The MBA of Choice
Gonzaga’s MBA of Choice offers a comprehensive graduate education for professional management in a dynamic and complex economic environment. The program allows students the opportunity to choose among a large selection of electives to design a curriculum which will best satisfy their individual educational and career goals. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in business and other organizations. The curriculum provides students opportunities to apply concepts, techniques, and practice in the functional disciplines of business. Students are intellectually challenged and taught to develop an appreciation of human behavior in organizations and the responsibilities facing entrepreneurs and managerial decision-makers.
Admissions
- Students applying to Gonzaga University must submit Gonzaga’s Graduate Application, which can be accessed online at https://www.gonzaga.edu/gradapply
- Along with the application for graduate study, each program at Gonzaga has distinct admission requirements. Please refer to the table below to view that detailed information.
|
Program Name |
How To Apply Link |
| Master of Business Administration (MBA) | https://www.gonzaga.edu/school-of-business-administration/graduate/mba/how-to-apply |
MBA Prerequisite Requirements
Prior to enrolling in graduate coursework required for the degree program, MBA students are required to complete the following prerequisite coursework:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Business Law
Prerequisites may be waived at the discretion of the Director.
Admitted students must consult with their advisor before registering for their first semester in order to evaluate their prerequisites and to develop a plan for completing any that are needed. Prerequisites can be fulfilled by successfully completing the appropriate three credit prerequisite course.
Prerequisite course credits are not counted toward the graduate degree program credits. They must be taken in addition to the 30 credits required for the MBA degree.
Degree Requirements
To complete the MBA degree program, thirty-three credit hours of 600-level graduate business administration courses are required beyond the pre-requisite courses. Students are expected to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.00. Degree requirements consist of 23 credit hours of core courses and 10 hours of graduate-level electives.
For more information visit: www.gonzaga.edu/MBA
Core Courses: 23 credits
| MBUS 600 Orientation | 0 credit |
| MBUS 610 Economic Environment of the Firm | 2 credits |
| MBUS 612 Managing People and Performance | 2 credits |
| MBUS 613 Quantitative and Statistical Analysis | 3 credits |
| MBUS 614 Business Ethics | 2 credits |
| MBUS 616 Strategic Management | 2 credits |
| MBUS 624 Finance Theory and Practice | 2 credits |
| MBUS 625 Operations Theory and Practice | 2 credits |
| MBUS 626 Information Systems Theory and Practice | 2 credits |
| MBUS 627 Marketing Theory and Practice | 2 credits |
| MBUS 628 Managerial Accounting | 2 credits |
| MBUS 629 Corporate Financial Reporting | 2 credits |
| Elective Courses (Concentration) | 10 credits |
Total Credits Required – 33 credits (35 for Project Management Concentration)
MBA Concentrations
In addition to the MBA of Choice, the Graduate School of Business offers the MBA with concentrations in Finance (nine credits) or Project Management (12 credits). The MBA concentrations permit a student to tailor coursework to match career and educational goals and interests. The core courses are the same for the concentrations as they are for the MBA of Choice. Instead of 10 hours of electives, however, this program requires additional course requirements. These courses are offered on a two year cycle.
Finance Concentration |
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| 9 finance credits + 1 general elective/non-finance | ||
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Two of the following three courses:
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4 credits | |
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MBUS 660 Investments
|
||
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MBUS 662 Advanced Corporate Finance
|
||
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MBUS 665 Mergers and Acquisitions
|
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| Five credits from the following courses: | ||
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MBUS 660 Investments
|
2 credits | |
|
MBUS 662 Advanced Corporate Finance
|
2 credits | |
|
MBUS 665 Mergers and Acquisitions
|
2 credits | |
|
MBUS 683 * Current Issues in Ethics (Finance-related only)
|
1 credit | |
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MBUS 689 * Current Issues in Finance
|
1 credit | |
|
MBUS 690 * Current International Issues
(International Finance Only) |
1 credit | |
*Current issues courses covering different finance topics may be taken multiple times with the approval of your MBA advisor. Additional 600-level elective courses may be offered that count towards the finance concentration – please check with your MBA academic advisor.
