Professional's Master of Business Administration

Office: Timonium Campus, Suite 08
Telephone: 410‑617‑5067
Website: www.loyola.edu/sellinger

Assistant Dean: Susan Hasler
Director of Graduate Evening Programs: Patricia Tarrant

The Professional's Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed to prepare high potential individuals for leadership in a variety of organizational settings. The degree program is intended to develop responsible leaders with a broad, integrated understanding of the relationships and functions of organizations, the worldwide opportunities and environmental influences on the decision makers, and technologies that have evolved to facilitate decision making. The MBA emphasizes breadth of outlook over functional specialization, but provides an opportunity for focus within a set of elective courses.

The Loyola MBA program began in 1967 and is recognized as the premier business graduate program in the region. It integrates disciplines and prepares graduates to lead organizations in the internal and global environments of the twenty-first century. The combination of bright, experienced students and experientially grounded, highly qualified professors work within the curriculum to assure the development of leaders with values, broad understanding, and strategic vision.

Admission Criteria

Detailed admission information (application procedures, required documents, deadlines, etc.) can be found under Admission .

Financial Aid

Student loans are available. All applicants should file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for aid. Inquiries concerning loans should be directed to the Office of Graduate Financial Aid, 410‑617‑5020.

Prerequisites and Basic Competencies

An entering student must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university and should be able to communicate well both orally and in writing. No prior business courses are required.

A student entering the MBA program should have facility in algebra and graphing of mathematical functions, graphic interpretation, and probability. Proficiency in these areas will be assumed with recent college or graduate level credit (grade of B or better in a single course) in finite mathematics, precalculus, or mathematical models for business. Proficiency may also be established through superior GMAT performance or a score of 80 percent or better on the Math Proficiency Exam.

Courses in the MBA program use computer software for presentation and analysis. Students can expect to receive assignments using spreadsheets, and they may also be required to employ specialized software, CD or online databases, or mainframe systems. Prior to beginning the program, students must be able to design and manipulate spreadsheets and be familiar with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint software at the intermediate level. Once enrolled, advanced help courses are offered without charge through Technology Services, 410‑617‑5555.

Degree Requirements

There are 39 credits required for the MBA degree. All courses are three credits. There are 30 credits in the MBA core, which include 6 credits in Leadership and Communication, 9 credits in Analytical Skills, 12 credits in Functional Areas, and 3 credits in Knowledge Integration and Application. For specific policy information on non-Loyola coursework considered for advanced standing or transfer, as well as Loyola coursework eligible for application from one Loyola business program to another, see Transfer Credit under Academic Regulations and Policies.

Waiver Policies

Waiver by Test

Students have the opportunity to complete an exam to demonstrate proficiency and receive credit for three courses, GB 703 , GB 707 , and GB 715 . Exams are available by appointment through the Graduate Business Programs Office. Students must receive an 80% or better on the exam to receive credit for the class. While a total of three exams are available, students can use a maximum of two exams to satisfy course requirements. There is a $100 exam fee if a student passes the exam. For more information on waiver test availability or to arrange to sit for an exam, contact the Graduate Business Programs Office at 410‑617‑5067.

Waiver by Substitution

Students have the opportunity to leverage their prior coursework, credentials, and/or work experience to take advantage of waivers by substitution for specific Functional Area Courses. Waivers by substitution provide the opportunity for students to take an alternative course from within some functional areas if specific criteria are met. Contact the Graduate Business Programs Office at 410-617-5067 for specific details on the criteria for the waiver and the substitution course options.

Preprogram Competencies

Math proficiency in finite mathematics.
Program Orientation (non-credit)

A program orientation presents an overview of the administrative procedures and various student support services available for MBA students. The orientation also provides an introduction to the concept of "reflection" as an integral tool for lifelong learning. Newly admitted students will have an opportunity to meet with advisors and other university personnel.

The MBA Core

These courses are designed to address both the value chain and the obligation of leaders to guide the organization responsibly. The organization must anticipate market needs and gather the human, material, information, and financial resources to carry out its mission. The MBA Core includes four components: Leadership and Ethics, Analytical Skills, Functional Areas, and Knowledge Integration and Application.

Core Courses

Analytical Skills

Leadership and Ethics

Functional Areas

Knowledge Integration and Application

GB 709 - Strategic Management

Specializations and Electives

All students are required to take three elective courses (9 credits) from any discipline area below. No prior approval is necessary to choose a specialization. Students may choose from five specializations: Data Analytics and Digital Technologies, Finance, Management, Marketing, and Interdisciplinary Business. Courses chosen can only count toward one specialization (they cannot double count for multiple specializations).

Data Analytics and Digital Technologies Specialization

Select three of the following courses:

Finance Specialization

GB 722 - Investment Analysis

And Select Two of the Following Courses:

Management Specialization

Select Three of the Following Courses:

Marketing Specialization

Select three of the following courses:

Interdisciplinary Business Specialization

Interdisciplinary Business is for students who do not choose one of the established specializations. Students can customize their learning to pursue a wide range of topics. Three electives are required.