Philosophy
The master of business administration (MBA) program is designed for professionals and future leaders looking to advance and transform their career while positively impacting their communities. The MBA program delivers a global world- class level of education that drives in the most influential, diversified, and innovative business thinkers from around the globe, leveraging on world-renowned faculty, current advances in academic theory and concepts that compliment practical learning, with a customized format that would fit individual needs of participants.
Admission to the Program
There are two admission deadlines for the on-campus MBA program:
- March, for enrollment in the fall term.
- November, for enrollment in the spring term.
As for the online MBA program the admission deadlines are as follows:
- August, for enrollment in the fall 1 term.
- October, for enrollment in the fall 2 term.
- January, for enrollment in the spring 1 term.
- March, for enrollment in the spring 2 term.
Late applications may be considered based on candidate’s qualifications and program capacity. For more details, please refer to the Office of Admissions section of the AUB graduate catalogue under Application Procedures.
Criteria for Admission
The MBA program is looking to attract and admit distinctive candidates with diverse backgrounds and well-balanced competencies - including strong analytical reasoning, critical thinking, maturity, effective communication skills, and demonstrated leadership potential. Each application will be reviewed holistically in a thorough manner. For that, all the elements below are considered when assessing the applicants’ profiles for admission:
- Curriculum vitae (CV). The CV should list the education, details the work experience, highlights the extra-curricular activities as well as any additional information deemed relevant.
- Average GPA. A GPA of 3.3 and above or AUB equivalent from a university recognized by AUB is required for an applicant to be considered for regular admission. Applicants with a GPA between 3.0 and 3.3 can still be considered but only for admission under probation.
- Work experience. Admitted applicants have typically a number of relevant years of experience. Exceptionally, outstanding applicants with less than two-year but not less than one year of experience might be considered.
- GMAT test score. GMAT is required from all candidates as an indicator of the candidates’ analytical strengths. For more information on GMAT application, please consult
https://e-gmat.com/blogs/how-to-register-for-gmat-7-steps-gmat-registration-process/.In lieu of GMAT, candidates may submit a GRE equivalence score (quantitative and verbal sections). Such standardized test allows a more objective assessment of the candidate academic abilities and analytical skills. Candidates who have a strong undergraduate academic performance, have earned a quantitative-based undergraduate degree, have acquired compelling work experience, and have demonstrated leadership potential, might be exempted from submitting a test score.
- Two letters of recommendation. The letters represent an important element that helps assessing the applicant’s competencies beyond the academic performance and therefore should preferably highlight the applicant’s strengths and work experience.
- Essays. Applicants must submit three essays as part of their application. These essays will be used to complete the holistic assessment of the profile of the applicant.
- Interview. Applicants might be invited for an interview in order to complement the holistic assessment.
The Application Process
To apply for admission, the following must be submitted before any further consideration:
- An application form
- Recent photograph in digital format
- Copy of identity card or passport
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts for all undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Proof of English proficiency (please refer to Readiness for University Studies in English - RUSE)
- A curriculum vitae
- A Statement of Purpose
- An application fee
- Copy of GMAT score or a request for GMAT waiver, if qualified
- Note that all students who do not have an undergraduate degree from AUB or any American, Canadian, British or Australian university, must meet the Rules of the Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE) of the university. To apply please submit an online application form at: https://graduateadmissions.aub.edu.lb/.
- In the OSB, the MBA/OMBA Oversight Committee shall act on admission to the MBA program of all applicants. For additional information on graduate admissions, refer to the Office of Admissions section of this catalogue.
Program Components
Overview
The MBA program was launched in the mid-1940s which was the first in Lebanon, the Middle East, and in Europe. In fact, the first European MBA program was created in France in 1957. The MBA is a general management program continuously committed to the highest standards of quality in graduate management education. It covers the various areas of business and offers students a robust knowledge platform comprised of a set of functional, cross-functional, and skill-based courses. Indeed, the program offers a set of core courses as well as a variety of electives courses are available for students to choose from to tailor their learning experience to suit their individual needs.
Starting fall 2020, OSB delivers the MBA program in two modalities: in residence on campus and online. When applying to the MBA program, the applicants must specify whether the application is for the on-campus MBA or the online MBA program (OMBA). Applicants to either mode of delivery, i.e., MBA or OMBA, are subjected to the same admission criteria.
All MBA courses provide students with opportunities to learn, practice and lead in a number of industries including management consulting, entrepreneurship, banking, marketing, media and others.
Program Highlights
- Flexible, innovative curriculum which fosters collaboration, community, teamwork, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- World-class faculty research and a focus on experiential, participatory and analytical learning.
- Rigorous academic training applied to real-world settings practice while developing effective leadership and management skills.
- Ongoing assessment of learning outcomes geared towards continuous improvement.
- A global community of alumni worldwide embodying a powerful network that lasts a lifetime.
Impactful learning, executive connections and partnership opportunities are some of the benefits of the MBA experience at OSB. All our courses provide students with opportunities to learn, practice and lead. The program provides knowledge and recognition from the business world on industries of topics of interest such as consulting, strategy, innovation, and other topics from a variety of industries.
Program Outline
The MBA curriculum is composed of eight (8) core courses and a choice of four elective courses from a list of courses offering important areas of interest to the students. The program is offered on a full-time and part-time basis to suit the needs of students. Completion period ranges between 4 and 6 terms depending on student preferences and work load. It is the only graduate program at OSB which starts every fall and spring of the academic year.