Project Management Concentration |
|
| Required Project Management Courses (8 credits): | |
| MBUS 670 Foundations of Project Management | 3 credits |
| MBUS 671 Risk Management | 1 credit |
| MBUS 631 Communications Management | 1 credit |
|
MBUS 679 Applied Project Management: |
3 credits |
| Elective Project Management Courses (4 credits): | |
| Block A (2 credits): | |
|
MBUS 673 Global Project Management
|
1 credit |
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MBUS 674 Agile Project Management
|
1 credit |
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MBUS 677 Managing Complex Projects
|
1 credit |
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MBUS 676 Contract Management and Procurement
|
1 credit |
| Block B (2 credits): | |
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MBUS 672 Decision Making for Managers
|
1 credit |
|
MBUS 675 Quality Management
|
1 credit |
|
MBUS 633 Team Building Intensive
|
2 credits |
|
MBUS 697 Internship
|
1 credit |
|
MBUS 699 Project Management Special Topics
|
1 credit |
To familiarize the student with the concepts and tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic theoretical foundation and tools to employ in financial decision-making. Of primary importance is provision for the necessary mathematical and analytical methods needed to continue into advanced finance courses. These techniques are commonly encountered by professionals in all areas of business management. Also, the thought process and techniques introduced in this class can be readily applied to everyday personal decision-making situations.
Equivalent:
BFIN 320 - Successful completion
The purpose of this course is to provide students with a basic theoretical foundation and tools to employ in financial decision-making. Of primary importance is provision for the necessary mathematical and analytical methods needed to continue into advanced finance courses. These techniques are commonly encountered by professional in all areas of business management. Also, the thought process and techniques introduced in this class can be readily applied to everyday personal decision making situations.
This course is intended as an introduction to financial and managerial accounting concepts. Students successfully completing the class will have: a) a general knowledge of accounting concepts and techniques; b) a familiarity with the accounting procedures used to account for most business transactions; c) the ability to prepare basic financial reports; d) an understanding of the uses and limitations of accounting information; e) an understanding of some of the ethical issues in accounting; and f) the ability to provide at least an elemental interpretation of the information contained in a set of financial statements. Spring.
Professionals in many disciplines are likely to confront accounting and financial management issues regularly in their careers. This course is intended as an introduction to financial and managerial accounting concepts.
Guidelines are available in the Graduate School of Business office. Requirements must be met before registration. Summer.
This zero credit Orientation is held one evening per semester just prior to the start of classes. It must be taken during the student's first semester in either the Master of Accountancy or Master of Business Administration programs. Topics include an orientation to the Graduate School of Business programs, University facilities available to students, team-building, communication skills, and students will receive pertinent information regarding academic honesty, professional standards, and networking. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
Equivalent:
MACC 600 - Successful completion
MTAX 600 - OK if taken since Summer 2016
MTAX 600 - OK if taken since Summer 2016
Managers must understand the nature and objectives of the firm in the economy. This course emphasizes how firms are affected by their market structure and how they interface with society, government and the global economy. Topics are selected from: competitive markets, market imperfections, pricing strategies, game theory, the economic model of human behavior, compensation and incentives, government regulation, fiscal and monetary policy, foreign exchange, and trade policy. Spring.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 613 Minimum Grade: C
This course focuses on understanding behavioral concepts necessary for the effective management of people in organizations. Current literature, case studies and simulations will be used to demonstrate application of concepts. Topics covered include perception, motivation, leadership, managing teams and conflict, supportive communication, leveraging diversity and performance management. Fall and Spring.
This course is designed to expose students to the use of spreadsheet-based models and the scientific research process to support problem solving and decision making in a business environment. Basic statistical concepts will be reviewed, such as descriptive statistics, probability distributions, sampling distribution, inferences, hypotheses testing, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), as well as simple linear regression analysis. Students will also gain hands-on experience in using statistical software (MegaStat) to assist in making effective decisions. Emphasis is on the acquisition, analysis, and interpretation of data to solve business problems. Case problems may be used to provide practical experience in data analysis and interpretation.
In general, business ethics is the study of ethical concerns that arise in connection with business as it is currently practiced, typically in a capitalist setting. This particular course, given the audience, will focus on a handful of basic points of interest that relate essentially to the business lives of managers, especially entrepreneurial managers.
This course presents practical marketing techniques with a strong theoretical basis. Students will acquire an understanding of how marketing techniques may be adapted effectively for efficient use in small business environments. Issues in buyer behavior and marketing research will be discussed.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 510T Minimum Grade: C
This is a capstone course designed to apply and integrate concepts and analytical tools that students have studied in their MBA or MAcc coursework. This course adopts a general management perspective to analyze complex business situations, identify critical issues, and develop effective solutions. Consideration is given to ethical dimensions of strategic decision making. The emphasis throughout is on developing strategic thinking skills and understanding the fundamentals for achieving competitive advantage in a dynamic global environment. Completion of the functional core courses required prior to registration and is preferably taken in the student's final semester. Fall and Spring.
