Wayne State University School of Business Administration

Skills for GLOBAL BUSINESS

Academics » Graduate Programs




Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Meeting the Unique Needs of Working Professionals  

For more than half a century the Wayne State University School of Business Administration has awarded Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees to men and women who seek a broader knowledge base, enhanced opportunities for advancement, increased earning potential and a new level of confidence. Throughout the years we have seen a shift in our graduate student population from solely full-time to largely part-time, with working professionals making up more than 90 percent of our MBA student body.

We have endeavored to keep pace with their need for quality and convenience. MBA courses are held exclusively in the evening or on Saturdays, and at various locations -- supporting our standing as one of the largest part-time MBA programs in the world. Our Online MBA Program provides even more flexibility, giving students the option of participating onsite or online.

Equally important is our drive to ensure that the MBA Program is relevant to the demands of the 21st century workplace. Leaders of some of the world’s foremost organizations graciously open their doors to student field trips and research; participate in panel discussions; provide in-class lectures; and share their insight on our advisory board. Additionally, a number of leaders have taken the guest’s chair on the School of Business Administration’s Emmy award-winning talk show, “Leaders on Leadership,” co-produced with Detroit Public Television. Taped in front of a largely student audience, the show seeks to expose the character, drive and ambition of individuals renown for their leadership of guiding local, national and international organizations. Guests have included: Paul O'Neill, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury; Dilip Shanghvi, Chairman and Co-Founder, Sun Pharmaceuticals (India), and Chairman, Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories (U.S.); Kathleen Ligocki, President and CEO, Tower Automotive; Dave Bing, Chairman and CEO, Bing Group; and Bob Lutz, Vice Chairman - Global Product Development, General Motors Corp.

Wayne State University

Wayne State University is Michigan’s only urban research university, fulfilling a unique niche in providing access to a world-class education at a great value. The university’s 11 schools and colleges offer 350-plus academic programs to more than 33,000 graduate and undergraduate students. WSU is located in the heart of Detroit’s University Cultural Center – the home of renowned museums, galleries and theatres, most within walking distance of campus. The main campus encompasses 203 acres of landscaped walkways and gathering spots, linking 100 buildings.

The School of Business Administration

Although the School of Business Administration was formally founded in 1946, its origins date back to 1918, when the earliest business courses were taught at the university. To date, more than 23,000 business professionals have graduated from the school. Many of them play key roles at multinational corporations, government agencies and non-profit organizations, while others have found success as entrepreneurs.

Accreditation

Since 1976, the School of Business Administration has been among a prestigious group of institutions worldwide – presently 527 – that hold accreditation from AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business. AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools. Member institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review. AACSB accreditation is considered to be the hallmark of excellence in management education.

Our Faculty

We have nearly 60 full-time faculty members. Many of our professors are leaders in their fields, with teaching and research expertise in taxation, advertising, auditing, consumer behavior, information technology, globalization, production, e-commerce, financial institutions, strategy, organizational behavior and a number of other areas. In addition to our full-time scholars, the school relies on an adjunct faculty of seasoned business professionals who bring their experiences and academic insight to the classroom

Our MBA Students  

Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in the School of Business Administration’s MBA program. Most are working professionals, of which 70 percent receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Just slightly more than half of our graduate students have undergraduate degrees in business. Others have bachelor’s degrees in an array of fields, including engineering, psychology, economics, criminal justice, communications and the sciences.

They average 27 years of age with five years or work experience; 35% are women and minority students make up 10% of the MBA student body. 

Program Options

While each MBA candidate must complete the conditions outlined under Degree Requirements, the School of Business Administration offers various options to meet the unique needs and preferences of working professionals.

Accelerated MBA Option

The Accelerated MBA is our more traditional option, with courses offered on the main campus in Detroit, at the WSU Oakland Center in Farmington Hills and at the University Center at Macomb in Clinton Township. All courses are offered in the evening or on Saturdays, and the school’s distance-education capabilities make it possible for students to participate in a particular course at the most convenient location.

Online MBA Option

The School of Business Administration’s online MBA option offers students the greatest flexibility. Because many faculty teach both on-site and online sections of a course, students have a choice to participate virtually or in-person. Content from both on-site and online courses is the same with lecture material from the on-site course taped and converted to video streaming for the online version. A variety of online courses, including foundation, core and electives, are offered each semester. In general, students can expect to make just one trip to campus each semester, to take their final exams.

Saturday MBA

The School of Business Administration’s Saturday MBA is held exclusively on Saturdays at the WSU Oakland Center in Farmington Hills. Students can complete up to two courses a semester – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – thereby earning their degree in as little as three years. The Saturday MBA is available only during fall and winter semesters.

Joint JD/MBA Program

Qualified graduate applicants may elect to complete both a law degree and an MBA degree through WSU's Joint JD/MBA program. The program provides a structural arrangement whereby students can complete the requirements of both programs concurrently. Students will need to complete all the requirements for the MBA degree, but Law School courses may count for up to six elective credits toward that degree. The first year of the program is spent in the Law School. Students will be granted five or six years to complete all of the degree requirements, depending on whether the student entered as a part- or full-time student.

Degree Requirements

Foundation Requirements

All Foundation Requirements must be completed before beginning Core Requirements or Elective Requirements. Depending on the student’s background, however, no foundation coursework or as many as eight foundation courses that are offered in convenient 7 ½ week modules may be required. Each applicant’s background will be individually examined by the Graduate Committee to determine the amount of coursework needed.

In addition to the courses listed below, one college-level mathematics course and one business information systems course are required. A cumulative honor point average of 3.00 is necessary for Foundation Requirements. No individual grade below 2.00 is acceptable.

Foundation Courses

Core Requirements

Elective Requirements

The purpose of the Elective Requirements is to provide depth in a specialization that will help you attain your professional objectives. Students must take elective courses at the 7000 level or higher. Electives may not exceed 15 credits in any one subject, including any related core courses.

In addition to traditional concentrations such as accounting, finance, marketing and human resource management, we offer concentrations in international business, leadership and organizational behavior, management information systems, quality management, and taxation.

Admission

Although prior study in business is not required for admission, potential students must take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) and earn a score of at least 450. The GMAT is offered on a continuous basis by appointment at computer-based testing centers throughout North America and at selected international sites. Call (800) GMAT-NOW or visit www.gmac.com.

An applicant’s cumulative undergraduate grade point average (a minimum 2.50), potential leadership qualities, work experience and any other information deemed relevant is also reviewed by the Admissions Selection Committee. Admission is granted each semester.

To apply, prospective students must submit a completed application for graduate admission (see www.gradadmissions.wayne.edu), an application fee, official transcripts from all collegiate institutions attended and GMAT results. The application and other required documents are due by July 1 for fall semester admission; November 1 for winter semester admission; and March 15 for spring/summer admission. International students must provide required materials at least four months prior to the beginning of the semester. Semesters begin in September, January and May.

Regarding the Joint JD/MBA Program, students must be admitted to the Law School and to the MBA program in the School of Business Administration. Students must take both the GMAT and the LSAT, plus meet all other admission requirements of the programs.

For more information, contact the School of Business Administration’s Office of Student Services at (313) 577-4510 or (800) 910-EARN

Office of Student Services
School of Business Administration
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan 48202 

Program Highlights