What is an MBA?

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a widely recognized degree highly sought after by those looking to gain an edge in the business world. The MBA is open to individuals from a wide range of academic disciplines who have previously completed a bachelor’s degree.

An MBA education provides students a broad knowledge base in all the major functions and practices of a business (accounting, marketing, finance, operations management, organizational behavior, economics, and information systems) and further develops managerial skill sets and core competencies necessary for business success. Against this backdrop, the critical topics of leadership, teamwork, ethics, and effective communication are embedded in the program to further broaden skills necessary to become more effective managers. Southern Oregon University is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

One Program, Two Formats

The MBA program at SOU is offered in two formats designed to meet the needs of busy working professionals. Students for both programs begin in Fall term.

• Evening MBA Program
  • Classes are offered weekday evenings at the SOU Ashland campus
  • Program may be completed in one calendar year (4 quarters; fall, winter; spring summer)
• Saturday MBA Program
  • Classes are offered Saturdays at the RCC/SOU Higher Education Center in Medford
  • Program may be completed in 18-21 months (6-7 consecutive quarters: fall, winter, spring, summer, fall, winter, spring

Admission Criteria

In addition to possessing a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited college or university, applicants will normally be expected to meet the following criteria to be considered for admission:

1. undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above in the last 90 quarter hours (60 semester hours) toward a baccalaureate degree (or toward a graduate degree program), or
2. GMAT score of 500 or above taken within the last five years.

International applicants must also achieve TOEFL scores of at least 540 (paper) or 207 (computer) or 76 (Internet).

All applications will be reviewed by the MBA selection committee. Applicants not meeting the admission requirements detailed above may be considered for conditional admission and will be required to interview with the MBA selection committee. Conditional applicants will only be offered admission if they received favorable recommendations from the MBA selection committee and if admission slots are available.

Applicants admitted as conditional students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in MBA coursework at the end of their second term in the program. Anyone whose cumulative GPA is below 3.0 after two terms will not be allowed to continue in the program.

Application Procedures

Submit your application to the MBA program as soon as possible. The MBA Selection Committee will continue to review applications and admit qualified students until the programs (full and part-time Saturday) meet enrollment capacity. Each applicant is required to fulfill admission requirements for SOU and the MBA program.

Admission to SOU

Submit to the SOU Office of Admissions (1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520):

1. Completed SOU Application for Graduate Study with application fee.
2. Official transcripts from ALL universities or colleges attended for credit. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the SOU Office of Admissions.

Admission to the MBA Program

Submit to the MBA Program Office (School of Business, Southern Oregon University, 1250 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520):

1. A completed Application for the Master in Business Administration*
2. Two evaluation forms*
3. Statement of purpose (maximum 400 words)
4. Professional resume
5. GMAT test scores (500 or above), taken no more than five years previously. (Note: GMAT scores are only required for those who do not meet the GPA admissions criteria.)
6. For international students, a TOEFL score of at least 540 (paper), 207 (computer), or 76 (Internet)

* Forms are available electronically at http://www.sou.edu/business/mba/admission.html

Evaluation Forms

Applicants should select two individuals to complete and submit evaluation forms on their behalf. The evaluators should be qualified to describe the applicant’s ability to succeed in this program based on their observations of the applicant’s previous professional or academic work. Candidates are advised to consider requesting evaluations from people who know them in a variety of roles. Evaluations must be delivered in a sealed envelope directly from the evaluator to the MBA office.

Statement of Purpose

Applicants are required to provide a maximum 400-word personal statement detailing their qualifications and motivation for participating in this degree program. This statement provides the selection committee with information on an applicant’s writing skills and the fit between an individual’s career goals and what this program can offer.

Professional Resume

Applicants must submit a professional resume to provide a detailed comprehensive view of their career history

International Applicants

International participants in the MBA program bring a welcome diversity in experience and perspective. International applicants must meet all University and program requirements for admission. In addition, it is expected that international candidates demonstrate a command of English that exceeds the minimum standards set by the University, as the program’s courses are too demanding to accommodate remedial work in English. A TOEFL score of at least 540 (paper), 207 (computer), or 76 (Internet) is required for graduate study at SOU. For more information, refer to www.sou.edu/admissions/international or contact the SOU Admissions Office (541-552-6411).

Transfer Credits

A student may include up to 15 quarter credits of approved graduate coursework taken prior to regular admission to the MBA program. See www.sou.edu/mba for details.

Program Prerequisites

Although no particular major is required for admission, participants not having earned a business degree or completed the equivalent business courses may be required to demonstrate proficiencies in the areas of accounting, elementary statistics, economics, and/or computer applications. Participants may demonstrate their proficiencies in the above areas through testing or enrollment in the corresponding prerequisite course(s). All testing and required prerequisite courses must be completed as set forth in each student’s admission agreement. Failure to complete the required prerequisite courses will result in termination of the program.

Graduation

All MBA coursework must be completed with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to qualify for graduation. The MBA program coordinator provides information regarding graduation processes and procedures.

Grading

All MBA courses must be taken for a letter grade (P/NP option will not be accepted). Credit toward the degree will not be assigned for any course with a final grade lower than a C.

Academic Probation

MBA candidates must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 throughout the program. If a candidate’s cumulative GPA falls below 3.0, the candidate will be placed on academic probation and be notified by the program coordinator. Any candidate placed on academic probation must petition the school dean for permission to continue in the program. If permission is granted, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above must be achieved by the candidate by the following term. Candidates not meeting this requirement will be terminated from the program. Candidates placed on academic probation a second time will automatically be terminated from the program.

Program Curriculum

The 45-credit MBA program curriculum consists of the following components: