The MBA degree program consists of a core curriculum of 24 graduate credit hours, as shown in the exhibit below. This core curriculum serves as a common body of knowledge aimed at developing competencies in overall management and leadership. Graduate Business Fundamentals (MBA 5003 ) provides a review of the central principles of accounting, business statistics, economics, and finance. This course is required during the first semester for all MBA students (regardless of undergraduate background and work experience) to ensure that students are recently exposed to the quantitative tools required to successfully complete the MBA core courses. Strategic Management (MGMT 6423 ) must be taken after all core courses are completed or dur¬ing the student’s  last semester of coursework.

In addition to the core curriculum, students select nine (9) graduate credit hours of electives or complete a concentration to meet their particular interests or needs. The core courses plus the electives result in a 33-hour program.

• Restrictions on course levels: All courses, including electives, must be taken at the 6000 level. However, students sitting for the CPA exam may take one 5000 level course in accounting to help prepare them for the exam while meeting the 150-hour rule for the exam. 
• Internships: Students may take an internship course to count towards a 3-hour elective. All internships must be taken after completing 15 hours of course work. 
• Directed individual study: Under special circumstances, a student may substitute a directed individual study for a 3-hour elective. Directed individual studies are taken after a student has completed 24 hours of coursework with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Directed individual studies are targeted toward a publication and/or presentation as an outlet for the research. Students must also present their research to the graduate program director and the graduate program committee. In sum, only a single 3-hour internship or one directed independent study may count toward the elective hours needed to complete the MBA degree.