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

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


Admissions Information   

Student Learning Outcomes  

42-48 CREDIT HOURS REQUIRED

Program Overview


Sustainability is a framework through which to explore complex, interdisciplinary systems. The sustainability specialization will teach business administration students this framework to identify needs, create long-term value, and improve stakeholder relationships across environmental, social, financial, and social practices of an agency. Learn more at usd.edu/mba.

DELIVERY: On campus | Online

M.B.A./Sustainability 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 42 credit hours of advanced course work [Plan A (thesis) or Plan B (non-thesis)]. Note: Plan A (thesis) also available. Six credit hours of thesis are required in lieu of elective courses. 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 replacing the electives and will have a 48-credit hour program of study (M.B.A./Sustainability).

Select one of the following for 6 credit hours (Business Essentials* or Electives**)


*  Essentials Coursework Required for students with non-business baccalaureates
** Elective courses may be used for required specialization coursework

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