Curriculum

The Master of 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. 

• Level 1 Courses

• MB 515 - Leadership and Lifelong Learning Credits: 3
• MB 500 - Business/Organizational Dynamics (SF) Credits: 3
• MB 642 - Systems Thinking (SF) Credits: 3

• Level 2 Courses

• *  MB 540 - The Economy as a System Credits: 3

•     OR, 

• *  MB 660 - Economics (SF) Credits: 3
• **  MB 510 - Financial Principles and Policy Credits: 3

•     OR, 

• **  AC 640 - (Applied) Corporate Financial Management Credits: 3
• MB 530 - Ethical, Social and Environmental Responsibility (SF) Credits: 3
• MB 641 - Statistical Thinking Credits: 3

• Level 3 Courses

• MB 643 - Leadership: Order and Change (SF) Credits: 3
• MB 651 - Strategic Leadership of Human Capital (SR) Credits: 3

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:

• AC 520 - Legal Environment / Business Law (Ethics) Credits: 3
• AC 540 - Accounting Information Systems Credits: 3
• AC 550 - Leadership & Relationship Management Credits: 3
• HR 500 - Human Resource Management - Foundations for Leadership Credits: 3
• HR 525 - Leading People, Managing Change Credits: 3
• HS 500 - Healthcare in the US Credits: 3
• HS 515 - Health Services Management Credits: 3
• MB 560 - Quality Leadership Credits: 3
• MB 650 - Cross-Cultural Leadership Credits: 3
• MB 505 - Knowledge-Based Decision Making Credits: 3
• MB 520 - Self-Leadership Credits: 3
• MK 500 - Strategic Marketing Credits: 3

Capstone

(3 semester-hour credits) 

The capstone course must be successfully passed before a student can complete the degree.

• MB 605 - Strategic Management of the Sustainable Enterprise (SF) Credits: 3

Admission Requirements

Matriculates in the Master of Business Administration in Leadership 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:

• Resume
• A 1,000-word Essay

Policy Note: Undergraduate students in their final semester may apply to the Master of Business Administration in Accounting  or Master of Business Administration in Leadership 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*.

*If all requirements are not met in your essay, you may be asked to revise and resubmit.

Admission Essay Requirements

The essay synthesizes the applicant’s reflections on their personal beliefs and life experiences and why they believe that the Master of Business Administration in Leadership program suits their values, ethics, professional goals, and aspirations. This essay should explain what the applicant’s skills, goals, aspirations, and experiences are and why you want to pursue your Master of Business Administration in Leadership at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.

To this end, the essay must address the following areas of self-assessment and reflection:

1. Describe your specific career skills, experiences, aspirations, and your reason for pursuing an Master of Business Administration in Leadership.
2. Outline your personal and professional goals for the next 3-5 years.
3. Explain how will your experiences contribute to the Master of Business Administration in Leadership program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine.
4. Describe how you see the Master of Business Administration in Leadership program at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine to enhance who you aspire to be both personally and in the workplace.

Essays should be no longer than 1,000 words. Through your resume and thoughtful answer to this essay question, we hope to gain a clear sense of your professional/personal path to date*.

* As noted in the Admissions Requirements section, if all requirements are not met in your essay, you may be asked to revise and resubmit the essay.