Master's in Business Administration

Program Overview

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Executive Master's in Business Administration

Further your education while continuing to work. This hybrid-format program builds on your current knowledge with advanced business education and up-to-date best practices.

Types

• Executive Master

Location

• Hybrid

Credits

• 31

Cost

• $549/credit hour

Overview

Build on your undergraduate learning and professional experience while preparing to tackle advanced business challenges. Upon completion of your executive MBA program at UC, you’ll be fully prepared to apply all you've learned to your current organization or a new business administration position. Whether you’re interested in taking your current career to a management level, switching industries, or preparing to launch a new venture of your own, earning an executive MBA in an effective and flexible hybrid format is certain to prepare you for new and exciting business opportunities in the future!

By the Numbers

Industry Growth

• 6%

Business School in KY

• #1

Affordable MBA in Kentucky

• #1

Committed to Students

• 100%

Programs & Requirements

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

With an executive MBA from Cumberlands under your belt, you will be fully prepared to climb the ranks within – or embark upon – a successful career in business, government, or education. As a leader in graduate business education, UC’s Robert W. Plaster Graduate School of Business offers a hybrid MBA designed to prepare you for long-term success. Your coursework will cover a variety of career-applicable topics, including current issues in business, leadership, and management techniques, managerial accounting, and strategic decision making.

Course Requirements

Core Courses (21 hours)

• BACC 531 - Managerial Accounting
• BADM 533 - Marketing Management
• BADM 534 - Managerial Finance
• BADM 535 - Managerial Economics
• BADM 577 - Business Sustainability, Corporate Governance, and Organizational Ethics
• BADM 582 - Business Analytics for strategic and Organizational Performance
• BADM 638 - Strategic Decision-Making

Business Electives (9 hours)

• Elective Requirement (9 hours). Nine hours are earned through the completion of any available 500-or 600-level business electives or as approved by MBA Program Director.
• Example Courses:
  • BADM 538 - Management of Investments
  • BADM 539 - Research and Grant Writing
  • BADM 631 - Managing in a Global Environment
  • BADM 632 - Advanced Human Resource Management
  • BADM 690 - Special Projects in Business and Related Subjects
  • Other 500- or 600-level business electives

Capstone Course (1 hour)

• BADM 699 - Capstone (1 hour) or INTR 599 Applied Learning Practicum (1 hour)

Content Concentration (15 hours)

• Fifteen hours are earned in courses in one of these Concentrations:
  • Accounting
  • Blockchain
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Marketing
  • Project Management
  • Public Administration
  • Strategic Management

EMBA Concentrations

Choose a concentration to boost the value of your MBA. Content concentrations are taken in place of business electives.

Course Requirements

Accounting (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BACC 537 Taxation of Business Entities
  • BACC 539 Advanced Accounting Information Systems & Analytics
  • BACC 632 Advanced Governmental and Not-for-Profit Accounting
  • BACC 635 Advanced Accounting Theory
  • BACC 637 Tax Research and Practice
  • BACC 638 Advanced Assurance Services
  • BACC 690 Special Projects in Accounting and Related Subjects

Project Management (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BADM 623 Project Management Processes
  • BADM 627 Project Risk and Quality Management
  • BADM 628 Project Human Resources and Stakeholder Management
  • BADM 633 Planning the Project
  • BADM 634 Initiating the Project
  • BADM 635 Executing the Project
  • BADM 636 Monitoring/Controlling and Closing the Project
  • BADM 637 Cases in Project Management

Strategic Management (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BADM 624 Competitive Strategy
  • BADM 625 Mergers and Acquisitions
  • BADM 626 Management Consulting
  • BADM 631 Managing in a Global Environment
  • BADM 632 Advanced Human Resource Management
  • BADM 645 Strategic Leadership
  • BADM 692 Special Projects in Strategic Management

Entrepreneurship (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BADM 631 Managing in a Global Environment
  • BADM 632 Advanced HR Management
  • BADM 643 Sales and Customer Relationship Management
  • BADM 644 New Venture Development
  • BADM 645 Strategic Leadership
  • BADM 648 Entrepreneurial Strategy
  • BADM 694 Special Projects in Entrepreneurship and Related Subjects

Healthcare Administration (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BACC 661 Healthcare Accounting
  • BADM 662 Customer Satisfaction Measurement
  • BADM 663 Healthcare Marketing
  • BADM 664 Healthcare Finance
  • BADM 665 Healthcare Policy and Economics
  • BADM 667 Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare
  • BADM 668 Strategic Management in Healthcare Administration
  • BADM 696 Special Projects in Healthcare Administration and Related Subjects

Marketing (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BADM 643 Sales and Customer Relationship Management
  • BADM 644 New Venture Development
  • BADM 655 Advanced Brand Management
  • BADM 656 B2B Marketing
  • BADM 657 Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • BADM 658 Marketing Decision Making & Analytics
  • BADM 662 Customer Satisfaction Measurement
  • BADM 663 Healthcare Marketing
  • BADM 695 Special Projects in Marketing and Related Subjects

Public Administration (15 hours)

• Requires 15 hours of electives.
• Added to your core MBA courses, the full degree requires 37 credit hours.
• Courses:
  • BUPA 660 Fundamentals of Public Administration (3 Hours) - New Courses
  • BUPA 661 Public Enterprise Systems (3 Hours) - New Courses
  • BUPA 662 Emergency Management & Continuity of Operations (3 Hours) - New Courses
  • BUPA 663 Administrative Law & Regulatory Processes (3 Hours) - New Courses
  • BUPA 664 Public Sector Budgeting (3 Hours) - New Courses

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

What are the residency weekend dates?

Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.

Will I attend residency sessions for the same amount of time?

Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.

How do I know which residency to go to?

You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.

Are all three days mandatory?

Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!

What is UC's residency attendance policy?

Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.

A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.

Make-up residency sessions – where are they?

Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.

What if I can't be there all three days?

If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.

When can I register for the next semester?

The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.

Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.

Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.

When will facilities be available to me on residency weekends?

*Please note all times are in local time zone*

• Friday
  • Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday
  • Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
• Sunday
  • Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.

We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.

When will residency sessions be in the future?

These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.

• Fall 2024 (August 26th – December 13th)
  • September 27 – 29
  • October 4 – 6
  • October 11 – 13
  • October 18 – 20
  • October 25 – 27
  • November 1 – 3
  • November 8 – 10
  • November 15 – 17
  • November 22 – 24
• Spring 2025 (January 6th – April 30th)
  • January 31-February 2
  • February 7-9
  • February 14-16
  • February 21-23
  • February 28-March 2
  • March 7-9
  • March 14-16
  • March 21-23
  • March 28-30
  • April 4-6
  • April 11-13

Mission & Goals

The mission of the Plaster Graduate School of Business is to foster academic excellence and student achievement at the graduate level. You will be prepared to work as a competent and ethical professional.

• Strengthen your understanding of key business principles and best practices.
• Examine real-world business models, current issues, and solutions.
• Evaluate your personal values and connect them with ethical behaviors that align with your goals.
• Improve your financial literacy, management skills, and strategic mindset.
• Prepare to advance your career to the next level.

Business Administration Careers & Outcomes

All stats from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Project Manager: $94,500

Project management specialists coordinate the budget, schedule, staffing, and other details of a project.

Financial Advisor: $94,170

Personal financial advisors provide advice to help individuals manage their money and plan for their financial future.

Management Analyst: $95,290

Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.

Development Manager: $120,130

Training and development managers plan, coordinate, and direct skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs for an organization’s staff.

Financial Manager: $131,710

Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities, and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organization.

Logistician: $77,520

Logisticians analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain.

Common Questions

What is an executive master's in business administration?

An executive master's in business administration (EMBA) is a graduate-level program designed for working professionals to advance their business education and leadership skills. This hybrid-format program builds on your current knowledge with advanced business education and up-to-date best practices.

How long does an executive master's in business administration take?

The executive master's in business administration program typically requires completing 31 credit hours. The duration may vary based on the student's pace and the program's specific structure.

Can I get an executive master's in business administration online?

Yes, the executive master's in business administration program is offered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person sessions. This flexible approach allows students to balance their studies with professional and personal commitments.

Is an executive master's in business administration worth it?

Earning an executive MBA can significantly enhance your career prospects, preparing you for advanced business roles and leadership positions. The program's focus on practical application and up-to-date best practices makes it a valuable investment for career growth.

What can I do with an executive master's in business administration?

With an executive MBA, you can pursue various high-level roles such as project manager, financial advisor, management analyst, development manager, financial manager, or logistician. The program equips you with the skills needed to excel in business, government, or education sectors.

How to get an executive master's in business administration?

To enroll in an executive master's in business administration program, you need to meet the standard graduate admission requirements. This typically includes having relevant work experience, an undergraduate degree, and completing the application process.

Is executive MBA better than an MBA?

An executive MBA is tailored for experienced professionals seeking to advance their careers without interrupting their work. While both EMBA and MBA programs provide advanced business education, the EMBA focuses more on practical, real-world application and leadership development.

Does Executive MBA count as a Masters?

Yes, an Executive MBA is a master's degree. It is recognized as a graduate-level degree designed for working professionals to enhance their business and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Executive Masters and MBA?

The primary difference between an Executive Master's (EMBA) and a traditional MBA is the target audience and program format. An EMBA is designed for experienced professionals and often offered in a hybrid format, while a traditional MBA may cater to a broader range of students and typically includes more in-person coursework.

Executive Program Admission Requirements

All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.

Faculty Experts

Learn more about your future EMBA professors.

Dr. Geremy Harper

Adjunct Professor

Business Administration

Dr. Hannah Bolinsky

Adjunct Professor

Business Administration

Dr. Steve Horan

Adjunct Professor

Business Administration

View All