University Catalog

Master of Business Administration

The Master of Business Administration program prepares leaders and managers for careers within all types of organizations. The faculty’s research contributes to educational excellence. Different MBA delivery formats and certificates serve a wide variety of interests.

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

At UTA we are committed to mentoring and producing the next generation of business educators and researchers.  The College of Business doctoral program is small and flexible, involving in-depth study in the functional areas of accounting, finance, information technology, marketing, operations management, organizational behavior, or strategic management.

While most graduates undertake careers as teachers, scholars and researchers working within academic environments, the doctoral degree can lead to careers in industry and government.

Master of Business Administration

Admissions

Admission to the MBA program is based upon a score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the record of one’s undergraduate academic performance. These scores are calculated into an index score. To calculate the index score use approximately the last 60 hours of the undergraduate GPA, multiply this GPA by 200 and add the GMAT total score. A GMAT or GRE score need not be the sole criterion for determining admission to the MBA program. Multiple criteria may be used to make admission decisions. Because the GRE is scored differently, the percentile on the GRE will be matched to that of the GMAT, to convert the GRE score to a GMAT score please visit: https://www.ets.org/gre/institutions/about/mba/comparison_tool .

A graduate grade point average is used in the index when it is 3.0 or above and is based on at least 24 semester hours.

An applicant whose native language is not English must demonstrate a sufficient level of skill with the English language to assure success in graduate studies as defined in the TOEFL and IELTS Test Score Minimums section under Admissions Requirements and Procedures the Graduate Catalog.

To apply please visit: https://www.applytexas.org/adappc/gen/c_start.WBX

Unconditional Admission

For unconditional admission, the applicant’s composite total from the index is 1080 or greater which demonstrates a potential for successful academic performance as a graduate business student. Applicants may submit other documents (as listed in 1-6 below) as further proof of ability of to succeed in graduate studies.

Probationary Admission

An applicant with an index score below 1080 or an applicant who shows deficiency in other areas may be granted probationary admission.  Probationary admission requires the student to maintain a 3.00 grade point average for the first two semesters of enrollment. Additionally the student may be required to take deficiency courses.  Items 1-6 below will be used to indicate potential for successful academic performance and identify positive indicators for a probationary admission.

1. A resume that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise and leadership experience. Applicants with two to five years of experience are preferred.
2. Grades in specified undergraduate business and non-business courses (math, accounting, economics, statistics, for example). The focus is on the last 60 hours of coursework.
3. Educational objectives and quality of written expression of the 200 word application essay.
4. Letters of recommendation from three persons familiar with the applicant’s academic background and/or work experience who can assess the applicant’s potential success in graduate school.
5. General and specific program accreditation status of degree-granting institution.
6. Professional certification or licensure.

PROVISIONAL ADMISSION

An applicant unable to supply all required official documentation prior to the admission deadline but otherwise appears to meet admission requirements may be granted provisional admission. Complete and satisfactory credentials must be received by Graduate Admissions before the end of the semester in which the student has registered in a provisional status.  Provisional admission does not guarantee subsequent admission on an unconditional basis.

Deferred and Denied Admission

A deferred decision may be made when an applicant’s file is not sufficiently complete to make an admission decision, or when an applicant needs to improve certain criteria to enhance their competitive status for future admission consideration.  For an applicant lacking sufficient evidence to indicate potential for academic success as an MBA student, admission will likely be denied. All applicant data will be carefully reviewed before an admission denial is made.  The decision to defer/deny admission is not based on any single criterion.

Scholarship information

Students unconditionally admitted, have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 as calculated by Graduate Admissions (or 3.0 at the graduate level), and enroll for a minimum of six semester credit hours will be eligible for available fellowship and/or scholarship support.  A standardized test score (GMAT or GRE) will not be used as the sole criterion for determining fellowship and/or scholarship opportunity.

MBA Requirements

The 45-hour program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students from widely divergent backgrounds. It is not necessary to have completed prior academic work in business administration. Core courses, which are an integral part of the program, are designed to prepare all students for advanced program coursework.

Waivers

A waiver is provided in the campus MBA format if a student holds an undergraduate degree in an area of study that aligns with an MBA core course.  A prerequisite is considered fulfilled when the student is granted a waiver of that specific MBA core course.  MBA core courses may not be taken as electives in the advanced program.

Deficiency Courses

Applicants may be required to complete deficiency courses at the beginning of their studies.  A graduate level course in business statistics may be required.  Students who are deficient in written and/or oral communication may be required to take GESP.

