Program Information
Annette Rogers (Director, MBA Program, 860.768.4270, arogers@hartford.edu)
Glenn Knight (Manager of Graduate Student Services, 860.768.5003, knight@hartford.edu)
The MBA degree program is designed to provide a broad exposure to the knowledge, skills, and values needed by successful managers. Candidates for the degree typically include those pursuing a management career, as well as those at mid-career and those contemplating a change from a technical or specialized field into a general management role. The majority of Barney School students pursue their MBA through part-time study in conveniently scheduled evening classes. The school also enrolls a number of full-time students.
The MBA curriculum consists of 17 courses (51 credits), divided into four components: core, breadth, electives, and capstone. Students with an undergraduate business degree within the last five years can normally waive some or all of the core classes and may complete the program in as few as 12 months. Students with a non-business undergraduate degree may earn the MBA in as few as 16 months, based on a review of academic course work and competency examinations.
Typically, the average working professional completes the program in 36 months.
Prior to entering the program, students are expected to have a working knowledge of computers and be able to use word processing software and spreadsheets. A half-semester introduction to managerial statistics is offered for students lacking math skills or needing a refresher. International students are expected to demonstrate English-language proficiency.
The core of the MBA program is designed for students without prior business education and covers principles and concepts in the basic functional areas of business. The six courses in breadth represent integrative, cross-functional topics that give the Barney MBA its uniqueness. Breadth courses cannot be waived. The capstone integrates functional approaches and environment issues by having students make strategic business decisions.
The MBA curriculum is always under review for continuous improvement.
To receive the degree, students must complete all program requirements and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Program Modification and Transfer of Credit
The program normally requires 51 credits-17 3-credit courses. Students with a strong undergraduate background in business administration may be eligible for modification of the requirements by requesting a waiver for up to six courses or 18 credits. Only the core courses (except MBA 710) may be waived. MBA 710 breadth courses, elective courses, and the capstone may not be waived.
Students who have completed course work at an accredited graduate business school may transfer credit toward the degree for a total of up to six credits of elective courses that have been completed with a grade of B or better. Transfer credit is not included in the grade point average.
Students who have transfer credit may also request to waive courses based on undergraduate background. The total number of waivers and transfer credits combined cannot exceed 18 credits. All students must meet the minimum residency requirements of 33 credits at the Barney School.
Graduate students must present all requests for transfer or waiver of courses within the first semester or first four months (whichever is less) of matriculation in a graduate program.