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An MBA, part-time, full-time, evenings, and online, University of Colorado Denver Business School (CU Denver)

Business School, University of Colorado Denver
 

Professional MBA

Pursue your MBA at University of Colorado Denver's Business School


 Professional MBA

The Professional MBA program is the most popular choice of the MBA programs at the Business School. Flexible schedules cater to working professionals looking for a part-time option. In addition, a variety of class offerings and times accommodate those looking to pursue a degree full time. Many students add specializations and dual degrees to maximize their learning experience. We invite you to learn more.

Please see the course catalog for course descriptions.​​​



With our evening and online options, you can tailor this degree to fit your busy schedule. Complete your professional MBA degree at your own pace, either full time or part time. Depending on your work and life demands, you may finish in as little as 16 months or take up to five years to complete the degree.

Evening on-campus courses typically run from 5:00 to 6:15 p.m. Once-a-week classes often start at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:15 p.m. Please check your class schedule carefully for exact days and times.

You may combine on campus courses with online courses during the same semester, or take all of your coursework either on campus or online. You will receive the same high-quality education online as you will in the classroom, on a schedule that is convenient to your busy life. With the online option, your learning environment may be in your own living room, a hotel room, an airport or another country. ​

Your MBA degree can be unique by selecting one of several specializations that will give you an edge in the job market. Modern career paths are in constant flux, so it is an advantage to have a degree that grows with you.

Specializations

 

 

 

 

 
Business Intelligence

Modern business runs on information. Success may depend on the quality of the collection and analysis. Business Intelligence (BI) systems combine operational data with analytical tools to present complex and competitive information to planners and decision makers. This improves the timeliness and quality of inputs to the decision process.

BI is used to understand:

  • the capabilities available in a firm
  • the state of the art, trends, and future directions in the markets
  • the technologies, and the regulatory environment in which the firm competes
  • the actions of competitors and the implications of these actions.

With this specialization, you get the necessary skills and knowledge in:

  • real-time data warehousing
  • data visualization
  • data mining
  • online analytical processing
  • customer relationships management
  • dashboards and scorecards
  • corporate performance management
  • expert and advanced intelligent systems
  • hands on experience with leading BI tools

You will complete:

and choose two from the following:

Business Strategy

Business Strategy examines the development of firm strategic plans and implementation including careful resource allocation and leadership skills essential for organizations to effectively meet their objectives. With this specialization, you get the necessary skills and knowledge used to develop and implement business strategy.

Complete four of the following courses:

Change Management

Change is inevitable. Even when it is advantageous it can be difficult for organizations and people. Add the Change Management specialization to your degree and gain the necessary tools to help an organization understand the stages and benefits of change.

You will complete:

And choose two from the following:

Corporate Financial Management

Your accounting and financial knowledge will be highly valued in business. Adding the Corporate Financial Management specialization to your degree gives you the tools to get started in corporate finance.

Generally corporations are organized with a Chief Financial Officer who overseas the financial and accounting operations of a firm. For the highest positions, both accounting and finance knowledge are critical, and knowledge of management information systems have become more important.

You will complete two finance courses from the following:

  • Financial Decisions and Policies FNCE6310
  • International Financial Management FNCE6370
  • Real Options and Investment Decisions Under Uncertainty, FNCE6410
  • Short-term Financial Management FNCE6450
  • Financial Modeling FNCE6480
  • Entrepreneurial Financial Management ENTP6824

And choose two from the following:

  • Financial Accounting ACCT6030
  • Managerial Accounting ACCT6070
  • Tax Planning for Managers ACCT6140
  • Financial Statement Analysis ACCT6340
  • Accounting and Information Systems Processes and Controls ACCT6510
Decision Sciences

Add the Decision Sciences specialization to your degree and learn to use mathematical models to enhance decision-making capabilities in the workplace. Gain understanding of the more common types of modeling procedures—supply chain, quality, project management, forecasting, services operations management, and other advanced quantitative methods.

You will complete four of the following:

Enterprise Technology Management

Gain a better understanding of business driven technology management. Add the Enterprise Technology Management specialization to your degree and focus on Information Technology as a prime driver and enabler of business strategy.

To specialize in ETM you do not have to have a background in business programming however you should take Information Systems Management (BUSN6610) from the core MBA prior to taking the courses in this specialization.

Complete four of the following:

Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship specialization provides a range of focused courses geared towards individuals looking to start their own business. All courses are taught at the Bard Center for Entrepreneurship located in the heart of downtown Denver. Complete three entrepreneurship courses to receive a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies. Additionally, you have opportunities to participate in a number of Bard Center programs; including the annual business plan competition, internships in area businesses, speaker programs with local entrepreneurs, and connection with new ventures.

You will complete one of the following:

Choose one of the following:

  • Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship ENTP6000
  • Entrepreneurial Financial Management ENTP6824
  • New Concept Development ENTP6842

and any one Entrepreneurship (ENTP) course of your choice.

