master of Business administration

Welcome

At the Gordon Ford College, we take pride in preparing our students for productive and rewarding careers in a wide variety of business and nonprofit organizations. Students are not only exposed to the latest theories and technologies of all the business disciplines, but they learn how to actually apply them to the competitive advantage of the organization. Many Ford College students work on actual business issues under the guidance of experienced professors, most of whom have significant business experience themselves. It is the unique combination of classroom and real-life application that makes the Gordon Ford College of Business so different than other business schools. Our graduates are highly recruited by international business organizations and have stated that their education has prepared them well for the challenges of the real world. There is no greater measure of success for today’s business schools than the success of its graduates.

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Admission Requirements

The Online MBA option is a part-time program allowing working students to take up to 6 hours per semester. Students seeking admission into either the online MBA program at the Gordon Ford College of Business must meet ALL of the following requirements:

1. An official copy of your GMAT score taken within the last five years, showing a minimum overall score of 500 and
2. A minimum 3.5 “Written” GMAT score and
3. An undergraduate GPA of at least a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. You need to supply an official transcript from a regionally accredited college or university to verify the completion of your 4-year undergraduate degree and your GPA.
4. In addition to the requirements above, you must have a “GAP” score minimum of 1050 (undergraduate GPA x 200 + GMAT total score). The GAP score will be used to rank applicants for admission when seats are limited.
   No score may fall below ANY of the stated GMAT, Written GMAT, GPA and GAP minimums.
5. Your current resume clearly showing your years of work history and job levels included in those years. You may include any other activities or information on your resume which should be considered when judging your qualifications for admission to our WKU MBA program.
6. One (or more) professional reference letter(s) (hard copies) verifying your employment history and supporting your skills and abilities as being appropriate for success in our WKU MBA program.
7. A letter stating why you wish to complete an MBA including specifically how you hope it will improve your career. You should specify that you are applying for the online option.

Please send all application materials to the Office of Graduate Studies at

Office of Graduate Studies,
Western Kentucky University,
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11010
Bowling Green KY 42101-1010

Domestic Student Graduate Application (PDF) An online application alternative is available for domestic (US) applicants here.

International Student Graduate Application (PDF) International students have a different application since international admissions require additional coordination and interpretation of materials which are often in a foreign language. Admission deadlines are also earlier for this reason.

Fall Application Deadline (applies to Full-time, Professional, and Online options):

• Domestic students, April 15
• International students, April 1

Spring Application Deadline (applies only to the Online MBA option):

• Domestic students, October 15
• International students, October 1
  

Program Requirements

Students pursuing an MBA are required to complete 33 hours of business courses to complete the degree, in addition to admission requirements. Courses needed to complete the degree include:

• BA 510 – Organizational Theory
• BA 511 – Applied Microeconomic Theory
• BA 512 – Problem Solving, Data Modeling & Managerial Decisions
• BA 513 – Information Technology & Strategy
• BA 515 – Managerial Accounting Concepts & Applications
• BA 517 – Advanced Marketing
• BA 519 – Advanced Managerial Finance
• BA 580 – Contemporary Issues in Business
• BA 590 – Strategic Business Concepts & Applications
• BA Elective
• BA Elective
  

Students are required to complete two contemporary issues courses, or may substitute a three-hour elective

Electives may be chosen 500 level business courses. Up to 6 hours of approved graduate level courses may be transferred into the program with the approval of the MBA office.

Recommended Sequence of Courses

BA 590 must be taken in the final semester.

Please note: Certain courses may offered on a rotating basis, so please plan your program of study carefully. Contact April Schleig, the academic advisor for the program for additional information on course offerings at april.schleig@wku.edu. See what is currently being offered at www.wku.edu/online

Department Contact Information

MBA Office
Gordon Ford College of Business
Western Kentucky University
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11056
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101-1056

Telephone: 800-375-6893 or 270-745-5458
Fax: 270-745-3893
Email: gfcb@wku.edu
Website:www.wku.edu/gfcb