The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program in the Stephens College of Business (COB) is designed to prepare graduates for careers in operational management and strategic leadership of public- and private-sector organizations. The distinction of the MBA in the Stephens COB is the liberal arts experience the University of Montevallo offers its students. Through small class sizes, individual attention, and a focus on critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, the MBA provides students with a unique learning experience. Along with diverse liberal arts disciplines, the MBA equips students with the necessary business knowledge, quantitative skills, and leadership expertise to be successful in the business practices of any field of study. The MBA offers flexible and affordable full-time, part-time, and online options for coursework completion. Full-time status allows MBA degree completion in one year and beginning in either the fall or the spring term. Students may also study at a part-time basis. For students who do not have an academic background or education in business, the Stephens COB offers all prerequisite coursework online in a convenient summer business institute, as well as in the traditional classroom format year-round. 

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires:

1. a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. Statement of Purpose;
3. two professional recommendations; and
4. Demonstrated aptitude for successful completion of an MBA program (please see the MBA webpage for criteria) 

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in undergraduate coursework in the areas of accounting, economics, finance, quantitative methods, marketing, and management. Each applicant’s undergraduate coursework and work experience will be evaluated for equivalency to the following Stephens College of Business courses: 

• Accounting 221 - Principles of Accounting I (Financial Accounting) 
• Economics 232 - Microeconomics 
• Finance 372 - Business Finance 
• Quantitative Methods 235 - Quantitative Methods in Business I or Quantitative Methods 237 - Data Analytics in Business I 
• Marketing 351 - Principles of Marketing 
• Management 361 - Principles of Organization and Management Theory 
• Management Information Systems 161- Introduction to Computers (or proficiency) 
• A course in macroeconomics similar to EC 231 and a course in managerial accounting similar to AC 222 are recommended but not required. 

Note: Students without a background in Business must take all pre-requisite coursework before taking the corresponding subject at the graduate level. 

Admission to the MBA program is based upon both academic and personal qualifications and is ultimately determined by the Dean of the Stephens COB in consultation with the MBA faculty and the MBA program coordinator. Candidates with mitigating circumstances who do not meet one or more of the admissions criteria above may be offered conditional admission to the MBA program with specific individual provisions. Applicants who are denied admission to the MBA program may make an appeal to the MBA program coordinator.

Retention and Graduation

In addition to the general requirements listed earlier in this Bulletin, and the requirements listed below, MBA students are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA for completion.

Request Additional Information

For more information or to request contact, please visit the Program’s website by clicking here.