MBA Program

Associate Dean and Director of the MBA Program

Dr. Jack Gregg

Contact Information

Office Location: Conrad N. Hilton Center for Business; Room 233

Telephone: 310.338.2848

Fax: 310.338.2899

Introduction

The College of Business Administration offers the MBA degree designed for working professionals. There are eight areas of emphasis/specialization in the MBA Program. The purpose, admission requirements, program requirements, and options are described in the pages that follow. The part-time MBA program (MBA) serves the educational requirements of working professionals who recognize the need to continue to build their careers. The Executive MBA (EMBA) is designed for the experienced business professional who aspires to executive-level responsibility.

In addition, two dual degree programs are available. Students may apply for separate admission to the Loyola Law School and earn the JD/MBA degree or apply to the Systems Engineering Leadership Program (SELP) and earn an MBA and an MS in Systems Engineering.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Loyola Marymount University MBA Program is to provide high quality graduate business education consistent with the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. The MBA Program fosters development of each student’s potential to create value, handle risk, and manage change to serve both business and society. The result is the development of ethical leaders possessing the knowledge and skills to effectively manage organizations in a diverse and global economy.

To accomplish its mission, the MBA Program utilizes faculty who regularly extend the boundaries of their discipline and simultaneously demonstrate in the classroom their ability to translate theory into practice. Although teaching styles and techniques vary, all focus on the current issues and technologies that are forming and shaping the many environments of business (political, social, legal, and ethical). Classes range from those that emphasize computer applications to those that delve into ethical concepts and humanistic management. The MBA curriculum is one of breadth first and specialization second. To that end, the basis of the Program is broad and integrating. Areas of specialization are built on this base. By specializing, students are able to focus some of their studies in a single area of emphasis. Additionally, numerous opportunities exist to explore various aspects of global business. These include a full-fledged International MBA Program of studies and a unique overseas integrative experience. The high quality of the MBA Program is confirmed through its accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Admission Requirements

Eligibility for Admission: Applicants for admission to the Program leading to the degree of Master of Business Administration must have a Bachelor’s degree and an acceptable level of scholarship from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. The degree may be in any academic discipline.
Application: Applicants should apply and pay the application fee online at https://apply.embark.com/Grad/LMU/90/.
Transcripts: Two copies of sealed official transcripts must be sent to the Graduate Admissions Office. Transcripts from all institutions attended must be provided. All such transcripts become the property of Loyola Marymount University. All applicants with degrees earned outside the United States must have transcripts evaluated for equivalencies to U.S. degrees.
Graduate Management Admissions Test: All applicants must take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GMAT/GRE scores taken within 5 years are accepted.
International Students: All international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language with one of the following: TOEFL or IELTS scores or undergraduate/graduate degree from U.S. institutions.
Application Evaluations: The MBA Office evaluates the potential candidacy of each applicant.
Applications are evaluated only after the following components are received by the Graduate Admissions Office:

a. application form and personal statement (plus appropriate fees)

b. official transcripts for all previous collegiate work

c. GMAT or GRE results

d. TOEFL, PTEA, or IELTS (when applicable)

e. two letters of recommendation

f. a current resume

g. two years work experience

Entrance: Students may enter the program in the Fall or Spring.
Attendance: Attendance in MBA classes are limited to individuals who have been admitted to the MBA Program and who are registered for the class.

Proficiency Prerequisites

All students admitted to the MBA Program must be proficient in spoken and written English composition, business mathematics, and computer applications. Successful completion of a college-level course in business math or intermediate algebra is required.

Waivers

A waiver may be granted to an applicant with the stipulation that the equivalent course was taken at a AACSB International accredited or regionally accredited 4-year U.S. college or university, and the applicant earned a grade of 3.0 or better on a 4-point scale in the original course. Applicants who completed courses from a 4-year U.S. college or university without AACSB accreditation must have earned a grade of 4.0 on a 4-point scale. Completed courses equivalent to the LMU waiverable core that were taken at schools outside the United States or at 2-year community or junior colleges, or at non-accredited or non-traditional schools are not acceptable. All waivers are granted at the discretion of the MBA Director or designee.

