Master of Business Administration at Western Kentucky University
The new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Western Kentucky University features a strong business core designed to build essential leadership and management skills across all functional areas. The WKU MBA program equips students with market-aligned skills for their chosen industry sector, with a focus on real-world business application. Our courses provide you with professional skills that you can carry with you as you pursue your career path.
Photo courtesy of © Gensler.
CHOOSE YOUR CERTIFICATE
Build your resume as your earn your MBA. After completing the seven core courses, students select a 9-hour concentration tailored to their career goals. At the time of MBA application, students should also submit a graduate certificate application for their chosen concentration. Two credentials for the price of one!
Each concentration will include the following core and capstone courses:
| Required Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| MGT 510 | Advanced Organizational Behavior | 3 |
| BDAN 513 | Contemporary Analytics | 3 |
| ECON 511 | Applied Microeconomic Theory | 3 |
| ACCT 515 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| FIN 519 | Advanced Managerial Finance | 3 |
| MKT 517 | Advanced Marketing | 3 |
| MGT 590 | Strategic Business Concepts and Applications | 3 |
Concentrations
The Contemporary Leadership concentration empowers MBA students to lead with integrity, navigate complex challenges, and drive innovation in today’s evolving business landscape. Ideal for professionals seeking to influence organizational change and inspire high-performance teams, this track blends ethical leadership, strategic thinking, and real-world application.
Required Courses (select three courses):
- MGT 520 - Critical Thinking and Business Ethics
- MGT 555 - Strategic Leadership
- MGT 546 - Sustainable Business Operations Management
- MGT 560 - Contemporary Human Resources Management
Develop much needed skills in organizations- in the areas of operations management, strategic procurement, sourcing and contract management, logistics, distribution, and warehousing.
Required Courses:
- MGT 576 - Supply Chain Management
- MGT 583 - Procurement Management
- MGT 584 - Supply Chain Analytics
Master the skills of discovering, interpreting, and communicating data patterns for decision making within organizations.
Required Courses:
- BDAN 515 - Data Management
- BDAN 517 - Predictive Analytics
- BDAN 519 - Visualization and Decision Making
Prepares students to utilize marketing tools to enhance their business skills and professional careers.
Required Courses:
- MKT 518 - Contemporary Issues in Sales
- MKT 521 - Market Research and Consumer Insights
- Elective - Any 4XXG or 5XX-level ACCT, BA, BDAN, CYSA, ECON, FIN, MGT, or MGT course not already used in the program
Examine cybersecurity using data analytics and risk management principles to gain cyber resiliency.
Required Courses:
- CYSA 520 - Principles of Cybersecurity for Data Analytics
- CYSA 522 - Cybersecurity Risk and Compliance
- CYSA 524 - Cybersecurity Orchestration Using Data Analytics
Provides the knowledge and practice requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics to be eligible to take the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (R.D.N.) examination. Only students accepted into the WKU Dietetic Internship will be eligible for admittance to the Graduate Certificate in Dietetic Practice.
Required Courses:
- HMD 583 - Foodservice Systems Management
- HMD 584 - Community Nutrition Program Management
- HMD 587 - Seminar in Concepts and Methods of Dietetic Practice
Application and Admission Process
A personalized degree plan is provided within one week of application, and online orientation sessions are held every two months to ensure a smooth start to the program.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Accepted students will be notified in writing and will receive additional orientation materials. Those not admitted will be notified as well and may be encouraged to reapply during the next admissions cycle.
- Completed Graduate Studies admission application, current resume, and two references.
- Applicants must meet at least one of these criteria:
- Minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale and 3 years of professional experience, or
- An undergraduate degree in a business discipline from an AACSB-accredited program with a minimum 3.25 GPA.
Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.25, and some relevant work experience (including internships), may apply for conditional admission. To gain full admission, students must achieve a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their first 12 credit hours.
The balance with classes and my career has certainly been a grind, but I've been so grateful for understanding professors who truly want me to get the most out of this program.
Why earn your MBA at WKU?
The MBA at Western Kentucky University offers students the unique opportunity to earn
multiple certificates as they work towards their degree. This allows students to build
their professional portfolio while earning their MBA. The newly updated MBA program combines a rigorous business core and a targeted concentration that prepares students
to both reskill and upskill—equipping them with broad managerial expertise while sharpening specialized knowledge
to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving business landscape.
- 270-745-2854
- kenzie.jessup@wku.edu
Gordon Ford College of Business
Western Kentucky University
Amy & David Chandler Hall
410 Regents Ave. #11056
The Gordon Ford College of Business is a top business school with dual AACSB accreditation
in both business and accounting programs.