The MBA program is offered in two delivery methods:

On-Campus/Hybrid—Early Career

The On-Campus/Hybrid MBA program is designated primarily for individuals with limited (less than five years of) professional, post-bachelor's degree work experience. Core courses are delivered in-person, with numerous elective options offered in a variety of delivery methods. Students in the on campus/hybrid program often are enrolled full-time (9 or more credits per semester).     

Online—Professional

The Online Professional MBA (PMBA) program is designated solely for individuals with significant (five or more years of) professional, post-bachelor's degree work experience. Core courses are delivered in a synchronous online format in the evenings, with numerous elective options offered in both synchronous and asynchronous online formats. Students in the online program typically are enrolled part-time (8 or fewer credits per semester). Online-only students are not eligible to enroll in any in-person courses.

The MBA program requires 30 total credits for degree completion:

• 16 core credits (MBA 701-708)

• 14 elective credits

All courses with an MBA prefix (both core and elective) are delivered in 8-week (half-semester) sessions during the fall or spring semester.

Required Core Courses (16 credits)

Elective Course Options (14 Credits)

MBA-prefixed elective courses are available from within three specific concentration areas, each of which may also be earned as its own stand-alone graduate certificate:

• ^*Business Analytics (MBA 722,751,753; MIS 760)
• Digital Marketing and Innovation (MBA 721-724)
• Leadership and Managerial Skills (MBA 731-736)

^{*The Business Analytics certificate is not currently available to Online MBA students.}

Students may choose to complete all four courses within a particular concentration or to take a variety of courses from across concentrations. Additionally, students typically may use other graduate courses (600-level or higher) offered by the College of Business toward elective credit requirements. A limited number of approved courses from outside the College of Business may be used, as well (up to 10 credits).
 

MBA-Prefixed Elective Courses

_{Note: Course information listed below is subject to change. Courses may be offered on a rotating schedule.}

Additional Elective Course Options

In general, any graduate-level course that is offered from within the College of Business can be considered as an MBA elective, as long as the student has not taken the equivalent 400-level undergraduate course. These may include graduate courses (600-level or higher) with any of the following prefixes (in addition to the MBA-prefixed elective courses):

A variety of courses from other Colleges across the University have been used as electives, as well, including—but not limited to—the following academic areas:

_{*Please note that students may need a course permit and/or permission from the department or course instructor in order to register for courses outside of their home program. Permission is not guaranteed. All courses must be approved for degree audit by the MBA advisor and director, and by the Graduate School, in order to be eligible to count toward MBA degree requirements.}

Because the MBA degree is structured to serve students from various undergraduate disciplines, a set of foundation course requirements is needed to ensure adequate background preparation. Students should have proficiency in each of the following foundation course areas prior to enrolling in its subsequent MBA core course:

• Accounting
• Economics
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Statistics   

Proficiency will be determined based upon academic and professional experience, contingent upon review of the applicant's transcript(s) and resume.

If it is determined that the applicant is deficient in one or more course areas, they will be given the option to:

1. Take an approved undergraduate course in that subject (Option 1) or
2. Complete an online, self-paced instructional module (Option 2). 

Foundation course completion is not required for admission, but rather should occur before the student enrolls in the MBA core course for which it serves as a prerequisite.

OPTION 1

Most Common for Current Undergraduate Students 

OPTION 2

Most Common for Bachelor's Degree Holders/Current Working Professionals

Students wishing to complete an online, self-paced instructional module in order to meet proficiency requirements for one or more of the foundation course areas will be provided with a link to register for the module online. Each module has a fee of around $150. No course credit is provided for completing these modules.

Contact elizabeth.worth@ndsu.edu for more information.

Applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis using a rolling admission format. The review process is holistic and takes into account all applicable factors, such as past/current CGPA, professional experience, GMAT/GRE score, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, etc.

An application file must be completed with all required official documents before it can be reviewed for admission. Admission decisions will not be made based upon incomplete application files and/or unofficial documentation.

In order for an application file to be considered complete, the following items must be received by the Graduate School:

1. Online Application
2. Statement of Purpose + Resume
3. Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
4. $35 Application Fee
5. Official Transcripts (from all institutions previously attended)
6. Official GMAT or GRE score^*
7. Proof of English Proficiency^**

Application Instructions

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