Master of Business Administration

 
 
 

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MORNINGSIDE MBA PROGRAM

Unlock your potential with a graduate degree from Morningside University, where your education is more than just a pathway to higher earnings and career advancement. Our MBA program focuses on building vital skills that go beyond the classroom, such as leadership, strategic thinking, and self-confidence. Designed for your busy lifestyle, Morningside's MBA offers intimate class sizes and a collaborative learning environment that ensures personalized support for your success.

Program Details

Credits

36

Cost per credit

$400 with no extra fees

Online/In-Person?

Online/In-Person

Term Length

8 Weeks

Full-Time/Part-time?

Either

A Great Fit For

  • Busy Professionals: If you’re juggling work responsibilities and personal commitments, the Flex MBA program offers you the variability you need to advance your education without sacrificing your current job.
  • Aspiring Leaders: Whether you’re aiming for a promotion or looking to step into a leadership role, the Flex MBA equips you with essential skills and knowledge to enhance your career prospects.
  • Career Changers: If you’re considering a shift in your career path, the comprehensive curriculum of the Flex MBA will provide you with the foundational business knowledge necessary for a smooth transition.
  • Lifelong Learners: If you have a passion for continuous growth and development, pursuing an online MBA helps you stay updated with the latest trends and innovations in the business world.

Courses

BUSN 504 Corporate Financial Accounting (3 credit hours)
This course explores how to read, analyze and assess financial information, statements, and disclosures to effectively evaluate the financial health of a corporation and make management decisions, such as firm valuation, contracting, executive compensation, corporate governance, and assessing performance/profitability. The course draws from basic theories in economics, finance, and psychology to understand and help predict accounting choices of firm managers and reactions of investors, creditors, external auditors, and government regulators such as the SEC, to accounting information. The main objective of the course is to develop higher level conceptual, critical, and creative thinking about implications of accounting and financial reporting in the global marketplace.

BUSN 521 Managerial Finance (3 credit hours)
This course transforms traditional finance principles into a roadmap for contemporary corporate financial management. The course delves into the strategic elements of financial planning, capital budgeting, and optimizing capital structure, alongside innovative approaches to managing net working capital. Integrating ethical considerations into every financial decision-making process, students will engage with real-world scenarios and cutting-edge financial tools to prepare for the challenges of leading fiscal functions in modern organizations.

BUSN 541 Managerial Marketing (3 credit hours)
This course redefines the essence of marketing in the digital age, blending traditional principles with the dynamics of digital marketing strategies. The course focuses on developing analytical and decision-making skills for solving complex marketing challenges while emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies and effective digital communication. Through extensive case studies, students will explore innovative marketing tools and techniques, learn to craft compelling digital marketing campaigns, and refine their ability to adapt and thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

BUSN 532 Organizational Behavior (3 credit hours)
This course dives deep into the psychology of the workplace, integrating contemporary research, theories, and models to explore how individual behaviors and group dynamics influence organizational culture and performance. The course offers a critical lens through which to examine and debate modern organizational structures and management strategies, emphasizing adaptive leadership and innovation. Through interactive case studies and real-world scenarios, students will gain insights into fostering collaborative and high-performing teams within diverse and ever-changing organizational contexts.

BUSN 564 Transformative Leadership and Management (3 credit hours)
This course offers a dynamic exploration of leadership theories and practical management techniques through a blend of academic literature, case study analysis, and immersive experiential exercises. The course is designed to cultivate essential leadership competencies, including strategic decision-making, effective communication, and ethical influence, equipping students to navigate the complexities of modern organizational leadership. Participants will engage in interactive sessions that challenge them to refine their skills in interpersonal interaction, articulate complex ideas through written analysis, and master the art of persuasive oral presentations.

BUSN 517 Managerial Economics (3 credit hours)
This course explores the dynamic intersection of economic theory and business strategy, empowering future leaders to navigate complex market environments. The course delves into advanced analytical techniques for demand forecasting, cost-benefit analysis, competitive markets and market failure, production and cost estimation, and tackling uncertainties, alongside exploring the nuances of market structures and competitive strategies. Through real-world case studies and discussions, students will develop the acumen to make informed decisions that drive organizational success in an ever-evolving economic landscape.

