Business prereqs

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Tel, Sep 17, 2003.

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  1. Tel

    Tel New Member

    Can anyone tell me why prerequisite courses seem to be a mandatory part of most if not all AACSB MBA programs? How are these prereqs different from the “graduate” level courses that are factored into your GPA and count towards graduation?

    I’m having a hard time justifying in my mind why I should pay for as many seven courses (at graduate tuition rates) that will not count towards graduation. Its as though I’m being punished for not getting an undergraduate business degree. In fact, I don’t think I would even pursue an MBA if I had an undergraduate degree in business because I don’t see how the graduate level courses would teach me any more than I already know.

    Other graduate programs (e.g law, education etc.) don’t force you into prereqs how do AACSB MBA programs get away with it?
     
  2. Gus Sainz

    Gus Sainz New Member

    The AACSB really does not have anything to do with an institution’s prerequisite coursework requirements; this is a decision made by each individual school. For example, the AACSB accredited University of Florida (Warrington) MBA program does not require that you have an undergraduate degree in business, nor do they require any prerequisites. They do, however, “strongly encourage preparation in financial accounting and quantitative skills (calculus, statistics, etc.) prior to enrollment.” Moreover, UF clearly states that the Admissions committee takes into consideration the prospective student’s “performance in quantitative courses.” Similarly, Indiana University’s (Kelly) AACSB accredited MBA program only requires that students be “adequately prepared in the areas of accounting and statistics.”

    In contrast, the MBA program at California Sate University, Dominguez Hills (which has ACBSP accreditation but is not yet AACSB accredited) requires that student show competency in “nine business core competency areas,” such as Financial Accounting, Marketing, Business Law, Economics, Management, Operations Research, Finance, Information Systems, and Business Statistics. CSUDH allows students to demonstrate competency by successfully completing four bridge courses covering management fundamentals.

    The foundation or prerequisite courses differ from the graduate courses that are part of a typical MBA curriculum. As CSUDH describes them, these courses “provide the necessary background for advanced graduate study.” Keep in mind that the curriculum of an MBA programs usually focuses on Business Decisions (both quantitative and qualitative), Strategic Planning, and creative problem solving. Without a firm foundation and understanding of the theoretical concepts, quantitative methods, and information systems that are the foundations for business decisions, you will be at a severe disadvantage and your likelihood of success in the MBA program will be significantly less.

    Even if you have extensive real world business experience, there is much to be gained from undergraduate foundation courses. Keep in mind that academia has a language all its own; in order to communicate effectively with both teachers and fellow students, you are going to have to become well versed in it.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 17, 2003

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