Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) Graduate Degree

The student completes 15 semester credit hours in core MBA requirements, three semester credit hours in the capstone, 18 semester credit hours in a chosen area of emphasis and any required prerequisite credits. Students choosing an emphasis with an elective can select courses in another emphasis or graduate program relevant to the student’s area of emphasis.

Competencies in the specific emphasis areas are developed using a curriculum that combines theory and application, giving the learner the knowledge and skills to assess business practices against theories and models, understand the creation of customer value, and assess the impact of economic systems and regulations on functional responsibilities while developing leadership roles for a sustainable business.

The MBA core consists of five courses, creating the diverse business background expected in business today.

• BA 506: Organizational Strategy and Economic Change
• BA 508: Current Issues in Corporate Law and Ethics
• BA 511: Corporate Entrepreneurship and Sustainability
• FIN 513: Financial Management
• MKT 504: Marketing and Product Management

Program Capstone

The MBA program closes with a program capstone, encompassing knowledge gained from the core and emphasis courses.

• BA 590: Research Seminar

The MBA in Accounting emphasis integrates management skills with accounting theory and practice. The Accounting emphasis provides an opportunity to work toward or obtain 150 credit hours required for the Uniform CPA Examination*.

Curriculum

• ACCT 533: Advanced Accounting Information Systems
• ACCT 547: Contemporary Topics in Financial Accounting
• ACCT 551: Taxation for Corporations
• ACCT 552: Forensic Accounting
• ACCT 553: Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Graduate Elective: To be chosen by student in conjunction with advisor

*Students interested in sitting for the CPA are responsible for understanding all requirements of the state they plan to obtain certification.

MBA in Accounting Salary and Job Outlook

About 126,500 job openings for those in accounting are projected annually over the next ten years. Salaries for graduates with an MBA in Accounting vary based on factors like job title, location and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

• Accountant^[1] – $79,880
• Budget Analyst^[2] – $84,940
• Financial Analyst^[3] – $99,010
• Actuaries^[4] – $120,000
• Financial Manager^[5] – $156,100

MBA in Accounting vs Master’s in Accounting

An MBA in Accounting offers a comprehensive blend of accounting expertise with strategic management and leadership skills, catering to those seeking a broader business perspective. A Master’s in Accounting provides specialized, in-depth knowledge in accounting theory, auditing, taxation and financial analysis.

The Corporate Financial Management MBA emphasis provides a broad understanding of financial management, institutions, and investment strategies. An MBA in Finance focuses on evaluating investments, developing fiscal strategies and applying financial strategies to evaluate risk.

Curriculum

• FIN 531: Financial Markets and Financial Strategy
• FIN 536: Derivatives and Risk Management
• FIN 551: Financial Data Analysis
• FIN 552: Investment Management
• ACCT 553: Advanced Managerial Accounting
• Graduate Elective: To be chosen by student in conjunction with advisor

MBA in Finance Salary and Job Outlook

Employment in financial occupations is projected to grow faster than average in the next ten years and about 911,400 openings are projected each year.^[6] The salary for someone who graduates with a MBA in Finance can change based on factors like job title, location and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

• Personal Financial Advisors^[7] – $99,580
• Financial Analyst^[8]– $99,890
• Financial Examiners^[9] – $84,300
• Financial Managers^[10]– $156,100

MSF vs MBA in Financial Management

MSF programs are designed to provide specialized and in-depth knowledge in finance, focusing on technical skills and quantitative analysis. On the other hand, MBA programs offer a broader curriculum covering various aspects of business, including finance, strategy, marketing and leadership.

The General Management MBA emphasis is the ideal opportunity for students to select the specific courses they want to complete their MBA. Made of five graduate electives, the General Management emphasis provides students the means to deep dive into courses that create the learning experience they want. Interested in Organizational Development and Human Resource Management? We can make that happen with our General Management emphasis.

• MBA 501: Managerial Communication
• 5 graduate electives to be chosen by student in conjunction with advisor

MBA in Management Salary and Job Outlook

• Administrative Services and Facilities Managers^[11] – $104,900
• Sales Managers^[12]– $135,160
• Medical and Health Services Managers^[13] – $110,680
• Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers^[14] – $156,580

MBA vs Master’s in Management

An MBA in Management caters to experienced professionals, blending management theory with leadership skills. In contrast, a Master’s in Management is tailored for recent graduates, offering foundational knowledge in management principles.

The Human Resource Management MBA emphasis explores theories and methods to develop training and manage the personnel resources for an organization. The emphasis has been reviewed and aligns with Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) curriculum guidelines.