BUSN 584 Strategic Management (3 credit hours)
This course delves into the art and science of building sustainable competitive advantages in today’s fast-paced business environment. The course offers an in-depth examination of industry landscapes and competitive dynamics, teaching students how to formulate, implement, and adapt winning strategies through a blend of case studies, management simulations, and live-case analysis. Designed as a capstone experience, it integrates knowledge from across the MBA curriculum, emphasizing the multifunctional and decision-making challenges faced by top executives. This pivotal course, required in the final semester, prepares students to lead with strategic vision in the global marketplace.

BUSN 535 Management Data Analytics and Decision Making (3 credit hours)
This course transforms the landscape of managerial decision-making by integrating advanced data analytics into the core strategies of modern business management. The course guides students through the essentials of data analytics in management, covering data collection, preparation, visualization, and the application of descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics to solve complex business challenges. Through hands-on projects and case studies, students will learn to harness the power of data to make informed decisions, optimize business processes, and drive organizational success.

BUSN 538 Advanced Operations Management (3 credit hours)
This course offers an in-depth exploration into the strategic role of operations in driving efficiency, quality, and innovation within both service and manufacturing environments. The course delves into the critical aspects of designing effective operations systems, including facility location and layout, resource planning, quality management, and contemporary project management techniques. Through the analysis of live cases and real-world scenarios, students will learn to apply cutting-edge operational strategies to optimize business outcomes and enhance competitive advantage.

BUSN 539 Strategic Project Management (3 credit hours)
This course empowers students with the frameworks and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of project management in today’s dynamic business environments. The course focuses on aligning project goals with strategic business objectives, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality. Through practical applications, students will master the art of utilizing advanced project management tools and techniques for planning, execution, monitoring, and control, preparing them to lead high-impact projects across diverse industries.

BUSN 555 Entrepreneurial Ventures (3 credit hours)
This course guides aspiring entrepreneurs through the journey of transforming innovative ideas into successful business ventures. The course covers the essentials of ideation, validation, and business model formulation, along with strategies for securing funding and navigating the financial landscape of startups. Students will engage in hands-on activities to select, develop, and pitch a startup concept, culminating in a comprehensive business plan that lays the foundation for a viable, growth-oriented company. Through this process, participants will gain the insights and tools necessary to launch and sustain entrepreneurial ventures in the modern marketplace.

BUSN 540 Global Business Dynamics (3 credit hours)
This course delves into the complex ecosystem of international business, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and opportunities faced by firms operating across borders. The course offers a deep dive into the economic, cultural, legal, and geopolitical factors that influence global business strategies and decision-making. Through engaging case studies and interactive discussions, students will explore effective management practices for multinational corporations and develop the skills necessary to navigate the global business landscape successfully, adapting to its constant evolution and leveraging international opportunities.

BUSN 558 Negotiations and Conflict Management (3 credit hours)
This course equips students with the critical skills needed to effectively manage and resolve conflicts within diverse organizational settings. The course explores the spectrum of negotiation tactics and alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation and arbitration, emphasizing practical application through immersive simulation exercises. Participants will learn to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, craft win-win solutions, and apply strategic negotiation techniques to achieve optimal outcomes in both personal and professional scenarios, preparing them for leadership roles in an ever-evolving business landscape.

BUSN 529 Lean Management (3 credit hours)
The course will cover Process Blueprints, Managing Capacity in Systems, Mapping the Value Stream (current and future state), Inventory Management in Systems, Identifying errors in service and troubleshooting these problems by identifying the root causes of errors, Modifying the product or service design to prevent defects from occurring, and Establishing performance metrics that help evaluate the effectiveness of the Lean system in place. These efforts will result to improve quality and reduce waste.