The Curriculum
Curriculum
| Credits |
| Required Core Business Courses | 24 |
| MNGT 306 | Leadership and Behavior in Organizations | 3 |
| MKTG 306 | Marketing Management | 3 |
| DSCN 300 | Models for Decision-Making | 3 |
| BUSS 315 | Prices, Markets, and the Economic Environment | 3 |
| ACCT 301 | Financial Reporting and Analysis | 3 |
| DCSN 310 | Operations and Process Management | 3 |
| BUSS 349 | Strategic Management | 3 |
| FINA 306 | Intermediate Corporate Finance | 3 |
| Electives | 12 |
| Four Business Elective Courses | 3 credits each |
| Total Credit Hours | 36 |
Program Delivery
The program can either be completed on a full-time or part-time basis. As full-time students, the program can be completed within one academic year as follows:
Four-Term Full-Time MBA Degree Plan
|
Course Title | Normal (Cr.) | Core/
Elective/
Remedial |
(Required for Non-BBA Holders prior to joining the regular MBA cycle)
|
| Preterm Course: INFP 300A: Financial Accounting | 0 | Remedial |
| Preterm Course: INFP 300A: Basics of Finance | 0 | Remedial |
| Preterm Course: INFP 300C: Statistics and Team Building | 0 | Remedial
|
Year 1 Fall Term
|
| ACCT 301: Financial Reporting and Analysis | 3 | Core |
| DCSN 300: Models for Decision Making | 3 | Core |
| MNGT 306: Leadership and Behavior in Organizations | 3 | Core |
| BUSS 315: Prices, Markets, and Economic Environment | 3 | Core
|
Year 1 Spring Term
|
| FINA 306: Intermediate Corporate Finance | 3 | Core |
| DCSN 310: Operations Management | 3 | Core |
| MKTG 306: Marketing Management | 3 | Core |
| BUSS 349: Advanced Seminar in Strategic Management | 3 | Core
|
Year 2 Summer Term
|
| Elective I | 3 | Elective |
| Elective II | 3 | Elective
|
Year 2 Fall Term
|
| Elective III | 3 | Elective |
| Elective IV | 3 | Elective
|
Part-time MBA-OMBA students have up to three years to complete the program as follows:
Six-Term Part-Time MBA/OMBA Degree Plan
|
Course Title | Normal (Cr.) | Core/
Elective/
Remedial |
(Required for Non-BBA Holders prior to joining the regular MBA/OMBA cycle)
|
| Preterm Course: INFP 300A: Financial Accounting | 0 | Remedial |
| Preterm Course: INFP 300B: Basics of Finance | 0 | Remedial |
| Preterm Course: INFP 300C: Statistics and Team Building | 0 | Remedial
|
Year 1 Fall Term (Fall I + Fall II for OMBA)
|
| ACCT 301: Financial Reporting and Analysis | 3 | Core |
| MNGT 306: Leadership and Behavior in Organizations | 3 | Core
|
Year 1 Spring Term (Spring I + Spring II for OMBA)
|
| FINA 306: Intermediate Corporate Finance | 3 | Core |
| MKTG 306: Marketing Management | 3 | Core
|
Year 2 Summer Term
|
| Elective I | 3 | Elective |
| Elective II | 3 | Elective
|
Year 2 Fall Term (Fall I + Fall II for OMBA)
|
| DCSN 300: Models for Decision Making | 3 | Core |
| BUSS 315: Prices, Markets, and Economic Environment | 3 | Core
|
Year 3 Spring Term (Spring I + Spring II for OMBA)
|
| DCSN 310: Operations Management | 3 | Core |
| BUSS 349: Advanced Seminar in Strategic Management | 3 | Core
|
Year 3 Summer Term
|
| Elective III | 3 | Elective |
| Elective IV | 3 | Elective
|
Academic Policies
Academic Rules and Regulations
University academic rules and regulations on courses, grades, probation, and dismissal apply. The minimum passing grade in a course is C+. Students in the MBA program are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 in all courses taken for graduate credit.
Academic Advisers
The MBA-OMBA programs are offered according to the degree plans presented earlier, and therefore there is no need for adviser’s approval of the students’ schedules each term. Otherwise, the students can consult with the MBA-OMBA director for further advice. The General University Academic Information section of this catalogue provides further information on academic advisers.
MBA Courses and Course Descriptions
Our MBA courses are taught by professionals in the field who bring forth their dynamic experiences and diverse backgrounds. Through the program, students will further their understanding of core management and business knowledge and practice while simultaneously enriching their perspective and practical knowledge on how to be innovative and entrepreneurial, and a responsible business professional with a global perspective and strong strategic foundation for success. Through class discussions, team learning and hands-on work, students will experience professional growth as well as personal development. In addition to the core and elective courses, professional leadership workshops will be offered to students. All Students must complete two prior to graduation.
MBA courses all have a prefix indicating the specialty: ACCT (Accounting), DCSN (Business Decision Systems), ENTM (Entrepreneurship), FINA (Finance), INFO (Business Information Systems), MKTG (Marketing) and MNGT (Management). Integrative and multi-disciplinary courses that do not belong to a particular specialty are labeled by the prefix BUSS. It is important to note that the successful completion of the pre-MBA integrative foundation module is a prerequisite for enrollment in all core and elective courses listed below. To deepen the learning of students and to allow for program’s customization, students can also select courses offered by other graduate programs within OSB and AUB, subject to the approval of the director.
Remedial Courses
The integrative pre-MBA foundation module is an intensive, level-setting, 0-credit suite of three short courses offering basics in accounting, finance, and statistics. It normally takes place over a period of one month prior to the start of each of the fall and spring terms. It is offered online in an adaptive format and should be completed prior to the start of the program. The modules are followed by an assessment test. The MBA-OMBA director can allow in exceptional cases the students to start the accounting foundation module prior to joining the program and complete the basic of finance and statistics during the first term.
Core Courses
University academic rules and regulations on courses, grades, probation, and dismissal apply. The minimum passing grade in a course is C+. Students in the MBA program are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3 in all courses taken for graduate credit.