College of Business - NIU

MyNIU | A-Z Index | Calendar | Directory | Maps | NIU Home

NIU Website Search:
Advanced Search

• About M.B.A. Program
• Evening M.B.A.
• Admission Criteria
• Admission Process
• Course Fees
• Curriculum and Degree Requirements
• FAQs
• Schedules
• Executive M.B.A.
• Professional M.B.A.
• Fast-Trak M.B.A.
• M.B.A. Calendar
• Attend an Open House
• Colloquiums
• Safety & Security on Campus
• Video Testimonials
• Workshops
• College Home
• M.B.A. Program Home

Evening M.B.A. Curriculum and Degree Requirements

Evening M.B.A. Curriculum

NIU's Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) strives to achieve excellence through a process of continuous review and improvement, responsive to M.B.A. students by creating opportunities for mastery of traditional, current, and emerging knowledge and responsive to employers by producing high-quality graduates with the competencies and abilities necessary to participate effectively in a rapidly changing, increasingly diverse, global business environment.

Minimum competencies in computer, mathematics (including successful completion of MATH 210, Finite Mathematics, or a first course in calculus), and communication skills will be expected before entry into the programs. Most students now entering the M.B.A. program have acquired these skills as part of their undergraduate programs. For those who have not, such courses are readily available at undergraduate schools or community colleges.

All students must have access to business library material and a personal computer with spreadsheet and word processing software, email, and Internet access.

Evening M.B.A. Program Degree Requirements

All NIU College of Business master's degree programs, including the Evening M.B.A., consist of two phases. Phase One (a minimum of 18 semester hours) is designed to compensate for deficiencies in undergraduate course work or experience considered to be prerequisites for the Phase Two (a minimum of 30 semester hours) graduate course work.

Phase One: Business Foundation Core

The Phase One curriculum focuses on business tools including applications in financial accounting, legal issues facing managers, economic forecasting and quantitative analysis for decision making, as well as the concepts and theories of business disciplines (financial management, general management, marketing, and operations management).

Phase One requirements are included in a student's required program of courses unless:

1. A grade of C or better has been earned in corresponding undergraduate courses;
2. A grade of B or better has been earned in equivalent graduate courses elsewhere; or
3. A "Pass" has been achieved on the first and only attempt of the Phase One exemption examinations. You may attempt an exemption exam only once for a given Phase One course. For additional details, please contact the Office of MBA Program.

Phase One waivers/deficiencies are determined by transcript evaluation. For the program application, the university requires baccalaureate (and any higher degree) transcript(s) only. However, if course work is completed at schools other than one(s) from which the degree(s) is received and these classes may be considered to waive a Phase One requirement, please submit any such transcripts for review.

Please note:

• Phase One courses may not be used as Phase Two electives; credit earned in Phase One will not count toward the 30 or 31 semester hour degree requirement in Phase Two.
• The pre-program prerequisite of finite mathematics or a first course in calculus should be completed prior to entering a graduate program in business.
• The M.A.S and M.S. M.I.S. programs have additional Phase One requirements. Refer to the current Graduate Catalog or the specific department for more details.

The Phase One: Business Foundation Core must be completed prior to enrollment most of the Phase Two courses. Refer to the current Graduate Catalog course descriptions for the course-specific prerequisite requirements.

Phase Two: Business Applications Core and Electives - 30 semester hours

The Phase Two: Business Applications Core and Electives builds on the foundation through individual and group research and case study projects. Emphasis is placed on critical analysis of business problems and strategic thinking. Required courses include financial and operations analysis, strategic marketing and management policy, organizational behavior, and information system technology management.

Colloquium Block: non-credit

Attendance at 3 non-credit colloquia is required and may be completed at any time in master's degree program.

Total length of M.B.A program:

• If only Phase Two: 30 semester hours plus the colloquium block


• If Phase One and Phase Two: 48 semester hours plus the colloquium block

Please refer to the current NIU Graduate Catalog for specific Phase One and Phase Two course descriptions. Ongoing curricular review could result in program changes and requirements during the term of matriculation, so please remain in close contact with departmental advisers. During the fall and spring terms, 2 credit hour courses meet in 8-week modules and 3 credit hour courses meet for 14 weeks. All courses meet one night per week during the fall and spring term. Two credit hour courses meet one night per week in the summer, with 3 credit hour courses meeting two nights per week.

Limitation of Time:

All Phase Two requirements must be met within six consecutive years. This time limitation commences with entry into the first Phase Two course, including work for which transfer credit is allowed. If a course taken to complete the requirements for Phase Two does not fall within the six-year period allowed for the degree, the student must demonstrate currency by examination or by repeating the course.

For more information, attend one of our open houses or contact us today at (866) NIU-MBA1 (648-6221) or mba@niu.edu.

© 2009 Board of Trustees of Northern Illinois University.

DeKalb, Illinois  60115 | Contact Information | Web Site Privacy Policy