The MBA program is designed to have a completion time of two years for full-time students, although students who study during summer sessions may graduate earlier if all graduation criteria are met. Students are required to complete 15 units of foundation courses, 21 units of core courses, at least 9 units of the selected concentration courses, 3 units of capstone courses, 6 units of electives and UWest 090 (1 unit) to graduate. The requirement of the 15 units of foundation courses may be waived if a student has taken relevant courses in previous studies at degree level. All students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. No comprehensive examination, thesis or foreign language is required. Concentrations are offered in Computer Information Systems, International Business, Finance, and Nonprofit Organization Management. Each student must complete an internship or field study in his/her concentration. A maximum of 9 (nine) graduate-level units in Business Administration at another college or university may be applied to the MBA at University of the West.

The curriculum emphasizes differences in cultures and practical, hands-on experience. It also emphasizes the advances of information technologies and their impact in organizations and management. Students are encouraged to take courses from other programs to further their understanding of the cultural context of organization management. Courses on ethics and Buddhism offered by the Religious Studies program are highly recommended. Courses are also available for students who need to improve their English communication skills.

The MBA program was created to address the issues of management in different cultural contexts and to prepare men and women for leadership positions in for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations. The two-year MBA program and one-year EMBA program pay particular attention to cultural diversity within an organization and to cultural differences in different countries and teach students how to effectively manage such differences. To carry out this mission, the MBA and EMBA programs educate students in a friendly and caring learning community and in small, interactive classes, where they learn, acquire skills, and form attitudes and values appropriate for leading and serving in a global society. The programs build on the University's strengths in cross-cultural studies and community service based on Buddhist tradition.

The MBA program is designed to ensure that participants develop 1) an integrated body of knowledge in the management of modern organizations; 2) related management skills; 3) enhanced learning, critical thinking and problem solving skills; 4) an appreciation for the role of culture in managing organizations and dealing with people; 5) knowledge of Buddhist wisdom and values; 6) an effective management style that incorporates ethical values, social responsibility and personal beliefs; and 7) a global view of personal fulfillment and organizational achievement in the context of societal and cultural values.

MBA Concentrations and Course Requirements

Four concentrations are offered in the MBA program: Computer Information Systems, International Business, Finance, and Nonprofit Organization Management. The carefully crafted concentrations educate students from a cross-functional and cross-cultural perspective.

Students are required to complete 15 units in foundation courses, 21 units in core courses, 9 units in required courses, 6 units in elective courses and 3 units in the capstone. The requirement of the 15 units in foundation courses may be waived if a student has taken relevant courses in previous studies at degree level.

1. Foundation Courses (15 units)

• MBA 501 Legal Environment of Business (3)
• MBA 503 Principles of Economics (3)
• MBA 505 Analytic Methods for Managerial Decisions (3)
• MBA 506 Managerial Communication (3)
• MBA 512 Financial Accounting (3)

2. Core Courses (21 units)

• MBA 507 Managerial Economics (3)
• MBA 513 Managerial Accounting (3)
• MBA 515 Corporate Finance (3)
• MBA 520 Organization and Management (3)

OR

• MBA 504 Principles of Management (3)
• MBA 530 Marketing (3)
• MBA 540 Management Information Systems (3)
• MBA 588 Business Philosophy and Ethics (1.5)
• MBA 590 Internship (1.5) OR
• MBA 593 Field Studies (1.5)

3. Required and Elective Courses (15 units)

(1) Computer Information Systems

Required Courses (at least 9 units):

• MBA 571 Systems Design, Analysis, and Implementation (3)
• MBA 572 Data Structure and Database Management (3)
• MBA 573 Decision Support Systems (3)
• MBA 575 Data Communications and Networking (3)
• MBA 578 Computer Security, Controls and Ethics (3)
• MBA 581 Electronic Business (3)

Elective Courses (6 units):

• Electives either from the following courses in Information Technologies, from other MBA concentrations, or from Religious Studies
• MBA 574 End-User Computing (3)
• MBA 577 Multimedia (3)
• MBA/REL 582 Humanistic Buddhism and Management (3)

(2) Finance

Required Courses (at least 9 units):

• MBA 516 International Finance (3)
• MBA 517 Investment and Portfolio Management (3)
• MBA 518 Cost Analysis and Budgeting (3)
• MBA 583 Financial Institutions and Markets (3)
• MBA 584 Financial Derivatives (3)

Elective Courses (6 units):

• Electives either from the following courses in Finance, from other MBA concentrations, or from Religious Studies
• MBA 509 Business Forecasts (3)
• MBA 514 Advanced Managerial Accounting (3)
• MBA 526 Risk Management and Insurance (3)
• MBA/REL 582 Humanistic Buddhism and Management (3)

(3) International Business

Required Courses (at least 9 units):

• MBA 516 International Finance (3)
• MBA 533 International Marketing (3)
• MBA 550 International Business (3)
• MBA 551 Importing and Exporting (3)
• MBA 552 International Business Law (3)
• MBA 559 Seminar on Doing Business in the U. S. (3)
• MBA 589 Seminar on Entrepreneurship (3)

Elective Courses (6 units):

• Electives either from the following courses in International Business, from other MBA concentrations, or from Religious Studies
• MBA 529 Seminar on Leadership (3)
• MBA 558 Seminar on Doing Business in Asia (3)
• MBA/REL 582 Humanistic Buddhism and Management (3)

(4) Nonprofit Organization Management

Required Courses (at least 9 units):

• MBA 511 Nonprofit Accounting (3)
• MBA 529 Seminar on Leadership (3)
• MBA 531 Services Marketing (3)
• MBA 560 Managing Nonprofit Organizations (3)
• MBA 563 Management of Memberships and Volunteers (3)
• MBA/REL 582 Humanistic Buddhism and Management (3)

Elective Courses (6 units):

• Electives either from the following courses in Nonprofit Management, from other MBA concentrations, or from Religious Studies
• MBA 525 Chinese Management Philosophy (3)
• MBA 528 Seminar on Organizational Change (3)
• MBA 542 Project Management (3)
• MBA 561 Comparative Studies of Nonprofit Organizations (3)
• MBA 562 Corporate Philanthropy (3)

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from University of the West with a Master of Business Administration (MBA), the student must meet the following standards:

Completion of a minimum of 39 semester units plus UWest 090 (1 unit) including the required core and concentration courses with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students who have not taken the relevant foundation courses are required to complete an additional 15 units of foundation courses.