BSTAT 5301

INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS

3

Core Courses

There are eleven MBA core and advanced courses (33 hours).   The following courses are considered core MBA courses:

ACCT 5301	ACCOUNTING ANALYSIS I 1	3
ECON 5311	ECONOMIC ANALYSIS 1	3
OPMA 5361	OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT	3
MARK 5311	MARKETING	3
FINA 5311	BUSINESS FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 1	3
MANA 5312	MANAGEMENT	3
Total Hours		18

1	Indicates a core course that is a pre-requisite for courses taken in the advanced portion of the MBA program.  Pre-requisite courses should be taken early in the MBA Program.

Advanced Program

The advanced program provides each student the opportunity to tailor their studies to enhance their career interest.

Requirements for the advanced program include the following courses:

BSTAT 5325	ADVANCED STATISTICAL METHODS 1	3
BLAW 5330	LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF BUSINESS	3
or MANA 5337	ETHICS AND THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
ECON 5313	MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS 1	3
ACCT 5302	ACCOUNTING ANALYSIS II 1	3
MANA 5336	STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT (Capstone course - taken in second to last or last semester of program)	3
Total Hours		15

1	If relevant academic background is extensive in this subject area, the program advisor may allow course substitutions which will correspondingly expand the number of electives in the advanced portion of the program.

Specialty and Breadth Electives

A total of twelve hours (four courses) beyond the core and required advanced courses are required to complete the 45-hour degree.  MBA students can take courses in different areas or may choose to specialize in a given area such as accounting, business analytics, economics, finance, information systems, management,  marketing,  operations management, or real estate. Students may wish to tailor their program of work to develop business skills and perspectives essential to their career goals and objectives.  A variety of specialties may be considered. Courses taken outside the area of specialty are considered breadth electives.  However, the advanced portion of the program must have a minimum of five courses (15 semester hours) outside the area of specialty which may be satisfied by the required advanced courses.  Regardless of specialty or not, the diploma will read Master of Business Administration only.

Students may take breadth electives in any of the curriculum areas of the MBA program. Students may take up to six semester hours in non-business coursework as part of their breadth electives, subject to the approval of the MBA Graduate Advisor. An approved study abroad program or internship can also be used to satisfy a breadth elective.

 Professional Management Electives

Students holding bachelor’s or master’s degrees in professional fields such as architecture, education, engineering, nursing, social work, and urban studies have the option of taking, with program advisor approval, up to 12 hours of approved breadth electives in their professional area as part of their MBA degree requirements. With these electives, professionals can develop advanced management skill in a functional area by declaring a 9-12 hour specialty, or pursue a more general management approach by declaring "no specialty."

Professional Cohort format (also referred to as CMBA or PMBA)

Besides the MBA program on the main campus, the professional cohort format (PMBA or CMBA) of the MBA program is designed for working professionals who desire to continue full-time employment. In this specially designed, team-based (cohort) format, MBA courses are taken in sequence, in accelerated 5- or 8-week sessions. This format, which is only offered at the Fort Worth campus, allows students to complete their MBA degree in 24 months. Like the on-campus program, this program is 45 semester hours and includes the same curriculum requirements as the on-campus MBA program detailed above.

Grade and Graduation Requirements

The MBA program follows the grade requirements for probation as specified under the general regulations of the Graduate Catalog. In addition, students must have at least a 3.0 grade point average in all coursework and area of specialty to graduate.

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA (EMBA) program is designed to provide high-quality graduate management education to experienced mid-level and upper-level managers and executives. The program covers all functional areas of business management and exhibits several content integrating themes associated with successful management of modern business organizations.  These include leadership and ethics, international business operations, innovation, and effective utilization of teams. 

The program is a 15 to 24 month, cohort-based design with a lock-step, fixed curriculum.  The schedule of classes is non-traditional and utilizes weekend and accelerated formats.  Students, who are usually fully employed, enter the program as a group and progress through courses together. Course content is delivered by senior faculty, many of whom have extensive industry experience.  Frequent guest speakers are utilized for content expertise.  The focus of the program is to use methods that maximize student interaction and connects classroom discussion directly to each student’s job situation.

Executive MBA (EMBA)-International Option

The Executive MBA program is designed to provide high-quality, graduate management education to mid-level and upper-level managers and executives. The program covers all functional areas of business management and has an international focus in its course offerings. Other program content themes may include project management, total quality management, strategic resource alignment, leadership, entrepreneurship, big data or other specific areas as determined by the local needs and demand.