A student may waive a maximum of 3 out of the 4 eligible core classes, MBAA 601-604. A previously completed course that is used as a basis for a waiver a) must cover equivalent material offered in the LMU MBA program (a course syllabus may be requested), b) must have been taken in a regionally accredited and bachelor degree granting academic institution, and c) must have the course grade posted not more than 5 years prior to MBA Program initial enrollment. A course waiver may be granted only in a student’s first term of enrollment in the MBA program. All waiver requests must be resolved prior to the start of a student’s first term of enrollment.

Challenge Exams

Challenge Exams are only available for the core courses, MBAA 601-604. Students who feel that they are sufficiently grounded in the content of a core course by virtue of their work experience or academic study may consider taking the Challenge Exam. Challenge Exams must be taken during the first semester of the student’s enrollment in the MBA Program. Students must fill out a challenge examination request form (available at the MBA Office) and pay the challenge examination fee. Further instructions will be given at that time.

Attendance and Residence

Students are expected to be continuously enrolled in the MBA Program. A LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) may be granted for up to one year at the discretion of the MBA Program Director and the Office of the Registrar. If a student needs to request a LEAVE OF ABSENCE, the student must contact the MBA Office to initiate the process. Individuals who remain on leave for more than two years must formally reapply for admission. Readmission is based on the admission criteria and the curriculum that are in effect at the time of the resumption of classes.

Student Registration, Counseling, and CAPP Report

Registration must be completed each semester during the dates specified in the LMU Academic Calendar provided by the Office of the Registrar.

Newly-admitted students must attend a New Student Group Advising Session prior to their first formal registration. Afterwards, students will have the option to discuss their academic track, challenge exams, and potential waivers with their academic advisor.

In subsequent semesters, students are not required to obtain course approval for registration, unless on academic probation or have been admitted on a “controlled” status. Each student takes responsibility for following the curriculum plan outlined by the MBA Program exclusively. Enrolling in non-LMU MBA courses may result in credits not applying towards the MBA degree.

Students are encouraged to meet informally with faculty in their areas of interest for general and career guidance.

CAPP Report

The Office of the Registrar uses CAPP to certify students for graduation, and all areas in CAPP must show MET before the student may graduate. A student should review his or her CAPP regularly to make sure that courses are listed in the correct areas. CAPP may be adjusted by the student to allow for course substitutions, waived requirements, or any other variance in the program of study. Students must submit an approved Petition for CAPP Adjustments from the MBA Office to the Office of the Registrar.

MBA Program Policies

Responsibility and Academic Standing

A student is responsible for knowing academic and administrative policies and regulations affecting their program of study and for abiding by all such policies and regulations during their period of enrollment at the University. Continued enrollment is subject to compliance with the academic and administrative policies and regulations. Failure to understand the policies and regulations does not relieve a student of her or his responsibility for adhering to the policies and regulations.

A student must maintain in each semester the stated minimum cumulative grade point average for each of the requirements in the degree program. The calculation of standing is based on all courses taken at LMU. Graduates must maintain a B average (3.0) in term, major, program, and cumulative GPA. The calculation is based upon courses taken in Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

Academic Probation and Disqualification

Academic probation constitutes a serious warning to students that their academic performance is unsatisfactory and continued failure to improve this record may result in being disqualified from the University. Additionally, a student who does not make satisfactory progress in the course of study is subject to probation. Further, the Dean or Director may impose restrictions on students on probation regarding the program of study and their participation in scholarship or extracurricular activities at LMU.

Conditions for Academic Probation

Any MBA student who, in any semester, fails to earn a “B” (3.0) average or whose cumulative grade point average in the MBA Program falls below a “B” (3.0) will be placed on academic probation. Students on academic probation will be ineligible for scholarships and tuition remission.

Conditions for Disqualification

MBA program disqualification is based upon two consecutive semesters (Fall, Spring, or Summer) in which work of less than grade of B (3.0) average is earned or in which the student fails to meet conditions imposed by the Dean or other academic entity. Summer sessions are used to calculate if a graduate student is subject to disqualification.

A student can receive no more than two grades below a B- throughout their Program. Should the student earn a third grade below B-, the student will be given one opportunity to retake that course the following semester (provided the student does not also have two semesters on probation). The student may not enroll in other courses concurrently with the repeated course. If the student does not earn at least a B- or better when retaking the course, the student will be disqualified.

Disqualification terminates a student’s relationship with the University. A disqualified student may not register in any division or session of the University, and is denied all privileges of the University, including all organizations or activities in any way connected to the University.