Please refer to the Bard Center website for a complete selection.

Finance

Adding the finance specialization to your degree gives you skills in different financial functional areas including corporate, investments, and financial institutions. You get the tools and skill sets you need for finance decision making and investment.

Choose from a diverse selection of finance electives to fit your individual career goals and objectives.

You must complete Financial Management BUSN6640 from the MBA core as a prerequisite.

You must first take Investment Management Analysis FNCE6330 as a required course for the specialization.

In addition to this course, you may take any three 6XXX or higher level Finance courses to complete the specialization.

Financial Analyst

As a Financial Analyst (often called a securities, research, or equity analyst), you analyze companies, describe the business, and present an opinion on the potential for the company.

Often you will use fundamental analysis, with information obtained from public records, financial statements, and contacts with management.

You will complete two finance courses from the following:

and two accounting courses from the following:

Information Systems

You want to be sure you are learning skills relevant to business now. Information systems have become ubiquitous. Managers now understand the need for IS and the benefits that provide an edge on the competition. Information systems impact accounting, financing, marketing, management; in fact every area of business has been changed by technology.

Your Information Systems specialization added to your degree at the University of Colorado Denver will cover the development, operation an evolution of the IS infrastructure.

You will complete:

And choose two of the following:

International Business

International Business is quickly becoming simply business. Adding a specialization in International Business to your degree will help you to work internationally, and with international companies. From cross cultural management to legal aspects to marketing internationally. Prepare yourself for how business works today.

You will complete

  • Introduction to International Business INTB6000 OR
  • International Entrepreneurship ENTP 6826

And any three  of the following courses:

  • International Accounting ACCT6370
  • International Tax Accounting ACCT6800
  • International Entrepreneurship ENTP6826
  • International Financial Management FNCE6370
  • International Corporate Governance FNCE6411
  • International Human Resources Management INTB6040
  • Legal Aspects of International Business INTB6060
  • Dialogue on Globalization INTB6800
  • International Marketing MKTG6020
  • Marketing in Emerging Markets MKTG6080
  • Or any International Business (INTB) 6000 level courses INTB6XXX
Investment Management

Knowledge of investments, macroeconomics, securities analysis and valuation, are important aspects of investment management. Add the Investment Management specialization to your degree, and get the tools you need for your career. There are a variety of different career opportunities in corporate, non-profit and government firms.

You will complete:

  • Macroeconomics and Financial Markets FNCE6300
  • Investment Management Analysis FNCE6330

And choose two of the following:

  • Security Analysis and Firm Evaluation FNCE6340
  • Financial Innovations FNCE6350
  • Futures and Options FNCE6380
  • Futures, Options, Swaps etc. an Overview of Financial Derivatives FNCE6382
  • Practical Equity Analysis and Portfolio Management FNCE6430
  • International Financial Markets FNCE6370
  • Mutual and Pension Fund Management FNCE6800
Services Management

Starbucks doesn't sell coffee. Apple doesn't sell iPods. Actually they do, but they distinguish themselves with their services. Service based business is the fastest growing business area today. The Services Management specialization added to your MBA from the University of Colorado Denver will give you the ability to operate and market in the service sector.

You will complete:

And choose two of the following:

  • Financial Institution Management FNCE6360
  • Managing People for Competitive Advantage MGMT6380
  • HRM: Performance Management MGMT6730
  • Customer Relationship Management MKTG6090
Sports and Entertainment Management

The Sports industry is the sixth largest industry in the United States and the Sports and Entertainment industries are converging. To become a professional in these industries, you need special skills. Through this specialization, you gain the tools to get ahead in both the sports management and entertainment management industries.

You will complete four of the following:

  • Sports and Entertainment Management MGMT6830
  • Law and Negotiation in Sports and Entertainment MGMT6832
  • Sports and Entertainment Marketing MKTG6800
  • Finance in the Sports and Entertainment Industries BUSN6860
  • London Calling: Global Sports and Entertainment Management (travel study) MGMT6834

Optional internship

  • Internship (Sports and Entertainment) MGMT5939 (see below)

An internship can set you apart from the rest as you move into your career. Experts agree that hands-on experience is advantageous in distinguishing a candidate from other job applicants. The Business School is proactive in arranging internships to advance your career opportunities. The internships in the Sports and Entertainment Management area are rewarded to our top students.

Example companies you may internship with include:
  • Adrenalin, Inc.
  • Anschutz Entertainment Group - Sports
  • Anschutz Entertainment Group - Music/Entertainment
  • Denver Broncos
  • Denver Center for Performing Arts
  • Kroenke Sports
  • Liberty Media
  • Los Angeles Galaxy
  • Metro Denver Sports Commission
  • Qwest Communications
  • Romani Group/Icon Venue Group
Managing for Sustainability

More than ever before, major companies and entrepreneurial ventures are seeking competitive advantage and success by embracing sustainability — social and environmental responsibility — as a core business strategy. Farsighted leaders recognize that this new way of doing business requires skills in sustainable management including social entrepreneurialism, eco-efficiency, inter-disciplinary problem solving and a triple bottom line approach of economics, environment and society.

