Influence change and inspire excellence. The MBA with a Business Leadership Emphasis at Southern Arkansas University is designed for professionals who aspire to move beyond management into visionary leadership. This program combines core business mastery with specialized psychological and strategic insights into organizational behavior.
Program Format & Flexibility
We understand the demands of today’s workforce. Our MBA with a Business Leadership Emphasis is built for versatility:
- Online: Access 100% of your coursework from anywhere in the world.
- On-Campus: Join us in Magnolia for evening classes that facilitate face-to-face networking.
- Hybrid: Mix and match formats to create a schedule that works for you.
Program Duration & Start Dates
- Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12–24 months depending on course load.
- Start Dates: Rolling admissions with intakes for Fall, Spring, Summer
- Deadlines: * Fall: July 20 | Spring: December 1 | Summer I: April 1 | Summer II: June 1
- Accelerated Master’s Option: SAU undergraduates can fast-track their education by starting our Business Leadership MBA courses during their senior year.
Why Choose SAU for your Business Leadership MBA?
- Human-Centric Strategy: Move beyond spreadsheets to understand the “why” behind employee engagement and organizational culture.
- Elite Accreditation: Your degree carries the weight of AACSB accreditation, ensuring it is respected by global recruiters.
- Incredible ROI: Gain a high-tier leadership credential at one of the lowest tuition rates in the country.
Skills You Will Gain
- Organizational Theory: Analyze the structural and psychological components of successful companies.
- Human Resource Management: Master the art of talent acquisition, development, and retention.
- Ethical Leadership: Navigate complex moral dilemmas in a modern business environment.
- Strategic Change Management: Learn how to lead teams through transitions.
Faculty & Learning Experience
Our faculty aren’t just academics; they are mentors.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from PhD-level faculty with real-world corporate leadership experience.
- Collaborative Learning: Work on case studies that mirror the current challenges of the Fortune 500.
- Global Networking: Build relationships with a diverse cohort of peers from various industries.
Curriculum
Core Courses (24 hours)
- ACCT 6003 – Accounting for Decision-Making
- ECON 6003 – Managerial Economics
- FIN 6003 – Managerial Finance
- MGMT 6003 – Strategic Planning and Analysis
- MGMT 6013 – Human Behavior in Organizations
- MGMT 6043 – Business Analytics
- MKTG 6023 – Strategic Marketing
- SCM 6003 – Enterprise Resource Planning
Emphasis Courses (6 hours)
- MGMT 6083 – Leadership Development
- MGMT 6093 – Leadership Action Project
Elective Course (3 hours)
Select 3 hours from the following:
- MGMT 6033 – Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
- SCM 6013 – Project Management
- IS5313 Data Visualization
- IS 5323 – Information Systems Analysis
- IS 6023 – Research Project
- MGMT 6101/6102 – International Studies and Field Experience
Admissions
- Online Application: Start by submitting the Graduate Studies Application.
- Transcripts: Send official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (Conditional admission may be available).
Prerequisites:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university regardless of the undergraduate field of study.
Undergraduate degree other than business, prerequisites would include:
- Six hours Principles of Accounting (or three hours of Survey of Accounting)
- Three hours of upper-level Business Finance or Financial Management
- Three hours of upper-level Statistics
- Three hours of upper-level Microeconomics
Note: In many cases students can be conditionally admitted and complete the prerequisites while beginning the Master’s classes.
Career Outcomes
A Business Leadership-focused MBA prepares you for high-impact roles such as:
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer COO
- Director of Organizational Development
- Human Resources Executive
- Project Management Lead
- Non-Profit Executive Director
Did you know? According to national data, MBA graduates specializing in leadership or management often see a significant salary bump, with median executive roles reaching well into six figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the GMAT?
How does the "Business Leadership" emphasis differ from the Traditional MBA?
Is the online program viewed differently by employers?
Can I transfer credits?
Is there financial support available?
Accreditation
The MBA in Leadership Emphasis is offered by the Rankin College of Business at SAU and is fully accredited by AACSB International, the premier accrediting body for colleges and schools of business. Fewer than 6% of all business programs worldwide are accredited by AACSB, which indicates the quality of our program.
