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 M.S. 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. 

The M.S. in Leadership Program is for individuals who want to become experts in management and communication processes in public or private organizations. The program focuses on essential skills and knowledge with a balance of practical and theoretical training. Students learn competencies that enable them to understand the tools necessary to inspire, develop, and motivate individuals and teams in support of strategic organizational growth. These skills include developing emotional intelligence, learning how to motivate others, and building consensus. 

With more of a focus on people than business, this degree will develop and equip students to lead with excellence using biblically-based models. Students will gain an understanding of how organizations work, how to provide leadership to a company, and how to implement ethical business practices. What students learn will set them apart as leaders with integrity, character, trustworthiness, and excellence in professional training.

Requirements for the Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Leadership