Transform strategic vision into operational success. The MBA with a Project Management Emphasis at Southern Arkansas University bridges the gap between executive leadership and precise execution. Offered by the AACSB-accredited David F. Rankin College of Business, the program equips students with practical expertise in project planning, risk management, data visualization, and operational strategy
Our MBA with Project Management 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.
Why Choose SAU for your MBA with a Project Management Emphasis?
- Elite Accreditation: The Rankin College of Business is fully accredited by AACSB International. Fewer than 6% of all business programs worldwide hold this distinction, proving your skills meet the highest global standard.
- Project-Focused Mastery: Go beyond basic theory. Build immediate, actionable expertise in comprehensive project planning, advanced risk assessment, and cross-functional team leadership.
- The Accelerated Master’s Pathway: SAU undergraduates—including BBA business majors and BS Engineering students—can fast-track their education by starting MBA courses during their senior year to complete both degrees in approximately five years.
Skills You Will Gain
- Project Planning & Execution: Master structural methodologies to lead projects that deliver measurable value and align directly with organizational strategy.
- Enterprise Risk Management: Learn to identify, quantify, and mitigate complex operational risks before they impact the bottom line.
- Data & Workflow Visualization: Translate raw operations data into clear, visual workflows to guide stakeholder decision-making.
- Managerial Finance & Strategy: Build core MBA competencies in accounting, finance, and economics viewed through a practical, project-driven lens.
Faculty & Learning Environment
Learn from experts who understand both the “processes” and the “business.”
- Qualified Mentors: Our faculty possess deep expertise in enterprise resource planning, organizational behavior, and modern corporate strategy.
- Practical Application: Emphasizing project-based learning and real-world application, courses prompt you to solve actual business infrastructure problems through targeted simulations.
- Designed for Working Professionals: Flexible delivery windows and evening/online pacing mean you can continue growing your career while earning your degree.
Curriculum
Program Requirements (33 Hours)
Core Courses (24 Hours)
- ACCT 6003 – Accounting for Decision Making
- ECON 6003 – Managerial Economics
- FIN 6003 – Managerial Finance
- MGMT 6003 – Strategic Planning & Analysis
- MGMT 6013 – Human Behavior in Organizations
- MGMT 6043 – Business Analytics
- MKTG 6023 – Strategic Marketing
- SCM 6003 – Enterprise Resource Planning
Project Management Emphasis Courses (9 Hours)
Select 9 hours from the following:
- FIN 5113 – Enterprise Risk Management
- IS 5313 – Data Visualization
- SCM 6013 – Project Management
- SCM 6113 – Advanced Project Management
Admissions
Admissions & Pathways
| Parameter | Requirements & Details |
| GRE / GMAT | Not required for this emphasis track. |
| Basic Degree | Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution required for admission. |
| GPA Rule | Must meet the default School of Graduate Studies GPA standard for the MBA. |
| Duration | Typically completed in 2–3 years at a pace of two classes per term (including summer). |
Prerequisites for Non-Business Majors:
Applicants without an undergraduate business degree must complete equivalent undergraduate prep consisting of:
- 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
Career Outcomes
Graduates step confidently into senior, leadership-level administrative tracks across project-driven industries. Common job profiles include:
- Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Operations Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Business Analyst
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the GMAT?
How does the "Project Management" 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 Project Management 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.
