Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Overview

The M.B.A. degree at East Tennessee State University is recognized as the key to success in both large and small organizations. It is suited to graduates in engineering, science, technology, health care, the liberal arts, and other non-business areas, as well as students with undergraduate degrees in business. The M.B.A. is a general, broad-based degree program that incorporates and integrates study of the organizational, financial, and operational management of organizations; the global economic, technological, and information environment; and the production and marketing of goods and services. Emphasis is given to the strategic view of the organization, teamwork, and effective problem solving.

 

Program

Is the Online Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program right for you?

The M.B.A. degree program is offered through the East Tennessee State University's College of Business and Technology, which has the distinction of being one of fewer than five percent of business colleges worldwide to have received accreditation from the prestigious Association of Advancement for Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

When enrolling in the Master for Business Administration, students have four (4) options for program completion. They can choose one of four specializations.

• Specialization in Business Analytics

  The Business Analytics specialization focuses on developing skills and techniques to manage and manipulate data in support of business decision making.

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Choosing ETSU to pursue my M.B.A. was the easiest decision I have ever made. Right away I was given advice on figuring out which specialization would best fit my desired career path. The professors genuinely care for their students and will do anything to help us succeed, not only in the classroom, but also with getting the best job after graduation. ETSU truly feels like my home away from home and I could not be more proud to complete my M.B.A. here.

   

• Specialization in Cybersecurity Management

  The Cybersecurity Management specialization focuses on topics in cybersecurity assessment, governance, and risk management for organizations. 

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  Students looking to pursue their M.B.A. should choose ETSU's program because of the diversity, opportunity and flexibility it offers. ETSU has knowledgeable professors within the program that are eager to teach, learn and answer questions. Your peers are very diverse and that allows for us [students] to get varying points of view within our classes.

   

• Specialization in Health Care Marketing

  The Health Care Marketing Specialization is aimed at students who have an interest in working in the health care industry. Courses are designed to provide business knowledge and capabilities specific to health care services and products. 

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  
  

  The faculty here are really invested in their students. They have a lot of time in class to answer questions and they are great about meeting with you during their office hours. I really appreciate how involved they were in helping us be successful.

   

• Specialization in Management

  The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program provides the knowledge and preparation required for positions of responsibility in business or not-for-profit institutions. 

  Program information including curriculum and graduation requirements can be found in the ETSU Graduate Catalog.

  ETSU's M.B.A. program offers a broad range of courses that help to prepare graduate students for the varying aspects of business administration. Their program allows students to be on-ground, online, or a mix of both, which is a benefit to students who are working while also going to school.

   

Why ETSU?

• AACSB-Accredited Programs

  ETSU's M.B.A. programs are fully accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), which is the highest business education accrediting body in the world – only the top 5% of business schools worldwide have this accreditation.

  

• Practical Educational Opportunities

  The capstone experience provides student-led teams the opportunity to gain real world experience by solving problems for actual businesses within the region. Students work with their clients and faculty coaches to deliver key strategy recommendations for each project. The teams apply knowledge taught throughout the curriculum, providing them with a practical learning experience while offering valuable insights to the businesses they are assisting. 
  

• Career Opportunities

  Graduates from the M.B.A. program have found rewarding career opportunities both regionally and nationally. Common career fields include:

  • Market Research
  • Marketing Communications
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Sales
  • Supervisor Positions
  • Human Resources
• Program Options

  • Online: The online Masters of Business Administration is a 36 credit hour program that is offered exclusively online. The program's flexible schedule is designed to give student's the ability to complete the required coursework on a timeline that fits their personal schedule. If enrolled full-time, the program will take four semesters to complete.
  • Accelerated: The Accelerated Masters of Business Administration (A.M.B.A.) program is a comprehensive 12-month curriculum designed for experienced, time-limited professionals who want to earn an M.B.A. from an accredited, highly ranked business school. The Accelerated Professional program is geared toward students with at least three years of professional experience who desire a fast-paced learning environment. The program consists of both on-line and weekend classroom instruction.
  • Traditional On-Ground: The on-campus Masters of Business Administration is a 36 credit hour program that is offered in a traditional classroom setting. This program is ideal for students who excel in a face-to-face learning environment. If interested, students enrolled in the traditional on-campus program have the opportunity to take several of their courses online allowing them to customize the delivery of their classes. If enrolled full-time, the program will take four semesters to complete.

Cost

Credits to complete this program: 36 credit hours

Read more about cost, paying for courses, scholarship options and financial aid.

