MBA505 GATEWAY EXPERIENCE (1 CREDIT)

Provides students with an introduction to the integrated nature of business. Introduces the idea of experiential learning and develops expectations for the graduate core courses. The course will involve a hands-on experiential group exercise. P/F grading basis.

MBA510 LEADERSHIP (3 CREDITS)

Explores the history, art, science, and practice of leadership in organizational settings. Such issues as leadership history, change, visioning, coaching followership, and socio-technical concerns will be covered. Emphasis will be placed upon merging theory and practice and personal leadership skill development. Prerequisites: MBA 505 must either be completed before taking MBA 510 or taking MBA 505 concurrently with MBA 510.(G)(3)

MBA515 LEGAL AND ETHICAL OPERATION OF BUSINESS (3 CREDITS)

A course designed for managers to operate an entity in compliance with the legal system in an ethical manner. The focus is on the practice of preventative law and managing operations in such a way as to take advantage of the safeguards that the legal system provides.

MBA520 MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING (3 CREDITS)

Application of managerial accounting concepts, techniques and issues, emphasizing uses of internal accounting information for decision making, planning or budgeting, and evaluation/control. Topics include alternative cost measurement, accumulation, allocation methods, or analysis techniques (job, process, just-in-time, standard, activity-based costing, cost behavior, cost-volume-profit analysis, contribution approach) that are relevant to various managerial decisions (production, pricing, etc.) and related issues (behavioral implications). Prerequisites: MBA 505 must either be completed before taking MBA 520 or taking MBA 505 concurrently with MBA 520.(G)(3)

MBA522 IMPACT PRACTICUM (2 CREDITS)

The Impact Practicum course is a field-based, experiential learning program designed to provide Butler MBA students with real-world knowledge of select business and industry clusters, and the opportunity to interact with business leaders and experts. The business practicum is intended to be highly experiential and engage successful community and business leaders and experts from economic development clusters. Students will draw on skills acquired in their core and elective courses, and supplemental readings, to engage in a three-day, industry-level business analysis/challenge competition. Working in teams, students will analyze the business task to identify potential paths to success and recommend a solution.

MBA525 MANAGERIAL ECONOMICS (3 CREDITS)

A course in applied microeconomics with an emphasis on business decision making. Topics include market analysis and price determination; examination of managerial response to changing demand, cost, and industry conditions. Prerequisites: MBA 505 must either be completed before taking MBA 525 or taking MBA 505 concurrently with MBA 525.(G)(3)

MBA530 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT (3 CREDITS)

An analysis of the theory and practice of financial management, this course expands on the topics covered in MBA 430. In general, the course focuses on how firms properly acquire and invest funds in a corporate setting. Specific topics include capital budgeting, capital structure, dividend policy, derivatives, mergers and acquisitions, and bankruptcy. Prerequisites: MBA 505 must either be completed before taking MBA 530 or taking MBA 505 concurrently with MBA 530.(G)(3)

MBA535 MARKETING MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH METHODS (3 CREDITS)

An integrated course designed to provide the student with marketing management skills, basic research methodology skills, and a framework to make decisions in a marketing context. Marketing management content issues include: 1) buyer behavior, 2) market segmentation, targeting and positioning, and 3) management of the marketing mix. Research methodology topics include study design, data collection, and forecasting methods. Prerequisites: MBA 505 must either be completed before taking MBA 535 or taking MBA 505 concurrently with MBA 535.(G)(3)

MBA540 INTRODUCTION TO OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN (3 CREDITS)

An introduction to the concepts and techniques of modern operations and supply chain management, and the role that information technology plays to inform the decisions of supply chain managers. The goal is to provide the students with a fundamental knowledge of the extension and impact of the decisions within and across supply chains, understanding the interconnectedness of processes and enterprises, information systems, logistics networks, risks and the importance of integration, and sustainability. Students will also learn about operations management, inventory control, data modeling, demand forecasting, project management, quality management, and others. Group presentations, class discussions, simulations, and case exercises will provide the vehicle for developing decision-making, communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills that are essential for managers. Prerequisites: MBA 505 must either be completed before taking MBA 540 or taking MBA 505 concurrently with MBA 540.(G)(3)

MBA542 THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET (3 CREDITS)

This course examines the nature of innovation and how the entrepreneurial mindset is leveraged to identify and exploit new market opportunities. Detailed attention is given to the entrepreneurial process and how it applies to the entrepreneur, the evolving company, and the established company.