Make your degree a green MBA by adding the Managing for Sustainability specialization and learn what businesses are facing in a world where resources are scarce, social safety nets are declining, and customers and commentators are concerned about a company's investment in corporate responsibility.

There are alternative ways to reduce the negative impact of economic activities through:

  • sustainable finance and accounting
  • corporate social responsibility
  • social entrepreneurship
  • green marketing
  • carbon and climate management

Examine the role of business in fostering the long-term health and viability of communities, the environment and the company.

You will complete four of the following:

  • Managing for Sustainability MGMT6821
  • Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility MGMT6822
  • Sustainable Business Opportunity MGMT6823
  • Accounting & Finance for Sustainability BUSN6800
  • Business and the Natural Environment BUSN6830
  • Marketing and Sustainability MKTG6800
  • Supply Chain Management BUSN6826
  • Innovation in the Social Sector ENTP6858
  • Business Plan for Social Entrepreneurs ENTP6860
  • Sustainable Management Research ENTP6800
  • Global Climate Change INTB/BUSN6870
  • Internship/Field Study MGMT5939

You must choose three of the courses from the courses listed above, but you may submit a petition to the Program’s Office to substitute a fourth course offered in the sustainability area across the University of Colorado Denver campus.

One course may be taken outside the Business School from a school or college offering courses in sustainability.

An internship/field study focused on sustainability can also substitute for one of the elective courses.

Courses are campus-based, online or hybrid (a combination of in class and online work).

Human Resources Management

A company is a group of people working toward a common goal. Add the Human Resources Management specialization to your degree, and get advanced knowledge and tools and techniques you can use in recruiting, hiring, developing, motivating and rewarding managerial and non-managerial employees. Also learn about technology solutions such as designing and delivering online training and performance management programs.

You will complete:

  • Managing People for Competitive Advantage MGMT6380

And choose three of the following:

  • International Human Resources MGMT6040
  • Human Resource Management: Staffing MGMT6710
  • Human Resource Management: Training MGMT6720
  • Human Resource Management: Performance Management MGMT6730
  • Human Resource Management: Compensation Administration MGMT6740
Marketing

Marketing is about building long-term relationships between your firm and those who buy its offerings. Just how important is marketing to a firm’s success? Well without it there would be no way to communicate with current or potential customers and no revenues. That’s right, all of a firm’s revenues flow through the marketing function and the way a firm communicates with its markets is through its offerings.

Given its critical roles in the success of any firm you might want to develop a deeper understanding of the issues it addresses and a more complete toolkit for analyzing its impact. This is what an MBA degree with a Marketing specialization from the University of Colorado Denver is designed to do. Your MBA-based Marketing specialization will give you the skills and confidence needed to effectively manage a firm and in particular those aspects associated with building profitable, long-term, business relationships.

Since Marketing is such a broad area that affects many aspects of business we provide you considerable flexibility to select courses that are appropriate for your chosen career. In fact, we recommend that before selecting your marketing electives you speak with one of our marketing professors for additional insights on which courses are better suited to your situation. To earn the Marketing specialization as part of your MBA degree you will need to take four marketing classes, two are determined by us and two are of your choosing.

You will complete:

And choose any two 6000 level marketing course.

Explore the array of core and elective courses offered by the marketing department here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Earn a Dual MBA and MS Degree

If you are looking for a highly specialized degree but still want an MBA, consider a dual degree . As the largest Business School in the region, we offer seven different choices for a dual degree within the Business School and several others in collaboration with other schools and colleges. Work toward both an MBA and a specific Master of Science degree. Dual degree programs combine the career advantages of the MBAs broad knowledge base with the specialized skills of an MS degree.

  • Complete 36 MBA credit hours
  • Complete the specified coursework for your chosen MS focus (accounting, decision sciences, finance, information systems, international business, management or marketing)
  • Dual degree privileges are not available with an MS in Health Administration
  • We also offer dual degrees with other colleges at UC Denver
    • MD/MBA
    • MArch/MBA
    • MURP/MBA
    • MBA/Political Science
  • The Business School has partnered with the Garvin School of International Management at Thunderbird (Glendale, Arizona) to offer a dual MBA and Master of International Management (MIM). 

In many ways this is a very frightening time to be graduating. The economy is a shambles, unemployment is sky high, and the foundations upon which many businesses have been built have been shaken. The MBA has given me the skills, confidence, and knowledge to adapt and survive in an increasingly complex and competitive business environment." James Uhles

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