This course adopts a general management perspective to analyze complex business situations, identify critical issues, and develop effective solutions. Consideration is given to ethical dimensions of strategic decision making. The emphasis throughout is on developing strategic thinking skills and understanding the fundamentals for achieving competitive advantage in a dynamic global environment. Completion of the functional core courses required prior to registration and is preferably taken in the student's final semester. Summer.
The main purpose of this course is to provide a practical and a professional perspective to the challenging and on-going issues impacting Native American businesses, tribal enterprises/subdivisions and government. A review and discussion of recent of issues, including taxation, economic development, gaming, operations, and access to capital will provide insight and perspective to provide additional information to make more effective decisions.
The main purpose of this course is to provide a practical and a professional perspective to the challenging and on-going issues impacting Native American businesses, tribal enterprises/subdivisions and government. A review and discussion of recent of issues, including taxation, economic development, gaming, operations, and access to capital will provide insight and perspective to provide additional information to make more effective decisions.
This course is designed to develop students' understanding of financial theory and how it can be applied to financial decisions a business must make. Included are such topics as cost of capital, capital budgeting, capital structure and working capital management. Fall and Spring.
The main purpose of this course is to help graduate business students understand the impact of operations in determining the best strategies for the business as a whole. The course covers the main principles and concepts pertaining to such issues as the development of a manufacturing strategy, order winners and order qualifiers, lean manufacturing/thinking and six sigma, process choice and product profiling, supply chain management, manufacturing planning and control systems (MPC), etc.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 613 Minimum Grade: C
This course introduces information system theories and explores issues related to managing and using IS functions and resources from a managerial perspective. The course also investigates the overall information resources of an organization and the strategic role of IS in improving/creating competitive advantages. Real world cases that show how companies have put ideas into practice are examined and discussed.
The emphasis in this course is on marketing decision-making based upon an evaluation of the market, the product, promotion effort, price, and channels of distribution. The course provides essential knowledge of marketing needed by the modern executive. Fall and Spring.
The principal objective of this course is to explain how accounting data can be interpreted and used by managers in planning, organizing, and controlling organizational activities. The basic processes of cost behavior, product costing, and the use of accounting numbers for performance evaluation will be covered. The intent is not to dwell on accounting procedures; however, a basic understanding of financial accounting and organizational procedures will be necessary to fully understand the concepts covered in this course.
Corporate financial accounting theory and reporting practice will be studied. The emphasis will be on the analysis and use of corporate financial reports in business decision-making. Ethical dimensions of corporate financial reporting will be considered, as well as more traditional technical topics, which may include receivables, inventory, long-lived assets, investments, leases, pensions, revenue, recognition, fair value measurements, stock option accounting, or financial derivatives.
This course introduces verbal and written communication management strategies vital to successful project stakeholder management. An overview of critical communication and conflict resolution issues encountered by project managers and the methods to negotiate and resolve conflict is studied and practiced. Students will learn how to create a communications management plan and identify stakeholders to facilitate timely, effective communications to expedite the decision-making process. Through application, students will learn how to provide clear, concise, and complete communications using the appropriate channels to the right audience to manage negotiations and lead successful domestic and global projects.
This course will focus on work group dynamics, the opportunities and threats involved with group work. leadership of small groups, and team training and development. Individuals will complete pre- and post-class assignments. During the class, students engage in exercises, simulations. reflections, and discussions regarding to application of research suggestions in the field of team dynamics .
Topics vary: Gonzaga In New Zealand - The intent of this short-term study abroad class is to visit the Auckland New Zealand, and explore the
racial, political, cultural, and societal paradigms of the Maori, Pacific Islanders and Kiwi's (white New Zealanders). The aspiration is to expose
graduate students to a purposeful visit through engagement with New Zealanders and related communities, including tribal businesses.
Explores the economic incentives present in professional and amateur sports. Specifically, the business of sports is examined including: revenue maximization, ticket pricing, league structure, stadium financing, advertising, labor relations/player pay, federal anti-trust exemptions, and Title IX.
