M.A. in English
The MA in English at UCA is a focused program designed to build upon undergraduate know...
Master of Business Administration - Information Management
Conway, Arkansas
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA), located in Conway, USA, offers a specialized Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Management. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with a robust understanding of core business principles alongside advanced knowledge and skills in managing information systems and leveraging technology for strategic advantage. The flexibility of UCA's MBA program, with options for full-time completion in as little as 12 months, or a part-time schedule with evening and online courses, caters to both recent graduates and seasoned professionals seeking career advancement in the tech-driven business landscape.
AACSB Accredited: Yes, the University of Central Arkansas's College of Business, which houses the MBA program, holds the highly prestigious AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International accreditation. This accreditation is a global benchmark of excellence for business schools, signifying that the program meets rigorous standards for quality in its curriculum, faculty, and student outcomes, and demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. UCA's College of Business has maintained this accreditation since 1984.
Curriculum: The MBA with an Information Management concentration at UCA typically requires 30 credit hours beyond any foundational business prerequisites. The curriculum includes a common MBA core of 21 hours, covering essential business disciplines such as Information Technology for Managers, Accounting for Management Decisions, Financial Decision Making, Marketing Strategy, Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, and Operations Management. For the remaining 9 credit hours, students choose specialized electives in Information Management. These electives often include courses in project management leadership, principles of information security, business intelligence and data visualization, data mining and applied analytics, predictive analytics, Python for data analytics, IT project management, SQL for data analytics, and data management. This focused curriculum ensures graduates are well-versed in both strategic business management and critical information technology applications.
Research Focus: The MBA in Information Management at UCA emphasizes an applied approach to problem-solving within organizations, leveraging information technology and data. While it is not a traditional academic research program with a required thesis, the curriculum integrates courses like "Critical Thinking and Experimental Design" and focuses on quantitative analytical methods, business intelligence, and data mining. This focus trains students to use research-informed approaches and analytical tools to identify, analyze, and solve complex business problems related to information systems and data, preparing them to make data-driven decisions and contribute to strategic IT initiatives.
Industry Engagement: UCA's MBA program, particularly with its Information Management concentration, is highly attuned to the needs of the modern business world. The program is designed to prepare graduates for careers in analytics, security, emerging technologies, database development, enterprise systems, and various management positions that require strong IT acumen. The curriculum's practical focus, including courses in project management and information security, directly aligns with industry demands. The College of Business fosters connections with the business community, and the program's emphasis on project-based instruction, case studies, and computer technology aims to produce graduates who are "work-ready" and capable of immediate contribution to organizations.
Global Perspective: The University of Central Arkansas's College of Business explicitly states its mission to "educate a diverse population of current and future business professionals to successfully and ethically meet the challenges of the global business environment." The skills acquired in an Information Management MBA, such as managing global IT projects, understanding international data regulations, and leveraging technology for global business operations, are universally applicable. Furthermore, the presence of a diverse student body and faculty within the MBA program naturally fosters a global learning environment, preparing graduates to collaborate effectively in multinational teams and contribute to organizations operating in an interconnected global marketplace.
Location
Conway, Arkansas
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 11400
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $50
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make higher education affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, supporting talented students from around the world as they pursue their degrees.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCA provides competitive merit scholarships specifically for international students, awarded based on academic achievements such as high school GPA, standardized test scores, and other accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are renewable each year, provided students maintain satisfactory academic performance.
International Student Scholarship: The university offers dedicated scholarships for international students, including awards that cover partial tuition fees. These scholarships aim to attract high-performing students globally and promote diversity on campus.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Some colleges and departments within UCA provide scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, education, health sciences, or the arts. Prospective students are encouraged to inquire about scholarships related to their major.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Information Management from the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) is a strategic degree designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles at the intersection of business and technology. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of core business functions combined with specialized expertise in managing information systems, leveraging data, and driving technological innovation within organizations. The UCA MBA, being AACSB-accredited, ensures a high-quality education that is relevant to current industry demands.
IT Project Manager: This is a highly sought-after role where graduates oversee technology-related projects from initiation to completion. They manage resources, budgets, timelines, and teams, ensuring IT initiatives align with business objectives. The curriculum's focus on project management leadership directly prepares for this.
IT Consultant: Information management MBA graduates are well-suited to advise businesses on how to best utilize technology to improve efficiency, solve problems, and achieve strategic goals. This involves analyzing IT systems, recommending solutions, and assisting with implementation across various industries.
Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst/Manager: These professionals leverage data to provide actionable insights for strategic decision-making. They design and create dashboards, reports, and data visualizations, helping leaders understand performance, market trends, and operational efficiency. UCA's electives in Business Intelligence and Data Visualization directly support this path.
Data Analyst/Manager: Focusing on collecting, processing, and analyzing large datasets, data analysts extract meaningful information to inform business strategies. An MBA in Information Management provides the context to understand how data impacts business outcomes, and courses like Python for Data Analytics and SQL for Data Analytics are highly relevant.
Information Security Analyst/Manager: With growing cyber threats, professionals who can protect an organization's information assets are critical. Graduates can work on developing and implementing security measures, monitoring systems for breaches, and ensuring data privacy and compliance. UCA's "Principles of Information Security" elective is a strong foundation.
Enterprise Systems Analyst/Manager: These roles involve managing and optimizing large-scale enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (like SAP or Oracle) or other integrated business software platforms. Graduates ensure these systems support business processes efficiently and effectively.
Solutions Architect: Combining technical knowledge with business understanding, solutions architects design complex IT systems and applications that meet an organization's specific business needs. They bridge the gap between technical teams and business stakeholders.
Digital Transformation Manager: As businesses increasingly embrace digital technologies, these managers lead initiatives to integrate new technologies and processes to fundamentally change business operations, customer experiences, and organizational culture. An MBA in Information Management provides the strategic and technical perspective needed.
IT Director/Manager: This leadership role involves overseeing an organization's entire IT department or a significant part of it. IT directors manage IT infrastructure, teams, budgets, and strategic planning, ensuring technology effectively supports overall business goals.
Data Governance Specialist: In an era of increasing data regulation, these specialists ensure that an organization's data is managed according to internal policies and external regulations. They develop and implement data governance frameworks, focusing on data quality, security, and accessibility.
