Curriculum:Master of Business Administration

Courses

The Drake 100% online MBA program can be completed in two years, attending part-time. Our six-week online asynchronous courses offer convenience and flexibility for you to study when and where it works best for you. The program consists of 36 credit hours to be taken in the following areas:

  • Foundation courses: 6 credit hours
  • Core courses: 21 credit hours
  • Elective courses: 9 credit hours

Foundation Courses

MBA 240: Corporate Governance & Ethics – 3 Credit Hours

This course presents an in-depth examination of the issues related to corporate governance in an ethical society. General theories of governance and ethics provide a foundation for students to reflect on their personal and professional responsibilities within an organizational setting.

MBA 245: Leading with Data – 3 Credit Hours

This course will focus on the role of data in today’s fast-paced, competitive, data-rich, global business environment. Emphasis is on developing the habits of mind necessary for data-driven leadership. You will learn to seek data, to understand variation and the pitfalls of sampling, to question assumptions, and to think critically about reports and data displays. You will be exposed to the terminology necessary to communicate with analysts. You will develop data-driven management skills such as formulating value-adding questions, directing the collection and selection of data, working with analysts, working with management dashboards, operationalizing the insights from data, and telling stories with data.


Core Courses

MBA 242: Financial Reporting and Analysis – 3 Credit Hours

This course provides students with a conceptual foundation that demonstrates how financial statements reflect the strategic decisions made across business disciplines. Students develop the ability to interpret financial statements and understand the information they contain concerning sustainability of the organization’s operations.

MBA 251: Creating Customer Value Through Marketing – 3 Credit Hours

This course will examine how managers build competitive advantages by creating value for customers. It reviews methods for determining customer value perceptions, introduces applications that may be used to predict changes in customer value and helps students use customer value data to orient strategic decisions for the firm. Ethical issues related to marketing practices will be addressed throughout the course.

MBA 253: Corporate Finance – 3 Credit Hours

This course introduces students to the techniques used in the financial management of the firm to achieve the goal of enhancing firm value through firm value maximization. As students develop the ability to utilize the tools of financial management they will engage in an additional discussion of the relationship between firm value maximization and the long-run sustainability of both the firm and the community in which it operates.

MBA 254: Leadership & Human Capital Development – 3 Credit Hours

This course is designed to assist students in their lifelong quest to develop into effective leaders. Students will discuss models of effective leadership and human motivation to advance their conceptual understanding of these elusive concepts. Students will also learn more about their own leadership strengths and developmental opportunities, as well as about their personality traits and characteristics, through the use of 360-degree assessments. The course will challenge students to reflect on their leadership and personality assessment results, and to develop plans for the next steps in their leadership development journeys.

MBA 256: Information Technology and Business – 3 Credit Hours

A survey of the unique characteristics and applications of information technology (IT) and its impact on individuals, organizations, and society. Class discussion will focus on how information technologies function and how they may be successfully utilized by business firms and other organizations. Particular attention is given to the impact of IT on organizational strategy.

MBA 259: Business Government and Global Economy – 3 Credit Hours

MBA 260: Strategic Business Processes – 3 Credit Hours

This is a comprehensive course in business strategy that serves as a capstone course for the MBA program. It uses the organizational processes of external and internal environmental analysis for the formulation of business strategy.


Electives and Emphasis Area Courses

Accounting – Select 3

ACCT 276: IT Auditing – 3 Credit Hours

This course presents information systems audit and control concepts, including IT governance, risk analysis, information security, IT outsourcing, data governance, and system development and design. Businesses rely heavily on digitized information contained in a variety of information systems. It is important for accountants, and more specifically auditors, to understand information systems and how they relate to financial and general organizational controls. There will be focus on understanding and auditing general and application controls. Prereq: MBA 242 or equivalent, gradaute standing, and the consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

ACCT 277: Fraud Examination – 3 Credit Hours

A study of occupational fraud and abuse in business organizations. Examples of topics covered include ghost employees, skimming, check tampering, false shipments of inventory, kickbacks, Ponzi schemes, and fraudulent financial statements. Case studies are used extensively. Prereq.: MBA 242 or equivalent, graduate standing and consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

ACCT 278: Internal Auditing – 3 Credit Hours

This course examines the internal audit activity’s role in governance, risk, and internal controls. Course includes internal audit standards, ethics, audit techniques, conducting and managing the internal audit engagement, reporting results, and emerging issues. This course covers the design of business processes and the evaluation of key control concepts by using a case study approach to address areas of operations, finance, and technology. Prereq: MBA 242 or equivalent, graduate standing , and consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

ACCT 280: Financial Statement Analysis – 3 Credit Hours

The ultimate responsibility for the preparation and integrity of corporate financial statements rests with management. This course studies financial accounting and reporting issues, problems and practices and the underlying concepts and standards needed to analyze and understand them. A general management perspective is used. Prereq: MBA 242 or equivalent, graduate standing and consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

BLAW 250: The Law of Business Organizations – 3 Credit Hours

A study of agency law, securities law, and the legal issues involved in the formation of partnerships, corporations, and limited liability companies. Additional discussion of legal liabilities pertinent to accountants. 