The primary objective of this course is to give the student an understanding of the entrepreneurial process. This includes: An understanding of the entrepreneur, an analysis of the role of the entrepreneurship in the economy, business plan development, financing concerns, strategic issues. This objective will be accomplished with a special emphasis on the process as it applies to the American Indian community.
This course will focus on the concepts, theories, and practices of negotiation. In-class activities will be experiential in nature, and work assigned outside of class will require you to be both reflective and analytical concerning your experiences and established research.
This course covers the fundamentals of security valuation and analysis, market efficiency, the scientific evidence surrounding investment strategies, and the relationship between risk and return. Trading mechanics, types of trades, and alternative investment vehicles will be discussed.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 624 Minimum Grade: C
This class includes both the evaluation of financial performance via financial statement and ratio analysis as well as planning for growth and external financial requirements. The derivation of pro-forma statements, cash budgets, and credit analysis and policy, will be covered as will means for evaluating financial alternatives available for meeting a corporation's funding requirements.
The course covers both the theoretical background and practical implications of the central issues in corporate financial management, including capital structure decisions, dividend payout decisions, and asset valuation. Real options are considered as an enhancement to traditional capital budgeting methods. Also, issues related to security design are covered.
The class focuses on futures, forwards, and options on common stock and foreign currencies. Institutional aspects of derivatives markets, as well as factors influencing the value of these contracts are studied. In option valuation, the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model and the Binomial tree model of option valuation are covered in detail. Various portfolio strategies using combinations of call and put options to exploit investors' expectations of future asset prices are also covered.
This class includes coverage of merger types, their characteristics, and motivations for mergers. The market for corporate control will be introduced, as will the agency problem and how it relates to merger activity. Principles of valuation will be applied to takeovers and some examination of merger law, corporate governance reform, and the scholarly research of M & A's will also be included in the course.
Modern organizations rely heavily on project management to ensure that they realize their organizational strategies and objectives. In recent years, project management has increased in visibility and importance, both as a profession and as an organizational priority. Organizations are demanding professionals who can deliver on the promise of project management. This course will introduce the fundamentals of effective traditional and agile project management, present industry standards and best practices, while providing guidance on becoming project management professionals.
This course focuses on integrating risk management processes and change management methods as fundamental project management essentials. Using project risk management best practices, students will develop a risk management plan to identify, analyze, and determine risks and their impacts while applying qualitative and quantitative methods to plan, control, and monitor risks and opportunities. Students will plan and respond to change by implementing control processes using change management theories to increase the probability of a successful project.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 670 Minimum Grade: C
Decision making is critical for every successful manager. In this course, students will be introduced to various tools and techniques used for problem solving and decision making. Some of the topics to be discussed in this course include: decision making framework. mapping techniques, problems identification tools (such as root cause analysis and theory of constraints), and analytical tools (such as decision tree analysis, optimization techniques, sensitivity & scenario analysis). Being armed with these tools and techniques, current and future managers will be able to analyze a problem and determine the best course of action to resolve it.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 600 Minimum Grade: C
Decision making is critical for every successful leaders. In this course, students will be introduced to various tools and techniques used for
problem solving and decision making. Some of the topics to be discussed in this course include: decision making framework, mapping techniques,
problems identification tools (such as root cause analysis and theory of constraints), and analytical tools (such as decision tree analysis,
optimization techniques, sensitivity & scenario analysis). Being armed with these tools and techniques, current and future tribal leaders will be
able to analyze a problem and determine the best course of action to resolve it. The course will also provide students with hands-on experience in
using Solver (Excel Add Ins) in making more effective decisions.
This course focuses on global project management and global team management through practical application and international case analyses. The course explores how individuals, groups, and organizations can impact global businesses in areas such as environmental factors, cultural and national differences, outsourcing and third-party contracts, communication and technology barriers, and virtual project management.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 670 Minimum Grade: C
This course examines agile principles and practices and how to successfully blend Agile and traditional project management methodologies in multifaceted projects. Students develop an agile mindset in this course and explore methodologies used for high-risk, shifting requirements, or substantial uncertainty to effectively respond to project changes. Students will learn about DevOps and continuous integration approaches common in IT and high-tech industries.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 670 Minimum Grade: C
This course introduces students to Project Quality Management (PQM) and the required processes to plan, manage, and control both project and product quality requirements. Quality Management is the discipline of managing quality processes in organizations to limit variation and achieve maximum customer satisfaction at the lowest possible overall cost. The course studies how continuous improvement activities support stakeholders' objectives while identifying quality requirements and/ or standards (plan), translating or breaking down the quality management plan into executable activities (manage), and evaluating the quality management activity results (control).
