MBA Master of Business Administration

Program Overview

The University of Tulsa's Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, offered through the AACSB-accredited Collins College of Business, is designed to cultivate the next generation of visionary business leaders. The program offers both a full-time cohort track, often completed in 16 months, and a flexible working professionals track, typically spanning 24 months, to accommodate diverse student needs. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and practical application, the MBA program equips graduates to manage cross-functional teams and lead in high-demand fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations, and supply chain management. A distinctive feature is the personalized executive mentorship program, connecting students with seasoned professionals from the business community to enhance their learning and career trajectory.

STEM Designated: The University of Tulsa's MBA program is not explicitly marketed as STEM-designated. While the Collins College of Business offers a STEM-designated M.S.B.A. in Business Analytics, the traditional MBA program typically falls under general business management. Prospective international students interested in the benefits of a STEM designation (like extended OPT) should confirm the exact STEM status of the MBA program directly with the University of Tulsa admissions or international student services.

AACSB Accredited: Yes, the Collins College of Business at the University of Tulsa holds prestigious AACSB International accreditation. This accreditation is a global benchmark of excellence, affirming that the MBA and other business programs meet the highest standards for quality in curriculum, faculty, and continuous improvement. Less than one-third of U.S. business schools and under 6% worldwide achieve this distinction, ensuring a high-caliber educational experience.

Curriculum: The MBA curriculum, typically 30-37 credit hours, is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in key business functions. Core courses cover essential areas such as financial management, marketing management, leading and managing organizations, corporate and business strategy, operations management, and computer information systems. The program integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, often including a capstone course where students work on real consulting projects for local businesses or non-profits. Elective courses allow for customization, with potential specializations in areas like accounting, finance, energy, marketing, and management. The curriculum also emphasizes key learning outcomes in communication, business ethics, and the functional analysis and application of business concepts.

Research Focus: While the MBA program at the University of Tulsa is primarily a professional degree focused on practical application and leadership development, it integrates elements of research and evidence-based decision-making. The curriculum is designed to impart critical thinking skills by immersing students in real-world situations, encouraging them to analyze complex problems and synthesize market information. The program's learning outcomes include the ability to create professional documents and apply ethical decision-making models. Faculty research, often in areas like energy economics, management, and marketing, informs the curriculum, allowing students to engage with cutting-edge concepts and apply research principles to solve business challenges.

Industry Engagement: The University of Tulsa's MBA program demonstrates significant industry engagement, boasting a 100% employment rate for its graduates. This success is fostered through various initiatives, including invaluable internships and experiential learning opportunities with area businesses. Each MBA student is uniquely matched with a personal executive mentor from the business community, providing direct exposure to industry leaders and invaluable networking opportunities. Alumni from the MBA program find employment at top companies such as J.P. Morgan, Williams Companies, Schlumberger, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, ConocoPhillips, and Amazon, reflecting the strong connections forged through the program and its commitment to career success.

Global Perspective: The MBA program at the University of Tulsa implicitly fosters a global perspective by preparing leaders for the "ever-evolving world of business," which is inherently global. The AACSB accreditation ensures a curriculum that meets internationally recognized standards, and the program's focus on leading in diverse fields and managing cross-functional teams prepares graduates for global enterprises. While specific international travel components are not consistently highlighted, the Collins College of Business generally emphasizes integrating global connections and preparing students to embrace the challenges of academic rigor through real-world experiences that utilize both local and global contexts. The diverse backgrounds of the university's student body also contribute to a globally aware learning environment.