MBA545 INTEGRATED CAPSTONE EXPERIENCE (3 CREDITS)

Designed to serve as a capstone experience in the graduate program. This course reviews key concepts from the individual disciplines (accounting, finance, marketing, leadership, production) and integrates it with new material on strategic management. The perspective is from the point of view of a general manager, division head, or CEO who holds responsibility for shaping the direction and character of the organization. The approach relies heavily on in-depth case analysis and class discussion. Prerequisites: MBA degree-seeking status, MBA505, MBA510, MBA515, MBA520, MBA522, MBA525, MBA530, MBA535, MBA540, MBA542. (G)(3)

MBA558 PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP (2 CREDITS)

The objective of this seminar is to examine leadership approaches/styles in an experiential, in-depth manner. The course includes a highly engaged and participative exploration of both business and not-for-profit organization leadership, as well as a clarification of the students’ personal styles. Prerequisites: MBA510. (G)(2)

MBA568 ENTREPRENEURIAL FINANCE (3 CREDITS)

This course focuses on how entrepreneurs appropriately manage the financial aspects of potential business ventures. Specifically, how entrepreneurs evaluate and value attractive business opportunities, estimate the resources necessary to undertake such opportunities, secure resources on favorable terms, and manage financial resources. Key topic areas include: estimating capital requirements and risk, identifying and evaluating sources of capital, managing financial liquidity, performing business valuations, and understanding exit strategies. Prerequisites: MBA530 and MBA542. (G)(3)

MBA571 GLOBAL BUSINESS EXPERIENCE (2 CREDITS)*

This course introduces students to the business and cultural environments of a particular foreign country through pre-trip work, a short-term study trip, and the preparation of a reflective paper. Designed to serve as a 2-credit elective course, it may be counted towards any of the areas of concentration and satisfies the two G points MBA program requirement. Prerequisites: Completion of 7 hours of 500-level coursework. (G)(2)

* Course is not required, but is an alternative option to MBA522.

MBA584 NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT (3 CREDITS)

This course focuses on the challenges and decisions new product managers face as they take ideas through the new product development process. Organizations need to create, develop, and market new products and services continually to compete effectively in a rapidly changing environment. The course provides and overview of new product development, with an emphasis on customer involvement and consideration throughout the process. It also provides detailed insights on such topics as new-product strategy, idea generation, idea selection and evaluation, concept development and testing, product development and testing, and market testing. Prerequisites: MBA535 and MBA542. (G)(3)

• MBA556 Developing and Managing Teams (2 credits)
• MBA558 Perspectives on Leadership (2 credits)
• MBA559 Venture Planning (3 credits)
• MBA568 Entrepreneurial Finance (3 credits)
• MBA571 Global Business Experience (GG) (2 credits)
• MBA576 International Business Strategy (GGG) (3 credits)
• MBA584 New Product Development (GGG) (3 credits)

• MBA561 Financial Institutions and Markets (3 credits)
• MBA562 International Finance (GGG) (3 credits)
• MBA563 Seminar in Investment Management (3 credits)
• MBA564 Derivatives: Futures, Options, and Swaps (2 credits)
• MBA568 Entrepreneurial Finance (3 credits)
• MBA571 Global Business Experience (GG) (2 credits)
• MBA576 International Business Strategy (GGG) (3 credits)

• MBA552 Managing People in Global Organizations (GG) (2 credits)
• MBA562 International Finance (GGG) (3 credits)
• MBA571 Global Business Experience (GG) (2 credits)
• MBA576 International Business Strategy (GGG) (3 credits)
• MBA581 International Marketing (GGG) (3 credits)
• MBA584 New Product Development (GGG) (3 credits)

• MBA551 People in Organizations (2 credits)
• MBA552 Managing People in Global Organizations (GG) (2 credits)
• MBA553 Issues in Ethics and Social Responsibility (2 credits)
• MBA556 Developing and Managing Teams (2 credits)
• MBA557 Managing Change (2 credits)
• MBA558 Perspectives on Leadership (2 credits)
• MBA559 Venture Planning (3 credits)
• MBA571 Global Business Experience (GG) (2 credits)
• MBA573 Board Fellows (2 credits)
• MBA576 International Business Strategy (GGG) (3 credits)

Whether you are a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, you may ask yourself, “Is an MBA worth it?” No matter your current skill set or experience, earning an MBA can lead to higher earnings, greater career opportunities, and the skills to take on leadership roles sooner. 

Hiring projections for MBA graduates remain high, and demand for new talent is projected to increase by 63 percent in the next five years, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council Corporate Recruiters Survey (2022). The survey also notes that the median starting salary for MBA degree holders  is $115,000, and overall, MBA graduates receive salary offers 22-40 percent higher than bachelor’s degree holders.

