Master of Business Administration - General

Program Overview

Woodbury University, located in Burbank, California, United States, offers a dynamic Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a General track designed for aspiring and current professionals seeking a comprehensive and flexible graduate business education. This program is structured to provide a broad understanding of core business functions, strategic thinking, and leadership principles, preparing graduates for diverse managerial roles across various industries. Woodbury's MBA is noted for its intensive format and focus on responsible leadership, sustainable business practices, and self-empowerment, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in a personalized learning environment.

ACBSP Accredited: The School of Business at Woodbury University holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). This accreditation signifies that Woodbury's business programs, including the MBA, meet rigorous standards for quality in teaching, learning, and student outcomes. ACBSP's focus on teaching excellence and a student-centered approach ensures that the curriculum is relevant to the needs of the business world and that graduates are well-prepared for their careers. Woodbury's ACBSP accreditation, obtained in 1998 for its BBA and MBA programs, demonstrates a long-standing commitment to quality business education.

AACSB Accredited: In addition to ACBSP accreditation, Woodbury University's School of Business is also proudly accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This is a highly prestigious global accreditation, achieved by less than 5% of business schools worldwide. Woodbury first received AACSB accreditation in 2014 and has successfully reaffirmed it, most recently in February 2024. AACSB accreditation signifies that the MBA program meets the highest standards of excellence in curriculum, faculty qualifications, intellectual contributions (research), and impact on practice. This dual accreditation provides graduates with a distinct advantage, signaling to employers a top-tier business education.

Curriculum: The General MBA curriculum at Woodbury University consists of 36 credit hours, typically comprising 8 core required courses and 4 elective courses, which allow for a general track or specialization into one of five concentrations (Accounting-Finance, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, Leadership-Global Strategy, and Sustainability). The program is designed for efficient completion, with courses offered in 7-week sessions, allowing students to finish in as little as one year (for those with an undergraduate business degree) or one and a half years (for those without a business background, including pre-MBA courses). Core courses provide a sound knowledge base in areas such as Financial Accounting, Quantitative Methods for Business Decisions, Managerial Economics, Managing and Leading Organizations Ethically, Marketing Concepts and Strategies, Managerial Finance, Management of Information Technology, Entrepreneurship, and a capstone Strategic Management Consulting course.

Research Focus: Woodbury University's MBA program, including the General track, emphasizes a practice-based curriculum informed by robust scholarship. Faculty members are "edu-preneurs" who routinely publish research in professional journals and books, integrating their scholarly insights into the classroom. The program encourages students to engage in "design thinking," a creative, results-oriented approach to problem-solving that is rooted in research and analysis of real human needs. The capstone course, "Strategic Management Consulting," often involves students working collaboratively in teams to help local businesses develop marketing plans and strategy, applying learned concepts in a practical, research-driven consulting context. This approach fosters critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making.

Industry Engagement: Woodbury University demonstrates strong industry engagement, particularly through its location in the Los Angeles area, a hub for diverse industries. The School of Business cultivates innovative leaders for a sustainable society, aligning its curriculum with current market demands. Faculty members are not only scholars but also industry practitioners, bringing real-world experience into the classroom. The university maintains an "influential Board of Advisors" comprised of industry leaders who actively engage with students, offering personal feedback, consulting on career paths, and preparing them for job interviews. The program's focus on "civic engagement" also encourages students to work on real-world business challenges, further strengthening their practical industry exposure.

Global Perspective: Woodbury University's MBA program inherently integrates a global perspective within its core mission to prepare leaders who "think globally" and for whom "commerce is now international, multicultural, and challenging in fascinating ways." While the General MBA does not have a specific global emphasis course, the curriculum acknowledges the interconnectedness of modern business. For instance, the Leadership-Global Strategy concentration offers courses such as "International Marketing" and "International Business Strategy." The university itself embraces diversity, with a significant international student population and faculty members representing various countries, enriching classroom discussions with global viewpoints. This emphasis prepares graduates to navigate and succeed in complex, diverse, and globally integrated business environments.