Business Analytics – Select 3

IS 210: Business Analytics, Teams, and Projects – 3 Credit Hours

In this course, students will be introduced to business analytics concepts. Specifically, students will explore all aspects of business analytics projects focusing on how businesses use data to solve problems. Class topics will address data analytics teams, working together, and leadership, including concepts of team formation, problem analysis, requirements gathering, and other project management concepts. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Business Analytics emphasis area.

IS 220: Information Technology Legal and Ethical Issues – 3 Credit Hours

This course provides an overview of ethical and legal issues associated with business information technology usage, data collection, data sharing, and data-driven decision making. Topics include ethical and legal perspectives on privacy and information rights, organizational computer usage policies, cybercrime, and intellectual property. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Business Analytics emphasis area.

IS 231: Data Management and Visual Analytics – 3 Credit Hours

A study of database concepts and technologies used in managing and using data within modern organizations: defining data needs; using modern database tools; understanding database design; and creating applications. Class time is also devoted to the topic of visualization and visual analytics tools. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Business Analytics emphasis area.

IS 282: Python Programming for Data Analytics – 3 Credit Hours

This course is an introduction to computer programming emphasizing modern Python tools for data analysis and modeling. Students will learn to use the program control and data structures necessary to perform descriptive and predictive analytics tasks, utilizing libraries for visualization, statistics, and machine learning. No prior programming experience is required.

STAT 240: Statistical Modeling – 3 Credit Hours

This course will focus on the analysis of data for statistical modeling. Statistical methods for analyzing and displaying data will be used, as well as concepts related to model assessment and diagnostics. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Business Analytics emphasis area.

QUAN 270: Quantitative Methods – 3 Credit Hours

Examines the quantitative side of the management decision making process. Discussion of commonly used mathematical techniques with a view to problem formulation and the critical interpretation of quantitative analysis. Methodologies covered include optimization, sensitivity analysis, simulation, forecasting and decision analysis. This course makes extensive use of spreadsheets. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.


Cybersecurity- Select 3

ACCT 276: IT Auditing – 3 Credit Hours

This course presents information systems audit and control concepts, including IT governance, risk analysis, information security, IT outsourcing, data governance, and system development and design. Businesses rely heavily on digitized information contained in a variety of information systems. It is important for accountants, and more specifically auditors, to understand information systems and how they relate to financial and general organizational controls. There will be focus on understanding and auditing general and application controls. Prereq: MBA 242 or equivalent, gradaute standing, and the consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

ACCT 277: Fraud Examination – 3 Credit Hours

A study of occupational fraud and abuse in business organizations. Examples of topics covered include ghost employees, skimming, check tampering, false shipments of inventory, kickbacks, Ponzi schemes, and fraudulent financial statements. Case studies are used extensively. Prereq.: MBA 242 or equivalent, graduate standing and consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

ACCT 278: Internal Auditing – 3 Credit Hours

This course examines the internal audit activity’s role in governance, risk, and internal controls. Course includes internal audit standards, ethics, audit techniques, conducting and managing the internal audit engagement, reporting results, and emerging issues. This course covers the design of business processes and the evaluation of key control concepts by using a case study approach to address areas of operations, finance, and technology. Prereq: MBA 242 or equivalent, graduate standing , and consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

BLAW 225: Practical Contract Interpretation – 3 Credit Hours

A study of the practical application of the principles of contract law with a focus on the essential elements of a formal written contract and how common contract provisions impact the rights and responsibilities of the parties to the contract. This course is designed to help business professionals more effectively interpret, analyze, and provide constructive feedback on proposed written contracts. Prereq: Graduate standing and consent of the Assistant Dean, CBPA Graduate Programs.

INS 280: Operational Risk Management – 3 Credit Hours

An examination of how organizations identify, analyze, and manage the possibility of loss caused by failed or inadequate processes or systems, or caused by events external to the organization. Pre Req: Graduate standing or consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

IS 280: Cybersecurity Management – 3 Credit Hours

Leading an organization in today’s environment requires nuanced decision-making regarding vulnerabilities, threats, risks and attacks. This course provides a foundation for leaders in cybersecurity management including principles and policies for data protection as well as concepts of privacy laws (HIPPA, GDPR, etc.), IT governance, risk management, and the human aspects of cybersecurity.

