University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree through the Graduate School of Business Administration. Students can complete the MBA through the on-campus or distance (online) modes, or a combination of the two. The MBA requires the completion of a minimum of 36 semester hours of coursework, in addition to any preparatory courses that may be required to address deficiencies. Students have the option to complete a general MBA or specialize in a functional, interdisciplinary or custom area of emphasis. A general MBA gives students the opportunity to select 15 semester hours of graduate-level business courses based on their particular interests and objectives. In addition, specializations are available in the following 13 areas.
   Students in the Distance MBA (DMBA) program earn the same quality MBA degree as those students in the on-campus program. DMBA coursework is delivered over the Internet and students complete a series of web-based materials and interact with faculty online. Students can complete a general MBA or specialize in one of the emphases listed below, excluding accounting, operations management, and services management.
   Accounting emphasis graduates are qualified to seek employment in government or industry or sit for the CPA exam if they have an interest in public accounting. Accounting students take 21 semester hours of MBA core courses, three semester hours of MBA electives and 12 semester hours of accounting courses.
   Finance emphasis students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to invest and manage capital in both for-profit and non-profit environments. Graduates are qualified to enter positions in the financial services industry and within the finance departments of small and large organizations.
    The many changes in government laws and regulations, technology, society needs and insurance plans create a large need for administrative and business education and are addressed in the health care administration emphasis. The Informations Systems area of emphasis is designed for those who desire a strong information systems background to aid the progress in other career fields.
   The international business emphasis prepares students to enter the emerging field of international business. Students are encouraged to undertake foreign language studies to complement this field of interest.
   The management emphasis is designed to produce skilled managers with the ability to motivate and lead people. This program addresses contemporary issues in management and the changing roles of managers and leaders at the management level.
   Students in the operations management emphasis acquire skills and knowledge in effective process technology management of tangible products and services. Graduates acquire the background in total quality management required for a variety of positions in manufacturing in virtually all industries.
   Students completing the project management emphasis can expect to master traditional project management skills and be prepared to manage in complex project environments with a global reach.
    The services management emphasis is taught from an interdisciplinary approach, which helps students better understand how to effectively manage a service organization.
   The technology management emphasis prepares students to function effectively within technology-based organizations. Students lean the complexities of managing both product technology and process technology.
   The curriculum in the marketing emphasis provides students with practical experience through applied classes and projects. Graduates are prepared for careers in product management, professional selling, customer support, advertising and market research.
   The most recent edition to the MBA emphases is space systems management. Graduates with a strong business background combined with knowledge of space systems and their development and management are in demand by both public and private sector organizations.