Earning a Butler Online MBA may position you for opportunities in the following career paths:

Advancing your education is a big commitment and a worthwhile investment at Butler University. Our students invest in us, and we invest in our students by preparing them with the knowledge and skills they need to make an impact in the world.

The Office of Financial Aid awards Federal Direct Loans to degree-seeking graduate students enrolled at least half-time (three credit hours). There is no gift assistance for graduate students awarded through the Office of Financial Aid. Federal Direct PLUS Loans for Graduate Students and Private Loans are available to those needing additional assistance.

Graduate students who are studying abroad for credit with their program may be eligible to use loans for associated costs. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Please note: Some Graduate Non-Degree Certificate programs may be aid eligible and may follow the procedures for borrowing. Please check with your department for details.

Butler makes payment plans and loan options available to its graduate students. Visit the Financial Aid website for more information. For information about a monthly payment plan you can also contact the Office of Student Accounts.

STEPS FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS BORROWING LOANS

STEP 1: COMPLETE THE FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)

• Find the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) here
• For the fall and/or spring semesters, submit the FAFSA for the academic year (i.e. fall 2021 and/or apring 2022 use the 2021-2022 FAFSA).
• For the summer term, submit the FAFSA for the academic year preceding summer (i.e. summer 2021 uses the 2020-2021 FAFSA).

STEP 2: REGULARLY CHECK YOUR BUTLER UNIVERSITY EMAIL

Students will receive an email when the financial aid notification is available to view on My.Butler.

STEP 3: REVIEW/ACCEPT YOUR FINANCIAL AID AWARDS

Carefully review your offer of financial aid and accept or decline the awards online at my.butler.edu using your username and password provided by the Office of Admission to log in.

• Navigate to my.butler.edu and click Student Financial Planning under Academic Tools.
• Select Home in the navigation bar at the top.
• Click on Review/Accept Awards.
• Follow all steps to review and accept or decline your financial aid awards.

STEP 4: ACT ON YOUR FEDERAL LOANS

If you accepted the Federal Direct Loan, navigate to the Student Financial Planning home page.

• Under Receive Your Funds, select both Complete Subsidized/Unsubsidized Entrance Counseling and Sign your Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized MPN.
• You will be directed to complete both at studentaid.gov. You will log in using your FSA ID from the FAFSA.
• All borrowers will also be required to complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement (counseling) at studentaid.gov.

STEP 5: EVALUATE YOUR OPTIONS TO PAY THE BILL

The Office of Student Accounts publishes the electronic billing statements monthly as charges occur. More information about the tuition and fees, the billing process, payment plans, and additional Student Account Services can be found on the Student Accounts page.

If you need additional assistance to cover educational expenses, Butler offers financing options to invest in your education. Our payment plan, federal grad PLUS loan, and private education loans are available.

MORE LOAN INFORMATION

FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN

The Federal Direct Loan is a long-term, low-interest unsubsidized student loan. Degree-seeking graduate students enrolled at least half-time (three credit hours) may be eligible to borrow up to $20,500 annually.

• Students are required to file the FAFSA.
• Repayment begins six months after graduating, leaving the University or enrolling less than half-time.
• The fixed interest rate for the Federal Direct Graduate/Professional Unsubsidized Loan adjusts each year on July 1. Refer to studentaid.gov for updates.
• The origination fee for the Federal Direct Graduate/Professional Unsubsidized Loan is 1.057 percent.
• The origination fee for the Federal Direct Graduate/Professional Unsubsidized Loan adjusts each year on October 1. Refer to studentaid.gov for updates.

FEDERAL DIRECT PLUS LOAN FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS (GRADPLUS)

Federal Direct PLUS Loan for graduate students is available to creditworthy students pursuing a graduate degree. Grad PLUS Loans may cover educational expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods, and the lender is the U.S. Department of Education.

• Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Deferment options are available while the student is in school.
• The fixed interest rate adjusts each year on July 1. Refer to studentaid.gov for updates.
• The origination fee adjusts each year on October 1. Refer to studentaid.gov for updates.
• Students must complete the FAFSA and apply for the PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov.
• The Office of Financial Aid will process a PLUS Loan upon notification of credit approval.
• The Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be signed prior to funds being credited to the student’s account.
• All borrowers will also be required to complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement (counseling) at studentaid.gov.
• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of three credit hours to be eligible for the loan.

PRIVATE LOANS

Graduate students may consider private loan options after exhausting opportunities from federal aid programs. See the private loans section on our Financing Options webpage for more information about the available loan programs. For graduate certificate programs that are not federal aid eligible, students may be able to use private loans. Some private loan lenders, like Sallie Mae and PNC, allow borrowing for graduate certificates.