -763 | Buyer Behavior | 3 |
| Choose one or two from the following: | 3-6 | |
| MKTG-758 | Seminar in Marketing* | |
| MKTG-778 | Commercialization and Marketing of New Products | |
| INTB-750 | Global Marketing Management | |
| MKTG-767 | Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications | |
| MKTG-771 | Marketing Research Methods | |
| MKTG-772 | Internet Marketing: Strategy and Tactics | |
| MKTG-775 | Business-to-Business E-marketing | |
| MKTG-776 | Product and Brand Management | |
* Topics may vary.
Marketing research
How do you identify your customers' needs and wants, and respond with the most profitable product or service? Marketing research analysts take a leading role in identifying and defining marketing problems. Relying on communication as well as analytical and conceptual skills, a market researcher can evaluate the market, generate product ideas, refine the delivery process, monitor marketing performance, and improve the company's profitability. Increasing numbers of specialized research firms add more opportunities to the traditional marketing profession.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MKTG-771 | Marketing Research Methods | 3 |
| MKTG-763 | Buyer Behavior | 3 |
| Choose one or two MBA courses in marketing or courses from the Center for Quality and Applied Statistics with the permission of a Saunders College graduate adviser. |
3-6 | |
Operations management
This concentration is designed to enhance the student's understanding of manufacturing and service functions as they exist in modern business. In addition to courses covering project management, quality control, and improvement and manufacturing strategy, electives allow students the ability to broaden their knowledge base.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| DECS-744 | Project Management | 3 |
| DECS- 745 | Quality Control and Improvement | 3 |
| Choose one or two from the following: | 3-6 | |
| MGMT-741 | Managing Organizational Change | |
| MGMT-742 | Technology Management | |
| MGMT-762 | Managing New Process and Product Development | |
| CQAS-621 | Statistical Quality Control | |
| CQAS-682 | Lean Six Sigma Project | |
Product commercialization
This concentration targets students who are interested in developing expertise in managing the marketing-related activities required to move new products and services through preliminary business and development stages to a successful launch. The commercialization of new corporate offerings is increasingly important as product life cycles get shorter.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MKTG-778 | Commercialization and Marketing of New Products | 3 |
| Choose two or three from the following: | 3-6 | |
| MKTG-763 | Buyer Behavior | |
| MKTG-776 | Product and Brand Management | |
| MKTG-771 | Marketing Research Methods | |
| MGMT-762 | Managing New Process and Product Development | |
| DECS-744 | Project Management | |
Quality and applied statistics
This concentration is for students interested in studying the technical aspect of managing quality, i.e., statistical quality control. Students will gain an understanding of the basics of statistical process control, quality improvement, acceptance sampling, and off-line quality control techniques such as the design of experiments.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| Choose three or four from the following: | 9-12 | |
| DECS-745 | Quality Control and Improvement | |
| CQAS-621 | Statistical Quality Control | |
| CQAS-682 | Lean Six Sigma Project | |
| CQAS-670 | Designing Experiment for Process Improvement | |
| CQAS-611 | Statistical Software | |
| CQAS-701 | Foundations of Experimental Design | |
Quality and organizational improvement
For students interested in learning more about the organizational and managerial (i.e., "soft") aspects of quality, this concentration will help students lead organizational change and manage quality improvement projects.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT-741 | Managing Organizational Change | 3 |
| DECS-745 | Quality Control and Improvement | 3 |
| Choose one or two from the following: | 3-6 | |
| MGMT-770 | Business Research Methods | |
| DECS-744 | Project Management | |
| DECS-758 | Seminar in Decision Sciences | |
| CQAS-621 | Statistical Quality Control | |
| CQAS-682 | Lean Six Sigma Project | |
Technology management
In a constantly changing environment, the ability of an organization to innovate and renew itself is critical if it is to survive and prosper. Technology managers, who are typically responsible for the innovation and application of new technology, are central to the long-term strategy and success of their companies. To manage these processes well, managers need to understand both business and technological perspectives. Co-op or internship experience in high-technology settings may be helpful to students pursuing a specialty in technology management.
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| MGMT-742 | Technology Management | 3 |
| Choose two or three of the following: | 6-9 | |
| MGMT-761 | Managing Research and Innovation | |
| MGMT-762 | Managing New Process and Product Development | |
| MGMT-741 | Managing Organizational Change | |
| MKTG-776 | Product and Brand Management | |
| DECS-744 | Project Management | |
| BLEG-745 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Technology Intensive Environments | |
Additional concentrations
In addition to business-related concentrations, several additional concentrations are available from outside the Saunders College. Customized concentrations are also possible and require the approval of a graduate adviser. To register for courses in the following concentrations, students must see a graduate adviser.
Communication and media technologies
Communication, and the technologies for message creation and dissemination, is at the center of dramatic economic, social, and cultural changes occurring as a result of technological development and global connectedness. This concentration, offered by the College of Liberal Arts, prepares students for careers as communication experts in commerce, industry, education, entertainment, government, and the not-for-profit sector.
Health systems administration
Specifically designed for students employed in the health care environment, this concentration (offered by the College of Applied Science and Technology) introduces up-to-date, industry-relevant content that is continually developed in response to the changing health care environment. All courses in this concentration are offered online.