BUSN 559 Artificial Intelligence in Today’s Business Organization (3 credit hours)
This cutting-edge course is designed for MBA students to explore the transformative impact of AI on modern business practices. The course delves into the fundamentals of AI technologies, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, and examines their applications across various business domains such as marketing, finance, operations, and human resources. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical case studies, students will learn how AI drives decision-making, enhances efficiency, and fosters innovation in today’s organizations. The curriculum also addresses the ethical and managerial challenges posed by AI integration, preparing students to lead in an increasingly AI-driven business landscape. Emphasizing both strategic and operational aspects, this course equips future leaders with the insights and skills necessary to leverage AI for competitive advantage and organizational growth.

BUSN 571 Experiential Internship (3 credit hours)
Explore the practical application of business theory in a real-world setting with an experiential internship. Gain hands-on experience, work closely with industry professionals, and solve real business challenges. The course offers a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, build your network, and prepare for a successful career in today’s dynamic business landscape.

The following two courses will be required if you do not have an undergraduate degree in business or a related field, or if you have significant gaps in your background and preparation for the MBA program. If you have demonstrated professional work experience providing a strong foundation of business skills or if you have recorded a GMAT score of 600 or higher, the bridge courses are not required.

BUSN 501 MBA Essentials I (3 credit hours)
This foundational course is designed to equip students without an undergraduate business background with the essential concepts and tools of economics and statistics critical to navigating the business world. Through exploring how these disciplines interact to drive business strategy and optimize organizational performance, students will learn to apply these mathematical and analytical techniques in real-world scenarios. Emphasizing hands-on learning, the course includes practical computer-based exercises, predominantly using Microsoft Excel, to analyze and solve business problems effectively.

BUSN 502 MBA Essentials II (3 credit hours)
MBA Essentials 2 offers a comprehensive introduction to the pivotal roles of accounting and finance within a business context, designed for MBA students without an undergraduate degree in business. This course delves into the core principles of accounting, including the recording, summarizing, and communication of business activities, alongside the critical analysis and interpretation of financial statements for effective business management. Additionally, it covers essential finance concepts such as the time value of money, investment valuation, and the dynamics of the stock and bond markets, providing students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make informed financial decisions. Through a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, this course aims to equip future business professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive business landscape.

Additional Program Details

The Morningside MBA requires 8 core classes and allows you to select 4 elective classes to customize your MBA to your interests and needs. Courses are offered on a rotational basis to ensure each course is offered in a timely manner to fit your degree progress.

THE MORNINGSIDE MBA DIFFERENCE

  • Earn your MBA degree for less than $15,000 and gain the skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving job market
  • Small, interactive 8-week classes that enhance learning
  • Flexible plan of study options available, both part-time and full-time
  • Rolling application with five start times available throughout the year
  • Tailored scheduling to accommodate working professionals with busy lives
  • Learn from acclaimed faculty with real-world experience
  • Experience a supportive and personalized educational environment
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MEET THE FACULTY

Darrel Sandall

Darrel Sandall

Dean of the School of Business

Because of our close-knit environment and small classes, students in the School of Business build strong connections with the faculty, who all have prior industry experience. As a result, the faculty are tremendously beneficial in helping students understand the career field, learn the skills they need to be successful in their careers, and are great connections for before and after graduation.

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Daniel Wubbena

Daniel Wubbena

Assistant Professor

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James Rajasekar

Associate Professor

James’s Profile

Jay Moran

Department Head, Assistant Professor

Jay’s Profile
John Zink

Jeff Zink

Associate Professor

Jeff’s Profile

Jessica Lumsden

Administrative Coordinator

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Marilyn Eastman

Marilyn Eastman

Professor

Marilyn’s Profile
Ngamboko Muzinga

Ngamboko Muzinga

Associate Professor

Ngamboko’s Profile
Twyla Rosenbaum

Twyla Rosenbaum

Professor

Accounting & Business

Twyla’s Profile
Mark Nielsen

Mark Nielsen

Associate Professor

Accounting & Business

Mark’s Profile

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Morningside University’s MBA program is delivered in an asynchronous online format, providing students with flexibility to manage their studies on their own schedules. For busy professionals and students, this approach ensures that they can balance their personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing their degree. By choosing an asynchronous online MBA, students can enhance their skill set and career prospects without compromising their current commitments, making it an ideal solution for those seeking to advance their business acumen in today’s fast-paced world.

