MBA – Welcome to Your Future

Vision Statement, Mission Statement, & Program Learning Goals

MBA Vision Statement:

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program will be recognized as the leading graduate level business program in the 13 counties comprising the south central Tennessee region.  The MBA program prepares men and women for high-level leadership and management careers in public and private organizations.

MBA Mission Statement:

​The MBA provides a rigorous and relevant business educational experience for the development of upper and middle level managers. 

Located in the rolling hills of Pulaski, Tennessee, we are an inclusive, respectful community of graduate learners that focuses on making ethical decisions while creating sustainable value for a dynamic, internationally competitive marketplace.  The MBA curriculum is designed to afford learners many opportunities to study independently and in teams while building analytical, problem solving, and communication skills. 

MBA candidates take a common core of business courses including: accounting, marketing, management, finance, operations, global business, analytics, and strategy.  The mission is achieved by using a blend of traditional classroom learning experiences, “LIVE” Classroom, online experiences, and extra classroom assignments. 

Program Learning Goals:

Candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Communicate effectively;
• Exhibit a global awareness;
• Apply ethical frameworks to business decisions while maintaining business value creating activities;
• Exhibit competence in the analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of solving business problems. 

MBA Program Admissions Requirements

To receive consideration for admission to the MBA Program, the required admissions materials (listed below) must be submitted to and be on file in the Office of Academic Affairs. The address for the Office of Academic Affairs is: 433 West Madison Street, Pulaski, TN 38478, or you may contact Dr. Judy Cheatham, Provost at 931-363-9823 or jbcheat@utsouthern.edu.

Each individual applicant is responsible for any payments and fees associated with these items. The Provost informs individual applicants of provisional, conditional, or full admission to the MBA Program (refer to Graduate Admissions Procedures section for definitions of Provisional, Conditional, and Full Admission status).
 

Evaluation for admission to the MBA program is based upon the following requirements:

A.) A completed Graduate Application Form.
B.) A letter of intent explaining the reasons the applicant wants to enter the MBA program. The applicant should discuss their managerial or work experience, aspirations, and support systems (financial, personal, and professional) that will contribute to the successful completion of the MBA program.
C.) Official transcripts for ALL previous undergraduate and graduate course work sent directly from
the granting institution to the Office of Academic Affairs at UT Southern.
Transcripts issued outside the United States must be evaluated and translated by the World 
Education Services at http://wes.org. or another accepted organization.
D.) Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree in business from a regionally accredited institution and MUST have a 3.0 grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the last 30 hours of 300/400 level business courses.
E.) Three (3) letters of recommendation in support of the individual’s application:
    • one from a faculty member at a baccalaureate or higher institution
    • one from a manager or colleague
    • one from a personal friend or family member
F.) An interview with the MBA Admissions Committee, consisting of the MBA Director and other full time faculty in the MBA program. The applicant will be contacted to schedule this interview.

G.) For an applicant whose first language is other than English, a minimum TOEFL score of 550. See http://www.ets.org/toefl for information about the TOEFL exam. Upon acceptance to the MBA program and arrival on campus, international applicants will be interviewed by a representative of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program to review of the applicant’s speaking and listening skills during academic discourse in English. (See Admission of International Students to Graduate Coursework, p.259.)

Applicants holding a baccalaureate degree in an area other than business from a regionally accredited institution MUST have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or a 3.0 grade point average in the last 30 hours of 300/400 level coursework in the major. Additionally, non-business degree holders MUST show baccalaureate proficiency in the following business subject areas:

1. Production/Operations Management
2. Statistics
3. Accounting
4. Economics
5. Finance
6. Marketing
7. Management
8. International Business
9. Human Resource Management
10. Managerial Accounting
11. Strategic Management

Applicants deemed deficient in any of the above subject areas will be given an individualized path to fulfilling the proficiency requirements: UTS (formerly MMC) has partnered with Ivy Software, a company that provides assessments and self-paced online courses specifically designed to prepare prospective graduate applicants to enter MBA programs.

Applicants must earn a score of 80 or higher to exit each subject area test. An applicant is allowed three tries on each test. Contact Dr. Alice Burkins at aburkin1@utsouthern.edu for additional details. The Ivy Software is designed for individuals who did not major in business during the undergraduate career. 

