Jerry S. Rawls College of Business
Graduate Program

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Master's ProgramsDoctoral Programs Dual Degree Program

Graduate Certificate ProgramsAcademic Requirements

Admission to graduate degree programs offered through the college is based on the undergraduate grade point average, test scores (e.g., GMAT), and individual profile. No thesis is required in any of the master’s degree programs. As part of the comprehensive evaluation process for graduation, a master’s student must successfully complete one of the following as approved by their specific area of concentration: a final comprehensive examination, a capstone course, or a project. These requirements must be completed with a grade of B or better in one of the last two semesters preceding graduation. Students may be directed to enroll in a specific section. Non-business students may not take more than 12 hours of BA courses.

Academic Requirements

The Rawls College of Business requires that master’s program students maintain at least a 3.00 GPA. Doctoral students must maintain at least a 3.20 average. The GPA is computed on all graduate courses included on the degree program. Students falling below these averages will be subject to probationary action. To graduate, master’s students must have at least three credit hours with grades of A above a 3.00 GPA on all graduate courses in the program.

Technology Requirements

The Rawls College of Business building is designed with forward- thinking technology that includes printing kiosks, breakout rooms with technology consoles and high definition monitors, classrooms with internet access, internet and power tables, and free WIFI throughout the building. Although laptops, iPads, tablets, and other devices are not required for graduate classes, access to a computer is required for many assignments. Students are required to provide their own device for accessing the internet and printing kiosks when necessary.

Master's Programs

Master of Business Administration.The M.B.A program provides a broad background for multiple careers in business, government, and related activities with particular emphasis on developing managerial perspective, analytical tools, and skills. The program is an accredited 48-hour lock-step program with full-time and part-time options. M.B.A students may expect to complete the full-time, 48-hour program in 16 to 24 months. The part-time program may be completed in 30 months. Students possessing any undergraduate degree are invited to apply.

A joint venture with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center offers a concentration in Health Organization Management. This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME) and includes a certificate in addition to the M.B.A. degree. The M.B.A. health organization management program prepares master’s students with varying levels and types of work experience for post-graduate managerial roles within the health care industry, especially within medical group practices and other ambulatory care organizations.

Executive-Style Master of Business Administration. M.B.A. programs are offered in an executive-style format for students who wish to remain employed full-time and commute to Lubbock on some weekends and/or during the summer. Students may expect to complete this 48-hour program in 27 months.

International Master of Business Administration. The I.M.B.A. is a broad-based program designed for training students in the dynamic global economy. In addition to M.B.A.-like classroom experiences, this 48-hour program requires competence in a foreign language and experience abroad.

Master of Science in Accounting.The M.S.A. program is a 36-hour program designed to prepare graduates for professional careers in the practice of accounting. Concentrations are available in auditing/financial reporting and taxation. Graduates are prepared for professional service in a variety of fields. Most accept entry-level positions in public accounting and private industry.

Master of Science in Business Administration. This degree produces specialists in finance or business statistics. The student may take from 18 to 30 semester hours of coursework in a specialty area, up to 6 semester hours of tool and quantitative courses, and/or 9 to 12 semester hours of electives in a concentration from one of the other specialty areas. Normally the student may expect to complete this 36-hour program within one to two years depending on prior preparation.

Master of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS). The STEM-designated master’s degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) is a 36-hour program that provides hands-on experience in every aspect of systems development and business intelligence. The program accepts either the GRE or GMAT score for admission and may, depending on a student’s prior preparation, require up to 13 additional hours of leveling courses in business and management. The program is unique in that it combines in-depth training in information technology with business intelligence and managerial skills.

Accelerated Bachelor’s-to-Master’s Programs. Undergraduate B.B.A. students may apply during their junior year for admission to either the Master of Science in Accounting or the Master of Science in Managment Information Systems accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s programs. The accelerated programs are designed for academically outstanding undergraduate students who wish to complete a master’s degree while at Texas Tech. Those students accepted into the program will begin taking graduate courses during their senior year. A maximum of 9 semester hours of graduate work may apply to both the B.B.A. and either of the two master’s degrees. The total number of credit hours required for both degrees will vary depending on the program. A master’s degree requires a minimum of 36 hours.

Application materials are available in the Graduate Services Center (BA 281) of the college. Upon successful completion of the required undergraduate courses plus 6 to 9 hours of designated graduate work, the B.B.A./M.S. program will grant the B.B.A. degree, but the B.B.A./M.S.A. program will grant both degrees simultaneously after completion of graduate work.
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Doctoral Program

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration. This degree is offered with first-field and second-field specializations in accounting and taxation, finance, management,
(Continued on next page) marketing, management information systems, operations management, and business statistics. The program of study requires a minimum of 20 courses (60 semester credit hours) beyond the bachelor’s degree, plus approximately 30 hours of dissertation research. There are three emphases for the student: to provide a broad, integrated knowledge of business; to develop specialized knowledge in at least two fields; and to develop research skills. Examinations must be passed to show competency in linear algebra and calculus as soon after commencement of the program as possible. By completing coursework with a minimum grade of B, students must satisfy requirements in advanced statistics and micro- and macro-economics early in the program. There is no foreign language requirement. The student who is successful continuously at each step in progress should complete degree requirements in four years of full-time study beyond the master’s degree.
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Dual Degree Programs

Doctor of Jurisprudence—Master of Business Administration. The college, in association with the School of Law, offers a program that enables the student to earn both the
Doctor of Jurisprudence and M.B.A. degrees in approximately three years of full-time academic work. A student without a business background may complete both degrees with 112 hours of law and business courses (a net savings of 24 credit hours from the total hours necessary if the degree programs were pursuedseparately). The first year of study is taken in the School of Law. Application must be made to and approved by both the School of Law and the Rawls College of Business.