The program provides an opportunity for experienced professionals to obtain a master's degree in Business Administration on a schedule that minimizes disruption of work and personal pursuits. It includes a cohort class structure that offers a lock-step, planned curriculum in an executive setting. In other words, members of each class begin the program at the same point, move through the curriculum together, and typically complete the degree requirements for graduation as a group. Executive MBA students are required to complete their degrees in two years or less.

The program consists of 12 courses (36 credit hours). A single course is offered every 6-8 weeks.

Criteria for Admission

The EMBA admission process takes a holistic view of the candidate to determine the likelihood of success in the program and the extent to which each candidate will contribute to the overall success of the class. Factors taken into account in evaluating a candidate include: 

Completion of a four-year undergraduate degree or internationally recognized equivalent 

Minimum of 5 years of professional work experience, with 2 years of managerial experience 

High potential for advancement and proven academic capability 

Ability to contribute to the Executive MBA experience 

Ability to read, write and speak English. If candidates do not have standardized tests results (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS), they will be required to take an in-house English test and pass an oral English interview. This requirement is waived for custom-designed cohorts for companies or government entities, which are taught in Mandarin. 

Strong interest in a U.S. educational experience.

Probationary Admission

If applicants do not meet a majority of standards for unconditional admission outlined above, they may be considered for probationary admission after careful examination of their application materials. Any available test scores will not constitute the sole or primary basis for ending consideration of an applicant. Probationary admission may require that the applicant receive a B or better in at least their first 9 hours of graduate coursework applicable to their degree being sought at UT Arlington.

Curriculum

• Accounting Analysis II (ACCT5302)
• Managerial Economics (ECON5313)
• Strategic Management (MANA5336)
• Financial Applications (FINA5340)
• Management of Information Technologies (INSY5375)
• International Marketing (MARK5331)
• Management of Multinational Enterprises (MANA5331)
• Strategic Human Resource Management (MANA5340)
• Organizational Behavior* (MANA5320)
• Entrepreneurship* (MANA5339)
• Global Supply Chain Management* (OPMA5368)
• Operations Management* (OPMA5361)

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are electives.

Course Descriptions – International EMBA

Accounting Analysis II (ACCT 5302)

• Introduction to concepts, purposes, problems, methodology, and terminology of managerial accounting.

Managerial Economics (ECON 5313)

• Application of economic analysis in formulating business decisions based on the theoretical foundations of demand, cost, production, profits, and competition. Macroeconomic topics of particular relevance to managers are included.

Strategic Management (MANA 5336)

• Strategic management uses a general management perspective in addressing issues related to the formulation and implementation of corporate and business level strategy. The course involves developing the ability to identify issues, evaluate strategic options and understand the organizational process by which strategies get formed and executed. It builds on the knowledge gained in functional area courses and uses case studies and projects to improve students' analytical and decision-making skills.

Financial Applications (FINA 5340)

• Analysis of financial problems of business concerns, presented in case materials. Considers determination of capital needs, choosing among alternative capital investments, planning methods of financing new capital expenditures, and planning recapitalizations, mergers, and reorganizations.

Management of Information Technologies (INSY 5375)

• This course covers topics on the management of information technologies (IT) from the view point of senior managers. Subjects discussed include the strategic role of IT to gain competitive advantage, Internet-based business models, building a lean and agile organization through IT, managing IT security and reliability, evolving models of IT service delivery, such as cloud computing and open source, management of outsourcing, IT governance, and ethical issues in the digital era.

International Marketing (MARK 5331)

• Management of marketing in international business. Includes marketing research, pricing, promotion, and distribution in the international environment. Examines marketing problems arising from various degrees of foreign involvement (exports, licensing, foreign subsidiaries).

Management of Multinational Enterprises (MANA 5331)

• Focuses on the international dimensions of strategy and organization and provides a framework for formulating strategies in an increasingly complex global economy. The course seeks to provide students with an understanding of the cultural, political, competitive, technological, legal, and demographic environments in which multinational firms operate. It then examines the nature of global competition by exploring the characteristics of global industries and strategies that have been successful in an international context. Also covered are issues related to organizational design and strategic control in the management of multinational enterprises.

Strategic Human Resource Management (MANA 5340)

• Emphasizes strategic perspective of modern human resource management theory and practice. Topics include human resource planning, staffing, training and development, compensation, performance appraisal, and labor and employee relations.

Organizational Behavior* (MANA 5320)

• Systematic study of behavioral problems in the complex organization. Analyzes the interaction of environmental and internal factors and their effects upon organizational behavior.