The UT Southern MBA “LIVE” Classroom

We at UT Southern are committed to EXCELLENCE in Education. To that end, our MBA Program is “LIVE”.  Our “LIVE” Classroom will allow you to:

We know not all MBA Candidates can make it to class because of distance, work demands, traffic concerns, family commitments or carbon footprint, so we’ve designed our classroom for you.  Use our “LIVE” Classroom occasionally or every class….it’s your choice.

A “LIVE” Class at UTS (formerly MMC) means taking your MBA courses, not online, but in-person or Virtually. We provide the needed software, you’ll need a stable internet connection, your webcam-enabled laptop running on WINDOWS 10, a power source, and an hour and 55 minutes. You’re there….in class….virtually; we see and hear you and you see and hear us in real-time. You’re an interacting member of the class. Ask the teacher a question, give a presentation, interact with your team members….Virtual style!

Our “LIVE” MBA classroom is an enhanced, real-time, Virtual, interactive, academic….growth experience. No more online class discussion boards or waiting on an email reply to get clarification. You’re there with the rest of the on-campus class and with a doctorally trained professor in real-time to answer questions.

Our entire MBA Program is offered “LIVE”……no on-campus residency requirements…..register, pay, and come to class Virtually. MBA graduation is only 30-hours away!

The UT Southern MBA “LIVE”

Technology requirement for MBA: A wi-fi enabled laptop with webcam that is running on Windows 10 with HDMI and USB port.  “LIVE”-Virtual students need 15 mbs download and 5 mbs upload speed internet connection.

To receive consideration for admission to the MBA Program, the required admissions materials (listed below) must be submitted to and be on file in the Office of Academic Affairs. The address for the Office of Academic Affairs is: 433 West Madison Street, Pulaski, TN 38478, or you may contact Dr. Judy Cheatham, Provost at 931-363-9823 or jbcheat@utsouthern.edu.

Required MBA Courses

• BUS 501 Negotiation ——– 1 hr.
  • The Negotiations course utilizes the Interest-Based Negotiations framework in the contexts of both distributive and integrative negotiating situations.  Students learn key concepts such as BATNA, ZOPA, and creating value through trades, and develop effective negotiating processes from planning to table tactics.

• BUS 502 Supervision ——-  1 hr.
  • The Supervision course focuses on the skills needed for effective management of direct report personnel, regardless of their level in the corporation.  The course covers topics such as goal setting and coaching, motivating, resolving interpersonal conflict, dealing with difficult employees, and dealing with diversity.

• BUS 503 Leadership ——–  1 hr.
  • The purpose of this course is to help students develop key leadership interpersonal skills.  Required skills include self-awareness about preferred leadership styles, influencing others, negotiating and managing conflict, understanding authentic and ethical leadership, and understanding how to delegate effectively. This course prepares current and future managers to be effective leaders by helping them develop effective interpersonal skills.

• BUS 510 Organizational Behavior & Management ——–  3 hrs.
  • This course is a study of interpersonal and group dynamics in an organizational context.  Topics include team and work group development, motivation, interpersonal influence, organizational processes, and organizational design, change, and innovation.

• BUS 512 Financial Statement Analysis ——–  3 hrs.
  • This course is a study of financial reporting and analysis that emphasizes both the process of financial reporting and the analysis of financial statements.  A focus on contracting and decision implications of accounting which will help students understand why accounting choices matter and to whom.  Students will be taught to be good financial detectives, able to read, use and interpret the statements and, most importantly, understand how and why managers can utilize the flexibility in GAAP to manipulate the numbers for their own purposes.  An emphasis on the differences and similarities between GAAP and IFRS is a critical component of this course. 

• BUS 514 Marketing ———  3 hrs.
  • In addition to a textbook, this course uses cases and readings to develop a systematic understanding of marketing concepts, including customer value, market segmentation, market selection, product development, pricing, marketing communications, selling, distribution, and customer relationship management.  Our primary focus will be developing managerial skills, with a strong bias toward evidence-based analysis, decision, and action planning.