This course focuses on the current principles and practices used in managing project procurements and contracts. The course studies types of contracts; contract terms and conditions; local, national, and international contract laws; procurement management plan; state of work (SOW); request for proposal (RFP); and ethical and moral issues.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 670 Minimum Grade: C
In this course students will study the aspects contributing to a project's complexity, risk, and uncertainty. Students will learn and apply techniques to create a realistic action plan to begin a complex project and keep it on-track. Students will understand that large, complex projects involving hundreds of resources require tools and approaches that scale up to be successful.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 670 Minimum Grade: C
This capstone course provides an opportunity for students to apply the project management skills acquired in the MBA PM concentration. The course focuses on applying project management theories in leadership, team building, group dynamics, decision making, communication, contracts, and negotiation. Students will use actual workplace project scenarios with a project management information system (PMIS) to initiate a project and evaluate project processes through a project life cycle-from inception to completion-while managing deadlines, administering communications, reporting performance results, and generating deliverables. Students will study project management case studies and participate in simulations in order to apply project management principles and methodologies to critically analyze real-world project management.
Prerequisite:
MBUS 670 Minimum Grade: C
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Operations. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: logistics, supply chain management, process flow, project management, quality and operational research methods. The subject of Current Issues in Operations will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Information Systems. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: the use of systems in decision making, information systems design, the use of data in organizations, and e-commerce and information tools. The subject of Current Issues in Information Systems will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each
year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Managerial Accounting. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: accounting decision-making tools, the accounting behavior of organizations, forensic accounting, and the communication of accounting information. The subject of Current Issues in Managerial Accounting will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Ethics. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to; ethical decision-making, the application of ethics in disciplinary or cultural contexts, and case studies in ethical and unethical business practices. The subject of Current Issues in Ethics will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of the legal environment within which business operates. The course will cover the historical and cultural development of law, as well as practical applications to current business issues. Although the readings will be highlighted in class, students will bear the major responsibility for text assignments. Classroom discussions should focus more on specific legal issues involving doing business on Indian reservations.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Marketing. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to; buyer behavior, new product promotion, advertising, digital media, creativity, and marketing communications. The subject of Current Issues in Marketing will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Financial Reporting. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: the use of financial reporting systems, communication of financial data to stakeholders, and financial strategy. The subject of Current Issues in Financial Reporting will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Management. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: strategic decision-making, human resources, performance appraisal, negotiations, organizational effectiveness. and conflict resolution. The subject of Current Issues in Management will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Entrepreneurship. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to; idea development and appraisal, entrepreneurial decision-making, new venture strategy, sales, small business management, and not-for-profit organizational development. The subject of Current Issues in Entrepreneurship will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Economics. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: emerging economies, global markets, economic analysis, economic behavior, and economic models of industries and cultures. The subject of Current Issues in Economics will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of Finance. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to; real estate, investments, financial markets, the use of financial modelling tools, valuation, and the role of risk. The subject of Current Issues in Finance will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
This course will address a variety of topics related to the subject of International Business. Subjects may include, but will not be limited to: international markets, the impact of government and culture on business, doing business internationally, global logistics, international finance, and ethical decision making in a global economy. The subject of Current International Issues will vary between the Fall and Spring semesters of each year.
Topic to be determined by instructor.
This intensive, 2-credit course combines the highly interactive, challenge activities and in-class and outside assignments. Summer.
Equivalent:
MACC 694 - OK if taken since Fall 2005
Practicum in providing management assistance to small business and nonprofit organizations in marketing, management, finance, accounting, information systems, operations, and related business areas. Student teams will meet with clients and develop a proposal outlining specific objectives and expected outcomes to be achieved. A final written report will be presented to the client outlining their analyses and recommendations along with implementation strategies. The course will also examine the management of the consulting process, and the role of the consultant as an agent for organization change.
Relevant work experience is required that is commensurate with a student's professional interests. Guidelines and criteria are available from the School of Business Administration Internship Director.
Research guidelines are available in the School of Business Administration Office. Research Project requires completion of a form, and department permission and cannot be registered for via ZAGWEB.
These seminars cover topics of importance to business professionals. This course may be repeated for credit with a change in subject matter.
This course will bring Native American Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders together in the summer to meet with and talk about the issues in tribal business and learn about their successes and obstacles.