IS 281: Cyber Attack Prevention & Mitigation – 3 Credit Hours

In order to mitigate risk to an organization and apply effective countermeasures, it is imperative to understand the methodologies of cyber-attacks. In this course, students will explore the theories and practices related to the prevention of cyber-attacks as well as the theories and practices related to the recovery from attack. Students will design, apply, and analyze cyber-attack prevention and mitigation solutions through various case studies.


Health Care Management

HLTH 261: Health Care Policy – 3 Credit Hours

Examination of the roles played by government in the development of the health care system in the United States using policy analysis. Focus on the interaction between public policymakers and health care providers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Policies for study include Medicaid, Medicare, National Health Insurance, and health planning. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Healthcare emphasis area.

HLTH 263: Health Care Administration – 3 Credit Hours

This course provides an empirical and problem-solving framework for dealing with administration and management, as well as develops, implements, and evaluates organizational and management goals. Emphasis is on understanding the functioning of hospital and health care organizations. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Healthcare emphasis area.

HLTH 266: Health Care Regulation, Law and Advocacy – 3 Credit Hours

In its broadest sense, health law is the area of law pertaining to health care and the health care environment. It relates to the interaction of many players and relationships within and external to the health care arena. This course is meant as an introduction to this complex area and will focus on these relationships as they pertain to the health care administrator and manager. Key topics will include patient rights and protection, facility responsibility, payer and patient relationships, health care provider and patient legal relationships. This course can be taken to satisfy the requirements of the Healthcare emphasis area.


Leadership & Human Capital Development – Select 3

BUS 212: Seminar in Executive Leadership – 3 Credit Hours

Synthesizes and integrates the administrative knowledge, skills, values and behaviors acquired from previous coursework and experience. Readings, case studies and discussions are used to develop management capabilities. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

BUS 283: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution – 3 Credit Hours

This course provides an introduction to negotiation concepts and practices, and a historical perspective on conflict resolution in families, workplaces, communities and nations. Includes theories and concepts of human behavior in conflict situations, how and why conflict occurs, and how to deal with conflict effectively. This course will engage students in negotiation and conflict resolution exercises, and provide interaction with practitioners. It will enable students to develop negotiation skills and an appreciation for conflict as an effective teaching/learning opportunity. It will develop an awareness in the student that times of conflict are often occasions for instigating change in relationships that may be effective and long lasting. Prereq.: Consent of Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

INS 280: Operational Risk Management – 3 Credit Hours

An examination of how organizations identify, analyze, and manage the possibility of loss caused by failed or inadequate processes or systems, or caused by events external to the organization. Pre Req: Graduate standing or consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

MPA 216: Human Resources Development – 3 Credit Hours

Treating Human Resources as an asset rather than as a cost represents a philosophical transformation on human resources management thought. Focus is on theories and practices related to the functions and activities of managing people in public and nonprofit organizations. The course focuses on attraction, retention, and engagement drivers of public sector management associated with changing social, economic, political, and governmental conditions. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

MPA 221: Public Organizations & Leadership – 3 Credit Hours

Focus is on management and leadership in public organizations as informed by bureaucracy and rationality, formal and informal structures, and rapidly changing political and organizational environments. The course will examine institutional factors and contemporary issues surrounding behavior or organizational members, including topics such as organizational design, organizational change, performance management, and technology integration. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.


Public & Nonprofit Management – Select 3

MPA 221: Public Organizations & Leadership – 3 Credit Hours

Focus is on management and leadership in public organizations as informed by bureaucracy and rationality, formal and informal structures, and rapidly changing political and organizational environments. The course will examine institutional factors and contemporary issues surrounding behavior or organizational members, including topics such as organizational design, organizational change, performance management, and technology integration. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

MPA 228: Resource Development and Program Performance – 3 Credit Hours

An examination of the public policy process with an emphasis on developing the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to manage the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policies in public and nonprofit organizations. The course includes quantitative and qualitative strategies used to formulate and implement effective public policies and it will also cover performance and impact – based evaluation techniques. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

PADM 245: Public Policy (3)PADM 273: Nonprofit Management – 3 Credit Hours

Students examine the nonprofit sector’s distinctiveness and capacities while addressing a broad spectrum of issues, strategies, and techniques related to the management and leadership of nonprofit organizations. THe course addresses challenges to effective nonprofit management in rapidly changing environments and includes nonprofit-specific perspectives on financial management, human resources management, revenue generation, and ethical obligations to organizational stakeholders. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.

PADM 287: Public Management – 3 Credit Hours

Designed to inform the professional practice of public administration, the course provides perspective on contemporary theories and practices that support professional public management. Current and emerging public issues will provide the setting for exploration and study. Prereq: Consent of the Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs, Zimpleman College of Business.


Individualized

Students select nine (9) hours tailored to their unique interests from among all specialization courses offered.

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