Curriculum
The Master of Science in Business Administration program develops credibility through the practice of critical thinking and mastery of skills in Socratic Dialogue. This is accomplished through a formative curriculum comprised of three developmental stages of critical thinking competency based on the research presented by the Foundation for Critical Thinking and the particular work of Dr. Linda Elder and Richard Paul. Students progress through the program sequentially, following the recommended strategy for achieving the best possible outcomes.
Level 1, The Reflective Thinker – Understands the value of reflection, self-inquiry, and the synthesis of multiple perspectives in the formulation one’s own point of view.
Level 2, The Practicing Thinker – Engages in a disciplined approach to dialogue and the presentation of arguments, research and pursue lines of inquiry. Demonstrates the abilities to think analytically, critically and statistically.
Level 3, The Accomplished Thinker –Demonstrates the abilities to apply learned skills through a systems perspective, to think strategically and with regard for diverse points of view and is able to lead and communicate with clarity and credibility.
Candidates must satisfactorily complete 36 graduate credits, with an overall GPA of Saint Joseph’s College courses of 3.0 or higher. The program consists of a core curriculum of nine core courses, two elective courses, and a capstone course that builds upon the foundation of prior learning and experience.
The asynchronous online program provides opportunity for students to engage and participate in rich Socratic discussions, much like they would in a traditional class but without the requirement of everyone being online on the same day or at the same time.
Courses are offered in five terms per year and are ten weeks in length.
Special Note on Sustainability
Saint Joseph’s College has long been committed to the causes of sustainability and our responsibility to instill the same level of commitment in our students. Many of the courses in this program received a sustainability designation, either Sustainability-Related (SR) or Sustainability-Focused (SF), through a program that conforms with the AASHE/STARS Standards (2.2) for which SJC earned a gold award (2022).
Core Curriculum
(27 semester-hour credits)
*Students must enroll in one economics course (MB540 or, MB660).
**Students must enroll in one finance course (MB510 or, AC640).
Courses should be taken in the order prescribed by the levels as scheduling and personal planning allows.
Business Electives - Select 2
(6 semester-hour credits)
Up to six graduate credits may be transferred with approval from program director.
Note: Students should enroll in business electives after completing all Level 1 courses.
Select two courses from the following:
Capstone
(3 semester-hour credits)
The capstone course must be successfully passed before a student can complete the degree.
Admission Requirements
Matriculates in the Leadership MBA program must hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited academic institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Applicants must submit the following two items for evaluation of preparedness for success in the program:
Policy Note: Undergraduate students in their final semester may apply to the MBA or MACC programs. These applicants may be conditionally accepted, pending submission of their final transcript with conferral date, for their undergraduate degree. Full acceptance will be granted after proof of an undergraduate degree has been submitted by the student and the Program Director’s acceptance of the admission essay.
Admission Essay Requirements
The essay synthesizes the applicant’s reflections on their personal beliefs and life experiences and why they believe that the Leadership MBA program suits their values, ethics, professional goals and aspirations. This self-assessment essay should explain what the applicant believes is the gap between where they perceive their current leadership skills to be and where they would like those skills to be upon completion of the MBA program.
To this end, there are two areas of self-assessment and reflection that the essay must address:
1. Who are you as a person? Who do you aspire to become?
Example questions that might be considered for critical introspection include: Who am I? What do I care about? What matters to me most? What lessons have my life taught me? What kind of person do I aspire to be? How do I hope others will be influenced by my example?
2. What is it about this Leadership MBA program that aligns with who you are and who you are seeking to become?
This portion of the essay should explain how you believe that the Leadership MBA program aligns with your values and ethics, personal and professional goals, and life experiences.
PLEASE NOTE:
- The essay must not be a biographical accounting of the applicant’s positions held, accomplishments and skills, but rather an in depth self-analysis of the person who he/she is.
- Applicants must demonstrate that they are able to speak directly to the two required areas of self-assessment and reflection, as this is a required ability for success throughout the program.
- The essay will be evaluated for clarity and quality of expression and for evidence of the ability of the applicant to connect their values and experiences to their understanding of the focus of the MBA program.
- You may be asked to resubmit your essay, based on feedback received from the program director.
June 16, 2021COVID-19 Update: Upcoming vaccine deadlines; Testing phase-out
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