Entrepreneurship* (MANA 5339)

• New venture opportunity assessment, formation, and development in startup and corporate environments. Students will understand the role of entrepreneurship in the economy and the attributes of entrepreneurial behavior. Students will learn how to assess the market and financial feasibility of a new venture as well as understand how to use equity and debt financing, how to select between starting up, franchising, or buying a business, how to lead the growing company, and how to address family business dilemmas. The cornerstone of the course will be a feasibility assessment project that leads to a business plan for a new venture of the student's choice. For the project, students can explore either an original new venture idea, an already existing venture concept (for example, a franchise), or a new business opportunity in need of assessment for an existing firm or their current employer.

Global Supply Chain Management* (OPMA 5368)

• Course covers concepts and issues important in managing supply chains. A strategic view is taken of the way companies coordinate their operations with suppliers and customers in a global marketplace. The strategic use of information systems to better manage supply chains is also covered.

Operations Management* (OPMA 5361)

• Introduction to concepts and problem-solving techniques important in production management and operations management. Topics include demand forecasting, capacity management, resource allocation, inventory management, supply chain management, quality control, and project management. 

Dual degree option

Students may pair the MBA degree with a specialized graduate degree.  Students requesting the dual degree program must be admitted to each participating program. The number of hours that may be used jointly will be determined by the total number of hours required by both degree programs if completed separately as defined in the graduate catalog.  Dual degree programs are available at the master's level only.

Joint Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master of Business Administration

A program designed to prepare students for careers as managers with specific knowledge of the biomedical science field. Students are required to take courses from life sciences, business, and liberal arts, culminating in a joint Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA), including a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. The curriculum is offered jointly by the College of Business and the College of Science. The BS in Biology will be conferred at the same time as the MBA. If students in this joint degree program are not accepted into the MBA program, or if students enter the MBA program and fail to complete the requirements for the MBA, then, in order to earn a BS in Biology they must take the same, full complement of courses required for a BS as students not enrolled in the joint program.  Students interested in this integrated undergraduate and graduate degree plan should consult with the Biology undergraduate advisor. If eligible for the program, the Biology undergraduate advisor will direct them to contact Graduate Business Services. Application procedures will be discussed at that stage.

Graduate Advanced Studies Certificate

Individuals who hold a graduate degree in business and wish to pursue additional graduate studies in business solely for the purpose of professional development may apply to the MBA Program as a special student. Applicants should outline their professional development objectives in their written essay that accompanies their application. Additionally, they must meet all requirements for admission to the MBA program. Coursework in this program must meet the grade requirements of  Graduate Admissions and be completed within a three year time-limit. A certificate will be granted upon successful completion of 12-21 hours of approved coursework in an area of business. Executives completing courses from two or more areas will be awarded a certificate in the area of executive development. Managers or functional specialists completing courses in one area of study will be awarded a certificate for their professional development area. Some courses taken under this program may not be applied in the future toward another graduate degree at this University.

specialty or professional management option

Please review the Specialty and Breadth or Professional Management Elective sections under the Master's tab for specific requirements.  This option is for current MBA students.

Ph.D. in Business Administration

Admission

Admission to the Ph.D. program is based upon the completion of the general admission requirements of the Graduate School. For Ph.D. program admission a score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Exam (GRE), and a record of undergraduate and master level academic performance are required. Students for whom English is not their native language must achieve a TOEFL score of at least 550. International applicants that score below minimum acceptable levels on the verbal portion of entrance examinations may be admitted under the condition that they pass an English proficiency exam or complete U.T. Arlington’s Graduate English Skills Program prior to beginning graduate coursework. Applicants are encouraged to submit with their application a resume that highlights professional and personal accomplishments, linguistic abilities, computer expertise and leadership experience. A standardized test score (GMAT or GRE) will not be used as the sole criterion for denying an applicant’s admission to the Ph.D. program.

Specifically, multiple criteria are used to make admission decisions. Quantitative measures include an applicant’s GMAT or GRE score and grade point averages on undergraduate and master level work as calculated by the Graduate School. No formula is used nor weights assigned to these factors. The Ph.D. Graduate Studies Committee and the field coordinator for the student’s track in the Ph.D. program give consideration to these and other factors (educational objectives, letters of recommendation, etc.) in the entire file to arrive at a decision. Interviews with prospective students are encouraged and given consideration in the decision process. There are no set minimum scores for GMAT or GRE required for admission and no cutoff scores on grade point averages. Prospective students are encouraged to work with their track’s field coordinator to work through the admission process.

Categories of Admission Decisions

An applicant is unconditionally admitted when all factors for consideration indicate very strong potential for academic success as a business doctoral student. When multiple factors indicate lack of potential, admission will be denied. Probationary admission is not available for the doctoral program.

