Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The MBA is an integrated graduate program focused on leadership, innovation and sustainability. Students master essential technical skills through the Value Chain of Business courses and gain in-depth understanding of the global context of business in the Foundations of Competitiveness courses. In addition, students take a series of Applied Leadership courses that are integrated based on set of managerial competencies, skills and perspectives. A highlight of the MBA program is the International Experience, which requires all MBA students participate in either a 10-14 day study abroad program or a Portland Metro-based international business experience during their MBA experience.
The MBA is designed to accommodate students with business and non-business undergraduate degrees and is best suited for those who have gained at least two years of industry experience prior to their admission date.
Students may elect to complete the MBA program in either the full-time or part-time evening format. Students are expected to progress through the program with their assigned cohort and follow the schedule of core courses. Both full-time and part-time students will take most elective coursework during the evenings or weekends.
The goal of the MBA program is to develop highly effective managers and leaders. Students develop expertise in the technical areas of business, managerial competencies, and the ability to integrate technical expertise with managerial competencies to become effective leaders in organizations. This program seeks to produce future business leaders with an innovative spirit and a commitment to social, economic and environmental stewardship. Our program is built on three key ideas that reflect the values of our Portland community: Leadership, Innovation, and Sustainability. The coursework in the MBA program is grouped into five segments: Foundations of Competitiveness, The Value Chain of Business, Applied Leadership, International Experience, and Electives.
Foundations of Competitiveness (18 credits)
The Foundations of Competitiveness segment provides students with an integrated understanding of the global and competitive challenges facing business today. The roles of innovation, creativity, global awareness, ethics and sustainability are emphasized.
Courses
| Mktg 511 | Pioneering Innovation | 4 |
| Fin 511 | Economics and Sustainability of the Firm I | 2 |
| Fin 512 | Economics and Sustainability of the Firm II | 4 |
| Mgmt 513 | Law Ethics and Stewardship | 4 |
| Mgmt 511 | Foundations of Strategy | 2 |
| Mgmt 514 | Integrated Strategy | 2 |
The Value Chain of Business (29 credits)
The Value Chain segment builds an integrated foundation of coursework and provides in-depth knowledge and applied skills related to accounting, information systems, finance, management, marketing, and operations.
Courses
| Actg 511 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| Actg 512 | Managerial Accounting and Control | 2 |
| Mktg 512 | Marketing Strategy | 4 |
| Mgmt 512 | Organizational Management | 4 |
| Fin 513 | Financial Management | 4 |
| ISQA 511 | Sustainable Operations Management | 4 |
| ISQA 513 | Business Decision Tools for Managers | 2 |
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| ISQA 514 | Survey Research Techniques | 1 |
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| ISQA 515 | Series and Forecasting Techniques | 1 |
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| Mgmt 515 | Information Systems and Technology in Organizations | 4 |
Applied Leadership
(15 credits)
In the MBA program students’ leadership skills are assessed and developed through integrated leadership courses, continuous attention to managerial competencies, skills and perspectives, and one-on-one leadership coaching. Students apply the technical business skills and leadership competencies gained through the MBA program in an intensive immersion experience midway through the program and in a team-based consulting project with a regional organization at the end of the program.
Courses
| BA 521 | Leadership Development and Assessment | 2 |
| BA 522 | Communications for Leaders | 1 |
| BA 523 | Executive Perspectives on Leadership | 1 |
| BA 524 | Leadership Immersion | 1 |
| BA 525 | Capstone Consulting Project | 2-6 |
| BA 526 | MBA International Experience | 4 |
Electives
(16 credits)
The MBA program offers a variety of electives that enable students to pursue their particular interests. Electives are offered across many disciplines, including accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, social enterprise, and sustainability-based business.
Dual Degree
Admitted students in good standing may apply for dual MBA/MS GSCM degrees. Applications must be received two terms before graduation. For details see the website (www.pdx.edu/gradbusiness/mba-supply-chain-dual-degree) or contact the academic director.
Waiver Policy
Students may be eligible for waiver of some required courses in the MBA program. A waiver is based upon the student holding an undergraduate degree (earned within the previous seven years) in the specific discipline for which the waiver is sought. For some classes a waiver exam may be available. Specifically, Actg 511, Actg 512, Fin 511, Fin 512, ISQA 511, ISQA 513, ISQA 514, ISQA 515, Mgmt 512 or Mgmt 513 may be considered for waiver. A student can waive a maximum of 13 credit hours from the courses above only, thus reducing the required number of hours in the degree program. Students must apply for waivers or arrange to take the waiver exam during the summer prior to entering the program.
Finance Option
The Finance option offered in conjunction with the MBA creates an opportunity to develop a concentrated skill set within the finance area. This option provides students the skills to understand complex financial issues as well as experience in the application of financial tools that facilitate problem solving. Students must choose electives from the approved Finance Option elective list.
International Experience
A highlight of our program is the International Experience (IE) required for all MBA students. The primary goal of the IE is to provide a first-hand experience of the opportunities and challenges of competing in a global marketplace. The IE is also designed to enhance cultural knowledge and enhance students’ global mindsets in order to gain a global perspective. The IE requires either a 10- to 14-day immersion in a foreign country or a local experience which may be available to students who petition for an approved exception to the international travel requirement. Students must complete at least their first year of the MBA core curriculum before participating in the IE.