Program Overview

MBA Program Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Lipscomb University is designed to help individuals become leaders, creators, and difference makers. The program is AACSB-accredited and focuses on shaping students into pacesetters with extraordinary vision. It is offered at the main campus in Nashville, Tennessee, and can be completed in 11-22 months.

Program Details

• The program consists of 36 credit hours.
• It is offered in an in-person format.
• The program has multiple entry points, with starts in June and August.
• Concentration courses are typically offered online throughout the year.
• An international business trip is optional for all students in the MBA program.

MBA Program Outcomes

The MBA program at Lipscomb University aims to take students' business competencies to the next level. By the end of the program, students will excel in business acumen, leadership, confidence, and presentation skills. The program's curriculum is designed to teach students how to increase the effectiveness of their leadership, make strategic decisions, and build a competitive advantage for their company.

Fast Track

The Fast Track learning option is designed for students who want to quickly take their career to the next level. This option allows students to earn their MBA in only 11 months, with classes held two nights per week. The Fast Track is available for June starts only and includes a Directed Work Experience for early career students.

Directed Work Experience

The Directed Work Experience (DWE) is offered within the Fast Track program. The DWE allows early career students to build their network, resume, and business acumen by participating in a job matching process with partnering companies. Students are paired with companies for a paid position during their time in the program, applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.

MBA Concentrations

The MBA program offers several concentration areas, including:

• Analytics: Mastering analytical skills to transform data into clear decisions that drive business growth.
• Creative Industries Leadership: Building the business toolkit to launch ventures, forge industry partnerships, and lead creative teams.
• Finance: Developing expertise to drive profitability, manage risk, and make high-stakes decisions.
• Human Resources: Designing data-driven people systems that boost performance and retention.
• Supply Chain Management: Engineering resilient operations that cut risk, protect margins, and elevate students into mission-critical supply chain leadership.

MBA/CPA Degree Option

The program also offers an MBA with CPA licensure, combining the Master of Accountancy curriculum with MBA coursework. This option allows students to earn both their MBA and CPA licensure simultaneously, maximizing earning potential and opening doors to high-level management positions.

MBA/Sustainability Dual Degree Option

A dual degree program is available, combining the MBA with a Master of Science in Sustainability. This program results in two diplomas and is designed for professionals who want to optimize their competitiveness and enhance their flexibility with credentials in two disciplines.

Admissions Requirements

To apply for the MBA program, students must submit:

1. Online application and fee
2. Resume: Highlighting professional experiences, educational background, and relevant skills.
3. Personal Statement: A formal document highlighting what the student brings to the program and serving as a professional writing sample.
4. Transcripts: From undergraduate (and graduate, if applicable) programs.
5. Two Professional Recommendations: From individuals who know the student well in a professional or academic environment.
6. Writing Sample: Demonstrating clarity of thinking, reasoning ability, logic, and strong writing and communication skills.
7. Interview: A short interview process with a senior member of the faculty or academic team.
8. GMAT or GRE: Optional, but recommended for students who feel their undergraduate academic performance does not reflect their ability to succeed in a rigorous graduate program.

Courses

The MBA program consists of 36 hours, with 27 hours of required courses and 9 hours of elective courses. Required courses include:

• BU 6000: Orientation to MBA Program
• BU 6533: Values-Based Leadership
• BU 6033: Accounting for Executives
• BU 6063: Strategic Marketing
• BU 6113: Organizational Behavior
• BU 6133: Operations
• BU 6143: Business Intelligence
• BU 6253: Talent Management
• BU 6053: Financial Management
• BU 6083: Strategy

Elective courses vary depending on the chosen concentration.

Tuition & Aid

• Tuition: $1,110 per credit hour for a total of $39,960 for the 36-hour program.
• Fees: Include a $50 application fee and a $200 graduation fee, as well as program and technology fees for each semester enrolled.
• Scholarships: Limited merit-based scholarships are available from the Pfeffer Graduate School of Business.
• Student Loans: Graduate students can file the FAFSA to be eligible for federal loans, and private loans are also an option.
• Veteran Aid/Yellow Ribbon Program: Lipscomb University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, guaranteeing some level of graduate tuition funding for eligible veterans.

Career Paths

MBA graduates can pursue various career paths, including:

• Managers (project, program, marketing, sales, human resources, general)
• Office and Building Administration
• Business Analysts

Faculty

The College of Business at Lipscomb University boasts a faculty with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including professors and executives-in-residence who bring real-world experience to the classroom.