Department of Graduate Business

Gatlin, Heinrich, Jackson, Ladner (department head), McCollum, Pierce, Reimer, Togami, Waldron, Walenciak

In every segment of society today there is a need for leaders who have relevant skills, high integrity, and strong character. With several degree options to choose from, including both M.B.A. and M.S. degrees, the Graduate Business programs are designed to equip people to lead with excellence.

Organizations-and the people who lead them-shape our future. People who are committed to developing excellent business, management, and leadership skills have the greatest potential to achieve higher levels of success and make a positive, sustainable impact in our communities and upon the world. The purpose of the John Brown University graduate business programs is to help students develop a portfolio of business and management skills and leadership strengths that will enable them to excel in their areas of calling, enable and empower their colleagues, and be “light and salt” in the world. With JBU’s culture of training the head, heart, and hand infused into its programs, JBU graduates are uniquely prepared to offer leadership with character, competence, and conscience.

Through interaction with faculty and practitioners, students learn to analyze diverse business situations, solve complex problems, and provide strategic leadership to organizations. Students will strengthen their management skills in accounting, marketing, economics, and finance, and they will develop leadership skills in the areas of team building, innovation, organizational change, process improvement, project management, and overall organizational effectiveness.

As part of the graduate program, students may elect to obtain an M.B.A. with no additional concentration (general) or a concentration in Cybersecurity, Design Thinking and Innovation, Healthcare Administration, International Business, or Market Research and Consumer Insights. The MS options include Design Thinking and Innovation, Leadership, and Outdoor Program Management. The M.B.A. program is offered in two tracks for each of the concentrations: a 36-hour track and a 45-hour track. The 36-hour track is for those who have an undergraduate degree or minor in business or a related field with appropriate coursework in management/marketing, accounting, finance, economics and statistics; the 45-hour track is for students who do not have the appropriate undergraduate coursework.

All of the M.S. programs are 30 hours and share the same 18 hour core requirements.

Designed with the working professional in mind, graduate business classes are available in various formats. Students may choose to study online, at one of our physical locations, or in some combination of the two. Most courses are eight weeks in duration. Other program enhancements include studies trips to China and Guatemala. Through our partnership with Milestone Leadership, students also have access to an executive-level leadership development program.

All undergraduate and graduate business degree programs of the Soderquist College of Business are accredited by or are candidates for accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), http://acbsp.org, (913) 339-9356.