Apr 03, 2026  
2026-2027 GRADUATE CATALOG 
    
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2026-2027 GRADUATE CATALOG

Business Administration - MBA

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B-401, 713-221-8252 mba@uhd.edu

Program Description

The UHD MBA program offers stackable credentials and micro-credentials, enabling students to earn one or more certificates or specializations while completing the MBA. All students complete a core curriculum and then select one of three pathways to fulfill the remaining credit hours: 1) a graduate certificate, 2) two specializations, or 3) five electives. The certificate pathway emphasizes depth in a single area of study, the specialization pathway balances depth and breadth across two areas, and the electives pathway emphasizes breadth through coursework drawn from multiple disciplines. Both certificates and specializations are noted on students’ transcripts; however, only certificates are recognized as separate credentials. Certificates are also available to students who are not enrolled in the MBA program.

Program Learning Outcomes

MBA LO1: The student will evaluate business scenarios using quantitative, ethical, and technology-assisted decision-making methods.

MBA LO2: The student will demonstrate managerial skills, including communication, professionalism, and leadership competencies.

MBA LO3: The student will apply core business functions.Admissions

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.  Successful applicants will demonstrate potential for success via the required materials.  Applicants with degrees in non-business fields may be required to take leveling courses prior to beginning MBA course sequences.

Please see the MDCOB Graduate Student Handbook for details on admissions requirements, materials, and process.

General Degree Requirements

All MBA student will be required to complete the MBA core plus one of three “pathways”, which incoming students will select in consultation with their Graduate Advisor. Students who are deemed fully prepared for MBA coursework may begin the program core as written, whereas others may need to take between one and three preparatory courses prior to enrolling in MBA core courses.

For additional details, see the MDCOB Graduate Programs Handbook.

Depending on preparation, degrees conferred, and courses taken, MBA students may need to complete some or all of the following three preparatory GBA courses to develop proficiency in core undergraduate business concepts. In general, graduates of AACSB-accredited business programs will not need to take these courses, and others may also be declared exempt based on transcripted coursework.

MBA Core Requirements

15-17 Credit Hours

Pathways

There are three ways to complete the MBA, in combination with the MBA core courses above.

Pathway 1: Mastery

Complete a Graduate Certificate in Business (15-18 credit hours), examples of which include:

  • Accounting (18 credit hours)
  • Business Intelligence (15 credit hours)
  • Finance (15 credit hours)
  • Human Resource Management (15 credit hours)
  • International Business (15 credit hours)
  • Leadership (15 credit hours)
  • Project Management and Process Improvement (18 credit hours)
  • Sales Management and Business Development (15 credit hours)
  • Supply Chain Management (18 credit hours)

Students enrolled in Pathway 1 may also choose to take one Specialization, which must consist of three courses that the student is not using to fulfill any other degree or Certificate requirements. Refer to the Pathway 2 description for details of Specializations.

Pathway 2: Synergy

Complete two Graduate Business Specializations.

A “specialization” is a micro-credential within the MBA that delivers substantial exposure to a topic without rising to the level of a stand-alone certificate. Specializations must be earned alongside a degree and cannot be conferred independently. MBA students earn two specializations to demonstrate competency in two areas that develop their MBA core more deeply.

To enroll in a specialization a student must be admitted to the MBA program. Students enrolled in Pathway 2 take two specializations only. Students enrolled in Pathway 1 may also choose to take one specialization, which must be three courses that the student is not using to fulfill any other degree or Certificate requirements.

Leadership:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Accounting:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list. These courses may require upper-level undergraduate coursework in accounting prior to enrollment.

Business Intelligence:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Finance:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Project Management:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Process Improvement:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Supply Chain Management:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Sales Management and Business Development:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Human Resource Management:

Complete 9 credit hours from the following list:

Pathway 3: Discovery

This pathway involves selecting 15 credit hours from the following list, with the restriction listed per each field:

Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Accounting courses.

These courses may require upper-level undergraduate coursework in accounting prior to enrollment.

Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Business Intelligence courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Finance courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Human Resource Management courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Project Management/Process Improvement courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Supply Chain Management courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Sales Management and Business Development courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list of Leadership courses:
Complete no more than 6 credit hours from the following list:

Additional Requirements

Minimum Grade Point Average to remain in the MBA program

While enrolled in any graduate program, students must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Sections 3.4 and 3.5 of UHD Policy 03.A.07 (Academic Probation and Suspension) outline the procedures related to probation, suspension, and satisfactory progress for graduate students. A student whose cumulative graduate GPA drops below 3.0 is placed and probation and must maintain a 3.0 or higher semester GPA in each subsequent semester until the cumulative graduate GPA is raised to 3.0 or above.

A graduate student on probation who does not achieve a graduate program GPA of at least 3.0 in the subsequent term will be suspended from the university. After one year, a suspended student may apply for reinstatement, at the discretion of the Graduate Director or coordinator of the program. A graduate student who receives grades of “C” in 9 or more graduate semester hours is subject to dismissal. According to UHD’s Grading System policy (PS 03.A.04), below average work (grades of “D” or “F”) is not acceptable and constitutes grounds for a graduate student’s dismissal from the program. Please note that according to the university grading policy, “All credit hours attempted as part of a graduate degree will be calculated in the GPA.” Transferred grades, from other institutions, are not calculated in a graduate student’s GPA. Please note that a graduate program may have more stringent requirements on C grades or probation/suspension, so students should consult their program handbook or website for these more specific restrictions.

Transfer of Graduate Credits

A maximum of 6 credit hours may be transferred from another AACSB accredited university. A minimum grade of B is required for the course to transfer. All petitions for transfer credit must be submitted to the Marilyn Davies College of Business Graduate Admissions Committee at the time of application for the committee’s approval.

Attendance Policy

Students enrolled in the UHD MBA program are expected to attend all scheduled classes. These are hybrid courses that meet half the normal class time; therefore, absences can be detrimental to academic performance and should be avoided. However, working professionals occasionally may have unavoidable absences as a result of unexpected business travel or other emergencies. It is the students’ responsibility to inform professors of the nature of the absences at the earliest practical opportunity, preferably in advance. Students are responsible for all information and assignments from missed classes. In cases where absences reach a frequency that, in the professor’s opinion, make it unlikely that the student can successfully complete the course, withdrawal from class will be recommended.

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