Samford University is “where passion meets purpose.” Located in Birmingham, Alabama, it was established in 1841, making it the 87th oldest higher learning institution in the U.S. This top-ranked, nationally recognized, leading Christian university is grounded in the liberal arts and Christian values, offering an ethically, intellectually, and spiritually nurturing environment. Regionally accredited by the SACSCOC, Samford has ten academic schools with various degrees for over 5,700 students annually, including an online MBA.
Business School
Business students experience a high-quality education that develops strong Christian business leaders at the AACSB-accredited Brock School of Business. Since 1965, the School of Business has strived toward meaningful scholarship, ethical teaching, and servant relationships and has developed a relevant and contemporary values-based curriculum. The 921 students participate in undergraduate majors and minors, options of concentrations, internships, graduate degrees, a Scholars program, professional development opportunities, applied and practical learning, and Executive Education programs.
Programs
Undergraduate majors are in Economics, Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management, and Marketing, with concentration options in Social Entrepreneurship, Professional Sales, Data Analytics, Risk Management & Insurance, and Sports Marketing. Brock also offers business minors in Data Analytics, Economics, Marketing, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Business, and Social Entrepreneurship.
Graduate students pursue an on-campus, online, or hybrid MBA, a Master of Accountancy, or one of seven joint degree programs. Examples of joint degree programs include MBA/Master of Accountancy, MBA/Juris Doctor, MBA/Master of Healthcare Administration, and MBA/Master of Divinity. The Executive Education programs provide individuals and organizations with education, consulting, and professional development training.
Accolades
Samford receives a #61 ranking for its online MBA from Fortune Magazine.
Online MBA Requirements
Online MBA students will understand critical thinking and decision making, cross-disciplinary competence, corporate and social responsibility, effective communication, and teamwork. This degree prepares students for practical application, problem-solving, and successful leadership in today’s global business world. There are up to three prerequisite courses students must complete if they do not have enough business knowledge to start the MBA program. With that in mind, the online MBA requires 36-45 credits, or 39-48 credits with a concentration in Data Analytics, Finance, or Sports Business.
Courses
Prerequisite courses are Corporate Finance, Financial Accounting for Managers, and Foundations of Economics & Statistics. Core courses include Accounting for Decision Making, Managerial Finance, Human Resource and Organization Management, Operations Management, Strategic Management, Managerial Communications & Analysis, Economics of Competitive Strategy, Management Information Systems & Communications Technology, Marketing Strategy, and Managing Corporate Integrity. Two MBA electives are required, and an optional third elective is to be completed if a student pursues a concentration.
Application Requirements
Considerations for admission include academic abilities, managerial potential, and involvement in extracurricular, church, and community activities. Applicants must possess an institutionally-accredited bachelor’s degree and preferably have work experience, but it’s not required. GMAT/GRE scores are currently temporarily waived. Other submissions include official transcripts, an online application, a professional resume, and an application fee.
