The Foundational MBA Path for Career Changers

The foundational MBA path is designed for professionals who need to build a comprehensive foundation in the fundamentals of business. Through this well-rounded curriculum, you will gain the quantitative and managerial skills to:

  • Advance in your field or transition into a different industry.
  • Move from a small business or nonprofit organization to a more corporate environment.
  • Move into a leadership role within your current industry.

Through MBA@Dayton, you will earn your degree from UD’s AACSB-accredited School of Business Administration and network with faculty and students who bring diverse business insights to the online classroom.

Program at a Glance

18–22

courses

36–45

credits

2

immersions

18–24

months to complete

Who Should Pursue the Foundational MBA Path?

The 45-credit online MBA program will help you build foundational business skills like finance, accounting, and marketing, in addition to gaining the advanced skills and servant-leadership focus offered by MBA@Dayton. The foundational MBA path is ideal for people who fall into one or more of the following categories:

  • Are looking to move into a leadership role within their company, but lack a traditional business background
  • Have a bachelor’s degree in a non-business related field, such as communications, computer science, engineering or education
  • Have limited quantitative experience

Foundational MBA Curriculum

The 45-credit online MBA curriculum provides a background in all areas of business and culminates with a strategic capstone project. You will prepare to make a difference in your career and community by building practical business skills and developing an understanding of servant leadership.

You may be eligible to have one or two foundational courses waived, depending on your prior work experience.

Foundation Courses

10.5–15 credits

Core Courses

12 credits

Elective
Courses

6–9 credits

Integrated Strategy

6 credits

Integrated Ethics

3 credits

In-Person Immersions

3 credits

If you choose to pursue a concentration, you will take three elective courses instead of two. Explore the MBA@Dayton curriculum and course descriptions.

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Learn how MBA@Dayton can help you become a well-rounded leader in your field.

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How Flexible Is the Foundational MBA Path?

If you take between 7.5 and 9 credits per semester, you can complete the online MBA program in as few as 18 months. However, you can complete the program at a slower pace, if needed, to fit your schedule. Typically, the foundational MBA program path is completed in about 24 months.

Example 24-Month Course Sequence

Term 1:
6 credits

Principled Organization: Integrating Faith, Ethics and Work
Introduction to Financial Accounting
Introduction to Managerial Accounting

Term 2:
4.5 credits

Principles of Finance
Principles of Marketing
Statistical Techniques for Decision Analysis

Term 3:
6 credits

Principles of Operations Management
Principles of Economics
Information Technology and Systems
Principles of Organizational Behavior

Term 4:
4.5 credits

Managerial Economics
Performance Measurement and Control Systems Perspective
Operational Effectiveness

Term 5:
4.5 credits

Business Analytics
Information Systems and Business Decisions
Corporate Finance

Term 6:
3 credits

Organizational Behavior
Marketing Management

Term 7:
6 credits

Leadership, Strategy, and Stakeholder Management
Elective Course*

Term 8:
6–9 credits

Integrative Project
Elective Course*
Elective Course*

* If you choose to pursue a concentration, you will take three elective courses instead of two.

Admissions Overview

UD accepts applications to MBA@Dayton on a rolling basis. A bachelor’s degree is required for admission, but there is no work experience requirement. To apply, you will need to submit the following materials:

  • Online application
  • Academic transcripts
  • Current resume
  • A statement of purpose
  • One professional letter of recommendation

See our application requirements for more information.

Take the Next Step

Request information about MBA@Dayton today to see how you can make a
difference in your career and community in as few as 18–24 months.