• BUS 520 Corporate Finance ——— 3 hrs.
  • In addition to a textbook, this course uses cases and readings to develop fundamental understanding of the principles, analytical tools, and knowledge needed to make good investment and financing decisions.  The course introduces students to finance ratios, forecasting methods, capital structure theory, and risk-return analysis and then asks them to apply these concepts from a managerial decision-making perspective.  Subjects covered include: asset managment; cash management; capital structure; cost of capital; dividend theory; investments; risk management; real options; financial strategy formulation; and valuation.

• BUS 522 Global Business ———  3 hrs.
  • This course is a study of the integration of domestic corporate business within the international environment. Topics of study include: globalization, national differences in political economy, political economy and economic development, differences in culture, ethics in international business, international trade theory, the political economy of international trade, foreign direct investment, regional economic integration, the foreign exchange market, the international monetary system, the global capital market, the strategy of international business, the organization of international business, entry strategy and strategic alliances, exporting, importing, countertrade, production, outsourcing and logistics, global marketing and R & D, global human resource management, and accounting and finance in international business. Prerequisite: BUS520.

• BUS 525 Analytics ———  3 hrs.
  • This course is a study of the research industry, the design of business research, sources and collection of industry and competitive data, along with the analysis and presentation of data.

• BUS 530 Production Operations ——— 3 hrs.
  • This course is a study of modern production operations and planning methodologies, including transportation, quality management, statistical process control, capacity planning, outsourcing, warehousing, and compliance standards. Project management topics including PERT, critical path scheduling, and cost models are also covered.  Prerequisite: BUS525.

• BUS 532 Human Resource Management ——— 3 hrs.
  • This course examines planning, recruitment, selection, training, motivation, retention and supervision of persons expected to fill specialized positions in service organizations which forms the core of the course.  Issues include legal and regulatory issues, job qualifications, job descriptions, job benefits, group development and performance, organizational culture and external influences.

• BUS 590 Strategy Capstone ——— 3 hrs.
  • This course is a study of guiding a corporation through the competitive and regulatory environments while accomplishing corporate long term growth and profitability. Topics of discussion and analysis include strategic analysis, creating competitive advantages, analyzing the external environment of the firm, assessing the internal environment of the firm, recognizing a firm’s intellectual assets, business-level strategy, creating and sustaining competitive advantages. corporate-level strategy, creating value through diversification, international strategy, creating value in global markets, entrepreneurial strategy and competitive dynamics, strategic control and corporate governance, creating effective organizational designs, strategic leadership, creating a learning organization and an ethical organization, managing innovation, and fostering corporate entrepreneurship. Successful completion of capstones is required for graduation. Prerequisite: All other MBA courses.

 Total Hours Required for Graduation ——— 30 hrs.

Technology requirement for MBA: A wi-fi enabled laptop with webcam that is running on Windows 10 with HDMI and USB port.  “LIVE” students need 15 mbs download and 5 mbs upload speed internet connection.

Structure of the MBA Program

The UT Southern MBA Program is a thirty hour program composed of twelve hybrid courses (nine courses are three (3) semester credit hours each and three courses are one (1) semester credit hour each).  Full time MBA candidates will take four courses at a time three (3 hour courses) and one (1 hour course), and will complete the program in about twelve months.  Courses are offered at the main campus in Pulaski, Tennessee and through the “LIVE” Experience.

For those MBA candidates needing to adjust their schedule to part-time due to other commitments, the candidate is to discuss any further scheduling details with the Program Director, Dr. Alice Burkins.

Each 3 hour course will last thirteen weeks, meeting one time per week for 1 hour and 55 minutes and each 1 hour course will meet 6 times for 1 hour and 30 minutes.  Two thirds of the content of each course will be delivered through traditional in-class experiences.  The remaining one third will be delivered through non-traditional methods, primarily on-line. 

A candidate has no more than 5 years to complete the program.

TUITION

$495.00 per credit hour for a total cost of $14,850.  This includes tuition and academic fees.

FINANCIAL AID

Graduate program resources for financial aid are limited; therefore, aid is derived from federal financial aid, tuition reimbursement, and personal financial contributions.

After you have submitted your application for the MBA program you may complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure to add UTS (formerly MMC)’s school code: 003504. For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Emma Hlubb at 931.424.7366or email her at ehlubb@utsouthern.edu.

