11824_JFKU_Catalog Front Cover.indd - John F. Kennedy University

College of Graduate and Professional Studiesspecialization can be created by either a) identifying andcompleting 12 units of graduate-level courses that form acohesive academic unit and are of special professional interestto the student, or b) by selecting a pre-developed customizedspecialization that has an established set of courses. Refer to theGeneral Information section of this catalog for moreinformation about designing an individualized program.Customized specializations must be approved by the MBA chairbefore beginning any coursework towards the specialization.Students choosing to complete a customized specialization will berequired to utilize the knowledge and skills gained in thespecialization in the case study analysis component of their MBACapstone Project.Pending final University approval the following pre-developedcustomized specializations will be available: Human ResourceManagement, Marketing, Financial Management, SocialEntrepreneurship, Leadership for Social Transformation, SportPsychology, and Business-Management for Non MBA Majors.Joint degree Programse College of Graduate and Professional Studies offers two jointMBA degrees: the Juris Doctor (JD/MBA) in conjunction with theCollege of Law and the Museum Studies (MA/MBA). To participatein either of the joint degrees one must be fully admitted to the MBAprogram and the other selected professional degree. Informationabout the requirements for the JD/MBA are included later in thisprogram section; information on the MA Museum Studies/MBAdual degree is contained in the Museum Studies program section.Program Learning Objectives• Ethical Leadership Style. Ability to apply collaborative,team-oriented leadership principles in an ethical and sociallyresponsible manner;• Systemic Approach to Organizational Vision, ManagerialPractices and Operational Processes. Ability to devise andimplement an organization’s vision, strategic goals, operationalprocesses, and managerial practices from a systems-thinkingapproach;• Distributed Diverse Workforce Management Approach.Ability to apply to the management of a diverse dispersedworkforce a human resource philosophy that creates a flexible,engaging work environment, and the opportunity formeaningful work;• Transformational Approach to Organizational Learning andComplex Change. Ability to apply organizational learning andtransformational change management principles and processesto organizational innovation and growth;• Interdisciplinary Perspective to Problem-SolvingOrganizational Issues. Ability to proactively analyze andproblem-solve issues from an interdisciplinary, cross-functionalperspective founded in an understanding of the organization asa complex, adaptive socio-technical network; and• Conscious Professional Development. Ability to takeownership of one’s professional development and career pathas required to prosper in a continuously changing internationalbusiness arena and virtual workplace.admission requirementsCandidates for the MBA program can come from the corporate,small business, nonprofit and public sectors, or may be socialentrepreneurs. ey:• Have an Bachelor’s degree cumulative Grade Point Average(GPA) of 3.0.• Have 2-3 years of work experience in organizations, and cancritically reflect upon this practical experience to analyzematerial studied, problem solve, and devise their ownperspectives and applications;• Seek leadership roles and increased organizationalresponsibilities, are interested in starting a for-profit businessor nonprofit organization and/or pursuing a socialentrepreneurial venture;• Can study, research, write and orally present at the graduatelevel, including analyzing, making reasoned arguments anddevising innovative practical applications;• Have the desire and ability to work in a distance learningenvironment;• Are committed to their academic studies and professionaldevelopment, including taking ownership of their learningprocess, making their learning a priority, being willing to put inthe required time and effort it takes to be a graduate student,and being proactive in managing their educationalresponsibilities;• Have the needed personal management skills and supportnetwork to successfully meet the demands of a graduate courseof studies while also managing their personal and workresponsibilities;• Are open to diverse and alternative perspectives, and are willingto critically examine their current perspectives and practices indialogue with other professionals.Exceptions to the required 3.0 GPA and 2-3 years of professionalwork experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis. osewith a strong potential for successful graduate work and who aregranted exceptions can be required to take a pre-MBA module toprepare them for challenging academic studies in sociallyresponsive leadership, business strategy, operations and marketing,financial management, and collaborative organizational dynamics.e module will be part of the conditions for full acceptance intothe MBA Program and must be completed by achieving at least a Bgrade in each of the module components. If less than a B is receivedin any one component, full admission to the MBA program will notbe granted. e pre-MBA module must be successfully completedprior to taking any of the MBA program core or elective courses.In addition to the University requirements listed previously in thiscatalog, applicants to the MBA program must submit the following:• Bachelor’s degree from an institution whose accreditation isrecognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation(CHEA). e awarding of the degree must be indicated on anofficial transcript;• A statement of purpose (at least three double-spaced,typewritten pages) that includes a discussion of:○ Personal qualities and professional experiences that qualifyone to participate in an MBA program;○ Why JFK University’s MBA Program—philosophy, contentand instructional style— is the best MBA program for one’scareer path;○ How JFK University’s MBA degree will enable one to grow asa person, organizational leader and professional;College of Graduate andProfessional StudiesJOHN F. KENNEDy UNIvERSITy College of Graduate and Professional Studies 107