A provisional decision to admit may be granted when the applicant meets criteria for unconditional admission but an item of applicant information has not been received by the Graduate School. A deferred decision may be made when an applicant’s file is not sufficiently complete to make an admit or deny decision.

University and College Fellowship/Scholarship Awards

Doctoral students who are newly admitted, have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 as calculated by the Graduate School (and 3.0 at the graduate level), and enroll for a minimum of six semester credit hours will be eligible for available fellowship and/or scholarship support. A standardized test score (GMAT or GRE) will not be used as the sole criterion for determining fellowship and/or scholarship eligibility.

Degree Requirements

All students must complete work in a major (dissertation) field and a research field. Additional minor area courses may be external to the College of Business. If deemed appropriate by the student's committee, examples are industrial engineering, mathematics, computer science, sociology, and psychology. The student must petition for approval of an external minor field.

The following minimum semester hours must be included in the student’s Program of Study.

	Minimum Semester Hours
Business Foundation	0-151
Major Field	242
Research Field	122
Dissertation	18

1	From 0-15 hours depending upon the student’s background at the time of admission to the doctoral program.
2	Previous equivalent advanced coursework may be accepted.

Residence Requirements

Each student enrolled in the doctoral program must enroll for and successfully complete a minimum of 15 hours in one 12-month period prior to completion of the comprehensive examinations. Each student must enroll for at least 12 hours every year. All students enrolled in the program must successfully complete all coursework and comprehensive examinations within a maximum of 60 months from initial enrollment in the program. A minimum of 24 graduate hours in residence, excluding dissertation, are required for all candidates.

Diagnostic and Annual Performance Evaluations

All doctoral students are expected to show steady progress toward their degree and to demonstrate satisfactory advances in their ability and motivation to conduct independent research throughout their program. During a student’s program, a diagnostic evaluation will be conducted near the end of the first year, but no later than 24 credit hours. After the first year, an annual performance evaluation will take place each subsequent year. The evaluation will be conducted by the major area Ph.D. advisor in consultation with a faculty committee. If the student has not yet passed all comprehensive examinations or does not have a formal dissertation committee, the faculty committee will consist of the faculty in the major area. If the student has passed all comprehensive examinations and has a formal dissertation committee, the faculty committee will consist of the Dissertation Committee.

Upon completion of the evaluation, a recommendation of continuation or discontinuation in the program is made to the College of Business Ph.D. program director for a final decision. For a discontinuation decision resulting from the first year diagnostic evaluation, the student will immediately be discontinued in the Ph.D. program. For a discontinuation decision in the annual performance review in the second year and beyond, the student will have one regular semester (Fall or Spring) to demonstrate satisfactory improvement in their performance. At that time the major area Ph.D. advisor in consultation with the appropriate faculty committee, and the Ph.D. program director, will make a final decision on whether the improvements are satisfactory. An unsatisfactory decision at that time will result in the immediate discontinuation of the student in the program.

During the diagnostic and annual performance reviews, reasons for poor performance include: grade point averages below minimum GPA requirements, unsatisfactory progress in completing coursework, unsatisfactory progress in completing dissertation, and inadequate demonstration of ability and motivation to conduct independent research.

Comprehensive Examinations

Students must demonstrate competence in all their fields of study by the successful completion of comprehensive examinations. Written comprehensive examinations in each field will be given at the start of each fall and spring semester of each year and may be given during the summer term. A student is eligible for a written comprehensive examination when that student has completed:

1.  the Business Foundation with a GPA of at least 3.25 and
2. prescribed coursework in the field.

If a student fails a written comprehensive examination and continues in that field, the examination must be retaken by the end of the next long semester. If a student fails a second comprehensive examination, that student will not be permitted to continue in the program.

A student must complete all written examinations within 25 months or retake any examinations which fall outside the 25-month period. When a student successfully completes all the written examinations, that student is scheduled for a comprehensive oral examination which is administered by the student’s Supervisory Committee. A student who fails the comprehensive oral examination is given a second oral examination within 12 months of the date of the first examination. If a student fails the second comprehensive oral examination, that student will not be permitted to continue in the program.

Upon successful completion of written and oral comprehensive examinations, the student is admitted to candidacy.

Dissertation

The Dissertation Committee consists of a minimum of four members, at least two of whom must be from the major field. The chair of the Dissertation Committee must be from the major field. At least one member of the committee must be from the research field and one member of the committee must be from outside the major field. With the approval of the Graduate Dean, one of the four members may be a nationally or internationally recognized non-U.T. Arlington scholar.

The dissertation must be completed within four years of the oral comprehensive examination.

Faculty

Faculty are listed in their respective departments.