MBA AT A GLANCE

• Get upward mobility!
• Done in a year if you go full time.
• Or flexible course load – adjust to your scheduling needs.
• Affordable – We beat the competition hands down, finish your MBA for less than $14,900 in tuition.
• Commuting a problem?  Travel for work? Join class “LIVE”
• Small classes, personal attention.
• Supportive, experienced Ph.D. faculty.
• NO GRE/GMAT required.
• SACS-COC Accredited – Member ACBSP.
• DON’T WAIT – APPLY NOW!

QUICKLINKS AND PROGRAM FACTS

QUICKLINKS

1. CAMS Portal Log in https://student.utsouthern.edu

2. Moodle Portal Log in – https://online.utsouthern.edu/login/index.php

3. IT Downloads – For information on downloading Microsoft Office, getting email credentials, etc. – Students IT – The University of Tennessee Southern (utsouthern.edu)

4. Email and CAMS Credentials – Please contact Cedrick Nkulu in the IT Office in Martin Hall or at cnkulu@utsouthern.edu.

• The IT Office can assist you with CAMS and email login information or issues.

5. Warden Memorial Library

• For Library hours, EBSCO and other databases, etc.: – https://utsouthern.edu/academics/library/

6. Registrar’s Office:

• Make a schedule for the upcoming semester with the Registrar at cmattin3@utsouthern.edu.

7. Financial Aid – Please contact Emma Hlubb at ehlubb@utsouthern.edu with questions for Financial Aid.  You will need to:

• Complete FAFSA https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
• Complete Entrance Counseling https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/
• Complete Master Promissory Note (MPN) https://studentaid.gov/mpn/grad/landing
• To qualify for Federal Financial Aid you must be enrolled in at least 6 graduate hours a semester
• Sign an award letter from the Financial Aid Office

8. Business Office: – Please contact Lydia Ball at lball10@utsouthern.edu with questions for the Business Office.           

• Student Federal Authorization Form completed and returned
• Payment of fees

9. Student ID Cards and Parking Permits – Please contact Josie Trevarthen, Justice House, at jtrev@utsouthern.edu.

• Student ID Cards are valid for four years
• Parking Permits obtained with accurate housing status
• Replacement permits cost $25

10. Mailbox (for on campus students):

Please see Jess Dicus, jdicus@utsouthern.edu.

• Parking Permit has been obtained with accurate housing status
• Mail box is obtained (if applicable

​11. Admissions: – Please contact Dianne Bass, ebass2@utsouthern.edu with questions about Admissions.

​To be considered for MBA Candidacy, we need:

• Completed application form
• All official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities
• 3 Letters of Recommendation.  One from: a friend or family member, a former or current faculty member, and a former or current supervisor.
• Personal letter of intent
• TOEFL scores if applicable
• An interview with the MBA Admissions Committee

Need advising today?  Let us know.

12. Advising Sheet

13. All documentation in the MBA program must follow APA format.  Get a handbook at www.amazon.com.

14. For information on the UT Southern Student Catalog and Honor Code, click here.

15.UT Southern Bookstore http://utsbookstore.utsouthern.edu/home

OTHER LINKS

COST

Total cost of the program–tuition and fees–is $14,850 ($495 per credit hour, 30 hours to complete). Books and electronic devices are a separate cost. 

To speak with someone about a payment plan, please contact Lydia Ball, (931)363-9817, lball10@utsouthern.edu.  To contact the Business Office, please call (931)363-9817.

Graduate Student Housing

For housing inquiries, please contact: Sarah Catherine Richardson, Director of Student Life at – scrich@utsouthern.edu.

ENROLLMENT

Full-time enrollment:  9 or more credit hours per semester.

Part-time enrollment:  Fewer than 9 hours.

*Note:  to qualify for financial aid, a graduate candidate must be enrolled in 6 credit hours.

​

ADMISSIONS

Once you have been accepted for admission, you will need to “accept” that invitation for admission.  Please note this by a deadline set by the Office of Academics which specified after the admissions process is complete.  

CONNECT WITH ADMISSIONS

FINANCIAL AID

Graduate program resources for financial aid are limited; therefore, aid is derived from federal financial aid, tuition reimbursement, and personal financial contributions.

After you have submitted your application for the MBA program you may complete a free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure to add UTS (formerly MMC)’s school code: 003504. For questions regarding financial aid, please contact Emma Hlubb at 931.424.7366or email her at ehlubb@utsouthern.edu.