Academic Dishonesty

Please review the LMU Honor Code for definitions of academic dishonesty and detailed information regarding the Honor Code process.

Change of Program or Emphasis/Specialization

A student who wishes to change a program before completing a degree must submit a new application form to the Graduate Admission Office.

A student who wishes to transfer from one emphasis/specialization to another before completing a degree must request an approval from the MBA Office.

Course Loads

It is generally recommended that fully-employed MBA students take no more than six semester hours in the Fall or Spring semester. Those not fully employed may take a maximum of 12 semester hours. During the Summer session, fully-employed students should take no more than three semester hours each term and those not fully employed may take a maximum of six semester hours each term.

Cross-Listed Courses

A cross-listed course is one that carries credit in more than one department or program. Students may not enroll in more than one section of a cross-listed course and may receive credit in one department only. Cross-listed course section changes cannot be made after course completion.

Repeating Courses

Students may repeat a course previously taken at LMU in a subsequent term one time only, including any withdrawals; the prior occurrence is excluded from the cumulative grade point average but remains on the transcript. Please note that although the GPA for that term will change accordingly, the academic status of the previous term will not change.

A student who earns an F in a course or receives a third grade below a B- will be required to repeat that course. The student will only be allowed to enroll in the repeated course and will not be allowed to take additional courses in that semester.

A student who receives an F in course must repeat that course before taking additional courses.

Grade Appeals

Please refer to the Academic Degree Requirements and Policies section of the University Bulletin for more information.

Incomplete Grades

“I” (Incomplete) indicates that the student’s work is incomplete. The student must remove the “I” within one year of receiving it. For students in the MBA Program who elect to do the Integrative Strategy option, the time limit is one year. In those cases, the IP (Work in Progress) code is used. If an Incomplete has not been removed after the specified period of time, the Incomplete grade will automatically change to a “W” (Withdrawal). Students who wish to retake the course must pay regular tuition for the repeated course.

When a professor has granted an “I,” it is the student’s responsibility to arrange a deferred grade. The professor submits a “Deferred Grade Form” with the final grade to the Office of the Registrar. Incomplete grades which are not removed within the time limit given are computed as “I.” A student with two Incomplete grades will be blocked from registration.

Any graduate student who in a given term receives a grade of I (Incomplete) for a course and who subsequently completes the course will receive a grade that is retroactive to the term when the student first registered for the course with all the impact it entails on the student’s academic standing.

Independent Study

Independent Studies classes must be sponsored by a full-time faculty member and approved by the Associate Dean. Independent Studies can only be invoked twice during a student’s MBA program.

There are time constraints associated with an Independent Studies course. The approval process for Independent Studies must be completed during the semester prior to the semester during which the student expects to enroll in the independent studies course.

All questions about Independent Studies should be directed to the Faculty Advisor. The Faculty Advisor is the arbiter of the process facilitating Independent Studies.

Academic Advising

An Academic Advisor is available for all MBA students to assist in navigating through the Program curriculum.

Advising is optional, unless a student is on controlled status or academic probation, in which case the student must be advised prior to registration. MBA Advisor Holds will be placed on the student’s record and not removed until the student has been advised.

Jesuit Network

Jesuit Transfer Network

Students from schools that are parties to the Multilateral Agreement may complete their degree requirements at another Agreement School, subject to the admission standards of the receiving school.

LMU MBA students who have completed more than half of their degree requirements may take courses that apply towards their LMU degree requirements at another Jesuit-affiliated school and still receive their degree from LMU, assuming that they take the courses approved by the LMU MBA Program and earn at least a B in each course.

Those students who have completed less than half of their degree requirements at LMU may transfer to another Jesuit-affiliated school, assuming they meet the receiving school’s admission standards, and receive credit for some or all LMU coursework to apply towards the degree requirements at the receiving school. The receiving school determines the transfer credits they will accept.

LMU will only accept courses towards the degree with grades of B or better.

A student who transfers to LMU from other Jesuit MBA programs are required to maintain the standards of graduate students at LMU and are governed by the guidelines established within the University Bulletin. For more information about the Jesuit Transfer Network, visit http://www.jesuitmba.org/.

A student who transfers in from other Jesuit MBA Programs but will be receiving their degree from their original school are considered Visiting Students (non-degree). The MBA Program grants admission to these students based on space available.

International Study Classes

Students may take no more than one (1) MBA international study class offered by another Jesuit institution.