Master of Business Administration

Gary E. West College of Business

Dr. Ann Saurbier, Dean

Chair of Graduate Programs: Dr. Sherry Rocchio, srocchio@westliberty.edu

West Liberty University offers a 30-credit hour Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree for individuals who wish to advance their professional knowledge and skills in business. The MBA includes a business course core and concentrations in selected in-demand areas of business.

The Gary E. West College of Business at West Liberty University has received specialized accreditation through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road, Suite 300 in Overland Park, Kansas, USA.

Admissions Requirements

A student must be formally admitted to the program before taking any courses in the MBA program. For admission to WLU’s MBA, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Completed admissions application.
  2. Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework to verify a bachelor’s degree, in any field, from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 overall undergraduate grade point average.
  3. Prior to full admission and enrollment in courses, students must take the Inbound Placement Exam.
  • Applicants with identified Inbound Placement Exam deficiencies in one or more foundational business areas are required to complete the associated online leveling/tutorial module(s).
  • All required modules must be completed successfully prior to enrolling in courses.

Applicants with an undergraduate degree and an overall GPA below the minimum 2.5 may be considered for provisional admission into the MBA program at the discretion of the Graduate Program Director. These students must meet all other requirements prior to starting coursework. A student admitted under provisional status must achieve a grade of “B” or higher in each of the initial 12 credits of the program to continue.

International Student Requirements

In addition to the requirements listed above, please submit:

  1. Proof of English Proficiency: Please submit one of the following test results that has been completed within the past three years: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Minimum acceptable scores 595 (paper test), 195 (computer based test) or 70 (internet test) for graduate study or Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) – The minimum acceptable score is 82% for graduate study or a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for graduate study.
  2. Credit Certification: Have all your coursework and credits from institutions outside of the United States evaluated by a credential evaluation service provider [e.g., World Education Services (WES), Global Credential Evaluators (GCE), Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), etc.]
  3. Proof of Financial Support: Submit adequate documentation of financial support for one academic year (nine months). [e.g., official bank statement, sponsorship award letters, scholarship awards, Affidavit of Support (DHS Form I-134), etc.]
  4. Copy of your ID page in your passport
  5. Immunization shot records

Graduation Requirements (Coursework)

The 30-credit hour Master of Business Administration requires:

  • 21 credit hours in the Business Core
  • 9-12 credit hours in concentration area

Required Business Core Courses (21 hours):

ACC 550Managerial Accounting Decision Analysis

3

CIS 530Information Technology Mgt

3

ECON 520Global Economics

3

FIN 540Finance Management & Theory

3

MKT 535Integrative Marketing Mgt

3

MGT 545Strategic Human Res Mgt

3

MGT 590Strategic Management Capstone

3

Choose one concentration (9-12) hours:

Accounting

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Accounting is designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in financial management, auditing, regulation, taxation, business analysis and information systems and controls. This program provides a strong foundation in business administration while equipping students with the specialized accounting knowledge required to navigate complex financial landscapes and regulatory environments.

Through a blend of core business courses and in-depth accounting studies, students develop the analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills essential for high-level accounting and financial management roles. The curriculum aligns with industry standards and can support students pursuing a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

This concentration is ideal for professionals looking to advance in corporate finance, public accounting, consulting, auditing, or managerial roles. Graduates are well-prepared for positions such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Financial Controller, Senior Accountant, Tax Consultant, or Audit Manager, making them valuable assets in any industry that requires strong financial oversight and strategic fiscal planning.

ACC 515Auditing and Attestation

3

ACC 516Financial Accounting and Reporting

3

ACC 517Accounting Regulation

3

Accounting elective - choose one course (3 hours) from the following:

ACC 526Business Analysis and Reporting

3

ACC 527Accounting Information Systems and Controls

3

ACC 528Tax Compliance and Planning

3

Management

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Management is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their strategic decision-making, and organizational management skills. This program provides students with a strong foundation in business principles while focusing on advanced management techniques essential for leading teams, improving operational efficiency, and driving business success.

Through a combination of core MBA coursework and specialized management-focused classes, students will develop expertise in areas such as global economics, integrative marketing management, strategic human resource management, public and non profit and management and value chain management. The curriculum prepares graduates for managerial roles in diverse industries, including corporate business, government, non-profit organizations, and entrepreneurship.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to take on leadership positions such as general manager, operations manager, management consultant, or executive director. Whether aiming for career advancement or transitioning into leadership roles, this MBA concentration provides the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in today’s dynamic and competitive business environment.

GBUS 525Social Responsibility & Business Ethics

3

MGT 560Public & Non-Profit Management

3

MGT 565Value Chain Management

3

Marketing

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Marketing is a dynamic and comprehensive program designed to equip students with advanced knowledge, strategic thinking, and analytical skills essential for success in the fast-paced world of marketing. This program blends core business principles with specialized marketing techniques, preparing graduates to drive brand growth, customer engagement, and business profitability in a competitive global market. Areas of study include consumer behavior, marketing data analytics and research and global marketing strategies.

This concentration is ideal for aspiring marketing professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders looking to drive innovation, customer engagement, and business growth in an ever-evolving marketplace. Graduates of the MBA in Marketing program can pursue careers in various industries, including technology, retail, healthcare, and entertainment, in roles such as Marketing Manager, Brand Strategist, Digital Marketing Director, Market Research Analyst, Product Manager, or Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

MKT 536Consumer Behavior

3

MKT 537Global Marketing Strategies

3

MKT 538Marketing Data Analytics and Research

3

Project Management

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a Concentration in Project Management is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership, strategic planning, and project execution skills in a dynamic business environment. This program equips students with advanced business knowledge while focusing on the principles, methodologies, and tools necessary for successful project management across various industries. Through a combination of core business coursework and specialized project management classes, students gain expertise in risk management, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, execution and control.

This concentration aligns with industry standards, including the Project Management Institute (PMI) guidelines, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for roles such as Project Manager, Program Manager, Operations Manager, and Business Consultant.

MGT 580Principles of Project Management

3

MGT 581Project Management: Planning, Budgeting & Procurement

3

MGT 582Project Management: Execution & Control

3