Apr 28, 2024  
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Graduate Catalog

Business Administration - Business Leadership Specialization (M.B.A.)


Admissions Information   

Student Learning Outcomes  

36-42 CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED

Program Overview


While several of our successful specialization graduates pursued the current five specialization programs, our industry partners are seeking graduates who aspire to leadership-focused positions to work in consulting or management advisory services areas. The Business Leadership Specialization will help those aspirants. Learn more at usd.edu/mba.

DELIVERY: On campus | Online

M.B.A./Business Leadership Specialization-Plan B (non-thesis) 36-42 credit hours


Applicants who enter the program with a conferred baccalaureate degree in business will need to complete the 36 credit hours of advanced course work [Plan B (non-thesis)]. Note: Plan A (thesis) is not available. An applicant who does not have a conferred baccalaureate degree in business will need to complete Plan B (non-thesis) with six credits of Essentials coursework and will have a 42-credit hour program of study (M.B.A./Business Leadership).

Business Essentials( 0-2 courses): 0-6 credit hours required


Business Essentials courses 6 credit hours (required for those without a business undergraduate degree)

*  Essentials Coursework Required for students with non-business baccalaureates

General Application Requirements


  1. Completed application
  2. $35 application fee
  3. Official transcripts*
  4. Letters of recommendation*
  5. Statement of purpose
  6. Resume/CV*

*Requirements for admission vary by program and may require different documentation and have different deadlines. This list is not all-inclusive, to view specific program requirements and submission deadlines, follow the  “Admissions Information” hyperlink at the top of this page OR visit the specific program/dept. page found here: link.usd.edu/grad-catalog

B.B.A. / M.B.A. Accelerated Option


Beacom School of Business undergraduate majors meeting requirements for entry into the M.B.A. program may opt to complete both the B.B.A. and M.B.A. concurrently. Students who pursue this accelerated option will be awarded their undergraduate and graduate degrees simultaneously, upon completion of the two programs. Permission to be awarded the undergraduate degree prior to the completion of the graduate degree is available.

Students may apply for admission to the M.B.A. program using the standard graduate application process after completing 75 credit hours. Applicants for the B.B.A./M.B.A. program are required to submit only two letters of recommendation. 

The accelerated option will confer special student status to those admitted, who will then be eligible to take 700-level courses in the graduate program of study upon completion of 90 undergraduate credits and apply for graduate assistantships. Students must complete the requirements of the B.B.A. program in accordance with the undergraduate catalog and the requirements for the M.B.A. program in accordance with the graduate catalog. All prerequisites for courses in the M.B.A. program apply to students in the B.B.A./M.B.A. program.

State Authorization - It Matters Where You Live


If your learning placement course (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) or your online course will be taken outside South Dakota, please reference USD’s State Authorization webpage.

State Authorization

Questions?


Beacom School of Business
605-658-6532 | business@usd.edu | usd.edu/business

Graduate Admissions 
605-658-6140 | gradadmissions@usd.edu  | usd.edu/grad