Program Director: Dennis Reilly, Ph.D.
Email: dennis.reilly@vermontstate.edu
Program Description
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) aims to prepare students for career advancement and/or leadership positions in for-profit or not-for-profit businesses and organizations. In the 36-credit professionally focused program, students take nine required MBA “core” courses (27 credits). In addition, students select one of four concentrations, each with a 9-credit focus. This program is offered online, with some courses offered at VTSU-Castleton and online. One-on-one collaboration with professors is available at the student’s request. Students may complete the degree in one year.
Program Goals and Objectives
VTSU’s MBA program is organized in focused 6-8 week sessions designed to meet working professionals’ needs through flexible delivery and focusing on emerging trends. The MBA can be completed in 12 months by taking two courses in six sessions. Vermont State University’s emphasis on building relationships uses an individualized approach to research and analyze current (and future) challenges and opportunities within organizations. Additionally, individuals may complete Micro-Credentials in any of the four concentrations: Organizational Leadership, Accounting, Healthcare Administration, and Marketing. The Credential offerings allow individuals to achieve academic competency as they work towards the MBA.
Program Outcomes
MBA Program Outcomes
The VTSU MBA program aims to develop students into influential leaders equipped with leadership, analytical, and conceptual skills to tackle the challenges of today’s global business environment. The following outcomes represent the core competencies students are expected to achieve:
1. Leadership and Team Management
- Analyze and apply leadership theories and approaches to develop a personal leadership style (Evaluate/Create).
- Integrate theories of team composition, process, and motivation to effectively lead diverse and inclusive teams (Apply/Evaluate).
2. Strategic Decision-Making
- Synthesize information across disciplines to evaluate business opportunities and make informed decisions (Analyze/Evaluate).
- Utilize financial analysis and appropriate technologies to support data-driven decisions (Apply/Evaluate).
3. Ethical and Social Responsibility
- Critique business decisions within an ethical framework, considering social responsibility and environmental sustainability (Evaluate/Analyze).
- Assess business decisions in the context of local and global governing bodies (Evaluate).
4. Global Business Acumen
- Analyze the global business environment to identify trends and assess their impact on management situations (Analyze/Evaluate).
- Demonstrate cultural awareness and effectively manage cross-cultural teams (Understand/Apply).
5. Effective Communication
- Communicate complex business information clearly and persuasively in written and oral formats (Analyze/Create).
- Demonstrate the ability to motivate and influence others through effective communication within and outside the organization (Apply/Evaluate).
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