Doctor of Jurisprudence—Master of Science in Accounting.The college, in association with the School of Law, offers a program that enables the student to earn both the Doctor of Jurisprudence and M.S.A. degrees. In many cases, the student in this program will be able to save numerous semester credit hours in comparison to those needed to complete both degrees separately. A student with an undergraduate accounting degree may complete both degrees with 105 hours of law and business courses.
The first year of study is taken in the School of Law. Application must be made to and approved by both the School of Law and the Rawls College of Business.

Doctor of Medicine—Master of Business Administration.The college, in association with the School of Medicine in the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, offers a program that gives students the opportunity to earn both the M.D. and the M.B.A. Students must be admitted to both the School of Medicine and the M.B.A. program with a concentration in health organization management. This 48-hour M.B.A. program may be completed in four years concurrently with the M.D.

Doctor of Pharmacy—Master of Business Administration. The student will earn both the Pharm.D. and M.B.A. degrees during the four years of pharmacy school. This degree track produces outstanding pharmacists with greater insight into the intricacies of healthcare management systems. Students admitted to this 36-hour M.B.A. program begin the course of study in the summer before the first-year of pharmacy school. Business courses are offered in Lubbock during the summer and via tele cast during the academic year. Areas of study include accounting, management strategy, business decision-making skills and methods, business information systems, and other core skills in the business curriculum. For a more specific knowledge of the organizational context in which healthcare is provided, students complete courses concentrating in health organization management.

Master of Business Administration and Other Master’s Degrees. The college, in association with other colleges and schools, offers programs that enable students to obtain selected master’s degrees and the 48-hour M.B.A. Applications should be made through and approved by the respective colleges involved in these programs: the College of Human Sciences (M.S. in Personal Financial Planning), the College of Architecture (Master of Architecture), and the College of Arts and Sciences (M.S. in Environmental Toxicology or M.A. in a foreign language). These dual programs require 12 to 24 fewer hours than if both degrees were pursued separately.

Master of Science in Business Administration and Other Master’s Degrees. The college, in association with other colleges and schools, offers programs that enable students to obtain a 36-hour Master of Science with a major in Business Administration degree and selected other master’s degrees. Applications should be made through and approved by the respective colleges involved in these programs, such as the College of Human Sciences (M.S. in Personal Financial Planning). These dual programs require 12 to 24 fewer hours than if both degrees were pursued separately.

Master of Business Administration—Master of Science with a Major in Business Administration (Risk Management Emphasis). The college offers a program that enables students to obtain an M.B.A. and a risk management emphasis in the Master of Science with a major in Business Administration with a total of 60 hours. This emphasis is designed for students desiring enhanced quantitative skills.
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Graduate Certificate Programs

Graduate Certificate in Authentic Leadership and Entrepreneurship for the Family Business. The 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Authentic Leadership and Entrepreneurship for the Family Business is an integrated course of study that addresses the unique needs of the family business in two critical areas: (1) inter-personal leadership skills and (2) entrepreneurship skills. It serves as a lead-in to the Week-Block M.B.A. for Working Professionals. Contact: Dr. Michael Ryan, 806.834.3175, michael.r.ryan@ttu.edu; Nikki Bohannon, 806.834.3763, nikki.bohannon@ttu.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Health Care Change. The Graduate Certificate in Health Care Change is designed to prepare staff, front-line managers, and executive-level leaders to focus on health care management issues including quality, safety, efficiency, satisfaction, and cost. The 12-hour certificate is jointly sponsored by the Rawls College of Business Health Organization Management Program and the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing. Contact: HOM Program Office, 806.742.1236, hom@ttu.edu.

Graduate Certificate in Health Care Facilities Design. The college participates with the College of Architecture and the School of Nursing in a 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Health Care Facilities Design. For more information on this certificate, see the College of Architecture Web site.

Graduate Certificate in Leadership. The 12-hour Graduate Certificate in Leadership provides the experienced manager the opportunity to build and reinforce the interpersonal skills that are essential to the management role at every level – first line, middle, and top management. This program may be taken as a stand-alone certificate. Additionally, the credits may be used in partial fulfillment of a M.B.A. offered through the Rawls College of Business. Contact: Dr. Michael Ryan, 806.834.3175, michael.r.ryan@ttu.edu; Nikki Bohannon, 806.834.3763, nikki.bohannon@ttu.edu.

 

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