Steps to Apply

• Step 1 - Create your ETSU Application Account

  Step 1   Create your ETSU Application Account by choosing the "Sign Up" option

  

• Step 2 - Sign into the ETSU Application Portal

  Step 2  Sign into the ETSU Application Portal and select "Start a New Application"

  

• Step 3 - Complete the Remaining Fields

  Step 3   Choose "Graduate," select your student type (domestic or international), select "Master's," term, then choose  Master of Business Administration (MBA) and complete the remainder of the form.

  

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Why should a student pursue this program at ETSU? What makes it unique?

  There are three main factors students should consider when considering the ETSU M.B.A. program.  

  • The first is cost - ETSU's M.B.A. program was recently awarded the best value M.B.A. in the state of TN.  ETSU provides the most value for the least amount of cost for a fully AACSB-accredited degree.
  • The second is the structure of the program which provides maximum flexibility for the student, offering both full and part time options, as well as a 1-year accelerated program, an online program, and an on-ground program. Online courses are also available to the on-ground students, and vice-versa.  
  • The third factor is employability upon graduation. The three concentrations areas (in cybersecurity management, health care marketing, and business analytics) available in the M.B.A. program were proposed by local employers and M.B.A. graduates, so upon graduation this degree will be highly desired.  

  The M.B.A. classes and instructors provide a hands-on approach with an aim to providing relevant skills and knowledge that will help students succeed in their job.

• What is an exciting aspect of this program?

  The department faculty bring real-world corporate experience to the classes, resulting in the development of practical skills that students will be able to apply to their job and will enhance their overall success!
• What accreditations apply to this program? 

  The M.B.A. is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Less than 5% of accounting and business programs world-wide have received this prestigious accreditation! 
• What are the job prospects with this degree?

  For those students seeking employment upon graduation, the job placement information is strong with 94% of graduates receiving job offers within 6 months of graduation (based on pre-Covid information). The addition of specific concentration areas, something suggested by local employers and recent graduates, should also enhance job prospects.
• Does a student's undergraduate degree have to be related to this field? What are the prerequisites?

  A student's undergraduate degree does not need to be in a business discipline. In this case, ETSU faculty has developed some online content that will help prepare students for their core business classes. This content was developed by the professors in these courses and covers what they expect students to know prior to setting foot in the first class. These online modules are available free of charge, and will be accessible for the entire time that students are in the M.B.A. program. 
• Does this program require the GRE (and/or GMAT)?

  The GMAT exam is required for the M.B.A. There are specific waivers available and outlined on the M.B.A. program page.
• Are the courses for this program asynchronous or synchronous? 

  The online M.B.A. consists of 100% online asynchronous courses, meaning students can complete this degree path at their own pace from wherever they are! 

  ETSU also offer the program on-ground. The on-ground M.B.A. consists of 30% online asynchronous courses and 70% in person synchronous courses. Classes for the on-ground MBA are typically 4:00-6:50 or 7:00-9:50 one evening a week.   

• Are there any on-campus requirements, meetings, orientations, etc.?

  This program does not have on campus meetings.  The on-ground M.B.A. typically has an in person orientation or information session.  
• Does this program require a dissertation, field work, internship, and/or thesis?

  This program does not require a dissertation, field work, internship, or thesis.  Students have the option of completing an internship as part of their concentration/elective courses. 
• Is this program designed to meet the needs of adults who work full-time and/or have family obligations?

  Yes. Since all classes can be taken online, this program is ideal for working professionals who may have familial obligations. 

• What is the time to completion for full-time students?

  Full-time students typically complete the program in 18 months with courses available in Fall and Spring.
  
  
  

• What is the time to completion for part-time students

  Part-time students typically complete the program in three years. 

• Is there a plan of study/course schedule available for review for the full-time and part-time options?

  The full time program of study can be found in the graduate catalog and a part time program of study can be attained by contacting the Graduate Business Programs Advisor, Tracie Gamble at gamblet@etsu.edu  

• How many spaces are available for each cohort?

  There are currently no caps in place for these cohorts.
• Does the college/department offer scholarships? 

  Yes! Students in the M.B.A. can apply for graduate assistantships and tuition scholarships by emailing the Graduate Business Programs Advisor, Tracie Gamble gamblet@etsu.edu. In addition, students can also find a list of college-based scholarships on the program website.

  Students are also encouraged to visit the Paying for Graduate School website for information regarding ETSU graduate scholarships and other financial resources.