Traditional MBA

About the JMU Traditional MBA

Mission Statement

The MBA Program within the College of Business at James Madison University emphasizes excellence and continuous improvement in graduate learning by stressing knowledge, technical and interpersonal and experiential skills in the development of managerial decision making. The MBA Program seeks to serve part-time students who are full-time working professionals in the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont Region of Virginia. The MBA Program also serves other professionals through contract programs utilizing on-site and distance learning methodologies.

Vision

The JMU Master of Business Administration program equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing business environment. JMU offers two MBA programs - Traditional and Distance Learning.

The Traditional Program is designed to offer quality graduate education to working professionals holding full-time positions in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Piedmont region of Virginia. Classes in the traditional program meet one evening each week during the fall and spring semesters and generally two evenings per week during each summer session. Classes meet in Harrisonburg.

The Distance Learning MBA offers a concentration in Information Security. This program is available to students nationwide. Professionals with irregular work schedules or those who travel frequently benefit from the independent nature of this program. The curriculum emphasizes the development of teamwork, leadership skills, and managerial decision making. The MBA Program is fully integrated with the concepts, practices and business implications of Information Security. It is the only program in the country offering such a specialized MBA. Classes meet on Saturday in Washington DC, for 4 hours face-to-face at the beginning and ending of each 8-week course. Thereafter students utilize distance learning tools to complete each course. The majority of the program is conducted online.

Outcomes Based Learning Objectives

When students complete the MBA Program they should be able to:

• Critically evaluate theoretical and applied research across a broad range of business disciplines
• Make ethical decisions common in an organizational setting
• Think critically and apply sound business concepts to decision-making
• Interpret statistical findings and choose the most appropriate quantitative methods for solving business problems
• Function effectively as a team member and as a team leader
• Make managerial decisions using the knowledge gained in advanced courses
• Derive best case solutions to business problems by integrating material across business and related disciplines
• Create, store, access, analyze and synthesize information from a technology-based perspective
• Analyze financial statements to identify the strengths and weaknesses of company’s operations and managerial and financial structure

Why Should I Choose One of JMU's MBA Programs?

• Instruction by full-time qualified faculty members with doctoral degrees
• Admission standards assure quality classroom interaction with experienced professionals
• Timely issues are addressed in depth by advanced curriculum
• Full accreditation by AACSB, the only nationally recognized business school accrediting body

A JMU MBA Student Will...

• Develop team-building and leadership skills through group analysis of business cases selected to provide practice in needs assessment and solving problems
• Enhance management and interpersonal skills through interaction with world consultations
• Improve presentation skills through use of persuasive communications and cutting-edge technology
• Develop greater responsibility, self-reliance and understanding of ethical business practices

Accreditation

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business has fully accredited the JMU MBA degree program. AACSB is the highest level accrediting agency for business programs in the world. The MBA degree programs received AACSB accreditation after a thorough examination of faculty credentials, innovative strength, curriculum design, course content, admissions policy, and library and technical resources.

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