Yes. Morningside University’s MBA program places a strong emphasis on maintaining open lines of communication between students and faculty. Professors are available through various channels, including email, discussion forums, and virtual office hours. This accessibility allows students to seek clarification on course material, engage in meaningful discussions, and receive personalized support throughout their learning journey. Additionally, faculty often use video conferencing tools to conduct live Q&A sessions or interactive discussions, ensuring that you are connected and supported even in a virtual environment.

If you can log into a website, download and upload documents, and participate in live web meetings you have the skills you need! The platform that Morningside uses for the MBA is used by over 200 million students, so it is easy to use. Plus, if you get stumped, your professor can help as well! Many professors offer an online orientation to test equipment and answer any technical questions you have.

Morningside offers robust student support services tailored for its approximately 1,000 online graduate students, ensuring a seamless experience that aligns student needs with solutions and services. Students will have access to a variety of services at no additional cost, including the Graduate Writing Center and the Hickman-Johnson-Furrow Learning Center. These services encompass library resources, research assistance, and writing support provided through the Academic Support Center (ASC) and Graduate Writing Center, which offers online consultations. Additionally, librarians are available to assist online students, providing instructions on resource utilization and access to interlibrary loan services that connect to over 2 billion holdings globally. Support is accessible via phone, email, online, or in person, with the Learning Center typically open Monday through Friday, ensuring comprehensive support for academic success.

In addition to the comprehensive support services already mentioned, Morningside University is committed to promoting the wellbeing of our distance education students by partnering with Empathia. Empathia offers a range of Student Assistance Program services to address various personal concerns and enhance the overall student experience. Students can access telephonic, video, chat, and face-to-face counseling options, as well as Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (dCBT). Furthermore, Empathia provides financial counseling and support, substance abuse prevention and counseling, and dedicated assistance for family members. The program also includes 24/7 crisis support and intervention, resources to help navigate life balance issues, critical incident response and management, and support for students studying abroad. Additionally, staff and faculty consultations are available to address student-related concerns, ensuring that every aspect of our students’ lives is supported throughout their educational journey.

Classes are offered in a quick, in-depth 8-week format to be compatible with your work and life commitments. Your weekly time commitment will vary based on the number of credits you choose to enroll in each term. For a standard 3-credit course spanning 8 weeks, students can expect to dedicate around 6-12 hours a week on readings, project work, and assignments.

The Flex MBA was designed to provide a great return on investment. Tuition is $400 per credit hour with no fees whatsoever. So you can get an MBA for less than $15,000 (plus books). Many employers and graduates report higher salaries for MBA graduates, so the degree is truly an investment that pays for itself!

Check with your benefits office, as many of our Morningside MBA students successfully utilize their company’s tuition remission program to help fund their education. For any questions regarding financial aid, our Financial Planning office is also available to assist you.

Depending on how many courses you take per term, the Flex MBA can be completed in as little as one year (as a full-time student). Many students complete the degree in 2-3 years, balancing the degree with their work and life commitments.

Yes! The MBA is taught by professors with high levels of knowledge, professional experience, and advanced degrees. The core curriculum covers all of the major disciplines of business, with elective courses that allow you to customize the degree to your interests and needs. Plus, in the US, online MBA students outnumber full-time on-campus students (Forbes magazine, 2022).

Yes. Between weekly discussion sessions and group assignments, students make friends and professional connections that last a lifetime.

We’re excited to have you joining us! Once you have reviewed the admission requirements on this page, and then click here to complete the application.

Contact Us

Morningside University
School of Business

1501 Morningside Avenue
Sioux City, IA 51106

712-274-5280
mba@morningside.edu

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