Human resource development
The field of human resource development has grown in both size and importance over the last decade, leading to a higher demand for educated and skilled human resource professionals. This concentration, offered by the College of Applied Science and Technology, provides education in training, and career and organizational development.
Industrial and systems engineering management
Organizations need individuals who possess a blend of technical and business skills, as well as the integrated systems perspective needed to commercialize complex products and services. This concentration, offered by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, may be significantly interdisciplinary.
Information technology
Corporations are aware of the cost savings and performance improvement possible when information technology is applied in a systematic manner, improving organizational information flow, employee learning, and business performance. Information technology includes a mixture of computers and multipurpose devices, information media, and communication technology. Students may choose from the following areas of specialization: Web programming/multimedia, software project management, programming, and telecommunications. This concentration is offered by the B. Thomas Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences.
Print media
Leadership and management in the print media industry require an understanding of the cutting-edge technology and emerging markets to articulate a corporate vision that encompasses new opportunities and directions. This concentration, offered by the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, is designed to provide a solid technical background in cross-media digital workflow processes and a keen understanding of the issues and trends in the print media industry.
Public policy
Formulating public policy and understanding its impact are critical, whether you work in government, not-for-profit, or the private sector. This concentration, offered by the College of Liberal Arts, gives students the skills to effectively formulate public policy and evaluate its impact, particularly as related to science and technology issues. The courses focus on policy formation, implementation, and analysis.
Admission requirements
To be considered for admission to the MBA program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
- Hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution,
- Have a working knowledge of algebra and statistics,
- Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work,
- Submit scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE) (GMAT preferred for international applicants and those applying for scholarships),
- Submit a personal statement,
- Submit a current resume, and
- Complete a graduate application.
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Minimum scores of 580 (paper-based) or 92 (Internet-based) are required. Scores from the International English Testing Language System (IELTS) are accepted in place of the TOEFL exam. The minimum acceptable score is 7.0. The TOEFL or IELTS requirement is waived for native speakers of English and for those submitting transcripts and diplomas from accredited American institutions. For additional information on the IELTS, visit www.ielts.org.
Applications are accepted for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Most full-time students begin their program of study in the fall. Students may complete their studies on a full or part-time basis.
Completed applications for admission should be on file in the Office of Graduate Enrollment Services at least four weeks prior to registration for the next academic term for students from the United States, and up to 10 weeks prior for international students applying for student visas.
Additional information
Nonmatriculated status
Students with strong undergraduate records are permitted to take two graduate courses on a nonmatriculated basis. To become a matriculated student and admitted formally to the MBA program, the regular admissions process should be followed. Graduate credits earned as a nonmatriculated student may be applied to the student's degree program.
Academic standards
Graduate students must maintain a grade of B (3.0) or better for all courses. Grades of all repeated MBA courses will be counted in the GPA computation. The policy on probation and suspension is explained in the Registration and Degree Requirements section of this bulletin.
Maximum time limit
University policy requires that graduate programs be completed within seven years of the student's initial registration for courses in the program.
Orientation
All new students are required to attend an orientation session prior to beginning their studies. Course selection, career planning, program planning, and academic advising are discussed during orientation.
Waiver policy/transfer credit
The MBA normally requires 49 semester credit hours, however, students may be able to waive MBA foundation courses. Prior academic preparation must be from an institution accredited by AACSB International and the course work must be equivalent to MBA foundation courses. Prior course work must be completed within the last five years, with a grade of B (3.0) or better. Foundation courses may be waived either outright or through an examination.
A maximum of 9 semester credit hours may be awarded as transfer credit from other graduate programs. The courses must be relevant to the MBA program, taken within the last five years at an institution accredited by AACSB International, and the student must have earned a grade of B (3.0) or better.
Credits for waiver, transfer, or undergraduate courses are not counted in the GPA computation. Students must apply for transfer/waiver credit.
Placement
Preparation for professional placement begins early in the student's program with the completion of Professional Skills Seminar (MGMT-070). The Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services offers individualized career counseling, provides critical job leads, coordinates employers' annual campus recruiting visits, maintains an extensive online job listing, and sponsors two annual career fairs.
Cooperative education
Cooperative education in the MBA program is optional. Co-op experience affords students the opportunity to obtain a paid position for three to six months and gain valuable work experience. Academic credit is not granted, but formal recording of the co-op experience is made on the student's transcript. Students in good academic standing are eligible for co-op after completing the foundation course, Professional Skills Seminar (MGMT-070), and a substantial portion of their concentration courses. They also must attend a series of co-op and career services workshops. RIT does not guarantee co-op placements.
Deferment
Accepted students can defer enrollment for up to one year. After one year, a new application must be submitted and will be re-evaluated based on the most current admission standards.
Career Outcomes
Job TitlesSenior Financial Analyst, IS Manager, Project Manager, Quality Supervisor, Senior Accountant, Risk Analyst, Business Analyst
FunctionsFinancial and budget analysis, auditing, financial planning, investment and securities, market research, information systems management, project planning and technical specialist
Recent EmployersXerox, Merck & Company Inc., First Empire/M&T Bank, Coopers & Lybrand, Deloitte & Touche, Eastman Kodak Co.