Full-Time MBA

Curriculum 

In twenty-two months, the Freeman MBA students experience three distinct components that build a globally capable manager. First, 22 credits of knowledge core - classes that develop technical skills to meet the needs of any situation. Second, 18 credits to our Global and Practice modules that place the future MBA in real situations professionally, socially, and culturally. Finally, 21 elective hours enable the student to develop exceptional ability in their area of specific career interest.

The First Semester
The Freeman School MBA program begins, for many students, in the summer. The Freeman faculty works with students during the 'Freeman Summer' for three weeks focused on quantitative skills, excel skills, and presentations to polish skills required for the intensive MBA program. In mid-August the MBA class, bringing experiences from around the world, starts a week of orientation. During a series of action-packed days you will get to know your teammates and have an opportunity to discover the goals and ideas behind the Freeman MBA. Seven week courses translate to lightning fast discussions, late nights at study, and the success of conquering integrated business subjects focused on understanding the bottom line. A short break proceedes the next session when you will put into practice communication skills and develop an understanding of the breadth of business.

The Second Semester
Core courses and the practice modules continue. Elective flexibility begins in the second semester for Freeman students. Electives support career discovery and provide vital skills for summer internship programs.  In this semester you really get a view of the world of business.  The second session module GLII, focuses on the European Union. This session is a great opportunity to discover the diversity of the Freeman MBA class and learn about a world of business opportunity.  After a session of study focused on the region, the class - all the MBAs - travel to Europe to meet and see the operations, and to complete the course through presentations. This excursion begins what Portfolio Magazine called the 'most extensive international requirements of any major MBA program.' The second core session includes Process Modeling and Technology Integration to develop management skills, while electives further strengthen technical skills. At this point MBA students have the option of selecting a quantitatively focused Practice of Management course - for students primarily interested in finance: Enterprise Valuation, for those interested in marketing: Marketing Planning and Implementation.  Freeman students also finalize plans for summer programs or internships in the second half of the year. Summers will feature approximately a third of the graduate students in study and work abroad. Students take on internships around the world, and across the United States.

Summer Opportunities
Summers for Freeman students are opportunities to apply the skills learned in the first year. Summer internships offer a valuable career boost and allow the participant to learn more about valuable MBA skills in a practical setting.  Freeman's international summer programs offer a whole world of options.  An extensive European summer program features courses in France and Spain. Specialized study from Asia to Latin America enable Freeman students discover the real 'international' in international business.

The Second Year
Following a busy summer, you'll return to an incredible variety of options at the Freeman School. Courses build on your first year and summer experiences. Second year electives are focused on rounding out the MBA experience and focusing knowledge on your career path.

The Third Semester
In the third semester you'll experience GLIII, with its focus on Latin America, wrapping with an excursion to Mexico.  The second year practice modules allow the MBA to continue using the analytical skills built in the first year - and integrate the concepts into real research.  At this point MBA students have the option of selecting a Practice of Management course - for students primarily interested in Finance, Equity Analysis; for those interested in Management or Marketing, Strategic Consulting.

The Fourth Semester
In the fourth semester The final GLIV module focuses on Asia and takes every MBA to study in China.  Practice of Management continues to integrate the skills developed through the MBA program, this semester working to develop business plans in  New Venture Planning. A great opportunity within a program ranked in the top 15 for Entrepreneurship.

A core course in Leadership and Ethics, integrates concepts from the first year, while expanding on the role of the manager. Case competitions and annual school events are a big focus for the second-year student. Career development moves into high gear in the second year. You may decide to lighten your courseload in a particular session to give you more time for important career events.

Curriculum Summary:
Knowledge Core Courses 22 credit hours
Practice Modules 18 credit hours
Elective Courses 21 credit hours
Total 61 credit hours

Please see the current MBA handbook for details.

rev.5/09