Curriculum

• BA 524: Managing in the International Environment
• BA 540: Labor/Management Relations
• BA 544: Organizational and Management Theories
• BA 546: Compensation and Benefits
• BA 548: Development and Management of HRM
• Graduate Elective: To be chosen by student in conjunction with advisor

MBA in HR Management Salary and Job Outlook

Those who graduate with an MBA in HR Management have varied salaries that are based on factors like job title, location and years of experience. HR Specialists were ranked at #16 by the U.S. News and World Report in Best Business Jobs. Having an MBA in HRM as well as other professional certifications will set you ahead of your competition. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

• Human Resources Managers^[15] – $136,350
• Human Resources Specialists^[16] – $67,650
• Training and Development Managers^[17] – $125,040
• Compensation and Benefits Managers^[18] – $136,380

The Leadership MBA Emphasis is intended for seasoned professionals desiring an MBA with a focus on leadership. Graduates of the Leadership Emphasis will gain skills in the holistic view of leadership including foundational groundwork, globalization, diversity and conflict management from a leadership position.

Curriculum

• BA 509: Theories of Leadership
• BA 570: Team Building Techniques
• LDR 530: Globalization and Diversity
• LDR 550: Leadership and Business Operations
• LDR 560: Change Management
• LDR 570: Conflict and Negotiation

MBA in Leadership Salary and Job Outlook

Salaries for graduates with an MBA in Leadership vary based on factors like job title, location and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

• Top Executives^[19]– $103,840
• Human Resources Managers^[20] – $136,350
• Administrative Services and Facilities Managers^[21] – $104,900
• Management Analysts^[22] – $99,410

The Organizational Development MBA emphasis provides the skills and understanding of organizational structure, corporate culture and the ability to analyze, diagnose and develop recommendations supporting long-term change. The emphasis provides a perspective on process redevelopment and training for continual change.

Curriculum

• BA 520: Training and Development
• BA 553: Organizational Development
• BA 555: Organizational Culture
• BA 560: Organizational Diagnosis and Intervention
• BA 570: Team Building Techniques
• Graduate Elective: To be chosen by student in conjunction with advisor

MBA in Organizational Development Salary and Job Outlook

Salaries for graduates with an MBA in Organization Development vary based on factors like job title, location and years of experience. Positions can range from Personnel Development Consultants to Leadership and Organizational Development Specialists. An emphasis in Organizational Development can also increase opportunities for executive-level management positions.^[23] According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

• Training and Development Specialists^[24] – $64,340
• Top Executives^[25] – $103,840
• Compensation and Benefits Managers^[26] – $136,380
• Management Analysts^[27] – $99,410

The Sport Administration MBA emphasis integrates topics specific to sport with high level business administration content from the MBA. Students of the Sport Administration emphasis delve deeper into the specifics of sport administration, strengthening their knowledge of the industry and applying the knowledge in leadership roles. This emphasis is an excellent option for those in professional sports, intercollegiate athletics, high school athletic departments, and not-for-profit sports programs just to name a few.

Curriculum

• SA 501 – Sport Administration
• SA 525 – Sport Law and Contract Negotiation
• SA 535 – Sport Psychology
• SA 565 – Sport Sales and Professional Development
• SA 575 – Sport Facility Management
• Graduate Elective: To be chosen by student in conjunction with advisor

MBA in Sport Management Salary and Job Outlook

Salaries for those who graduate with an MBA in Sport Management can vary based on factors like job title, location and level of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some average salaries for related careers include:

• Postsecondary Education Administrators (College or High School Athletic Directors) ^[28] – $102,610
• Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers and Other Public Figures^[29] – $143,730
• Coaches and Scouts^[30]– $45,910
• Entertainment and Recreation Managers^[31] – $73,460

To be eligible for our MBA degree program, students must:

• Have a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Post-secondary Education (USDE-OPE) or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If your degree is from a non-U.S. institution, you’ll need an English translation or evaluation of your transcript.
• Have at least a 2.75 GPA in their undergraduate coursework or a 3.0 on the most recent 60 semester credits of undergraduate work. Minimum GPA may vary by program.
  • Many factors go into an admissions decision. Earning the minimum GPA does not guarantee admission to Upper Iowa, and students with a lower GPA may still be considered.
• Provide official transcripts from the college/university where the baccalaureate degree was conferred. If you have earned graduate-level credit at another institution, provide those transcripts for transfer opportunities. Transcripts must be submitted directly from the granting institution—they cannot pass through your hands.
• Submit documentation of English proficiency, if an international student.
• Graduate students may also submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Send all required documents to:

The program can be completed in as little as one year. Most students complete the program in two years. Our course schedule is flexible and can accommodate most students who need to take time off.

The 2024-2025 graduate tuition cost for a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Upper Iowa is $642 per credit hour, and a Military rate of $250 per credit hour.

New students can enroll in any of our 6 sessions. Our MBA program does not operate in cohorts, so students can take time off if their lives require it, and will still be able to start right back up when they are ready.

An MBA sets you apart from the rest of the application pool. As a degree, it demonstrates your education, but also your determination to be the best in your field. Your MBA from UIU will prepare you for the administrative position you want as you move forward in your career.

Our MBA and all its emphasis areas are available completely online, all year round. Our core classes and select classes that are used as elective courses can be completed at select UIU center locations.

Our MBA and all its emphasis areas are available completely online, year round.